Get ready for half term with hands on activities and workshops at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian and the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.
Looking further ahead, the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire opens in November with a legion of special events including the return of Museum Lates and a weekend of ancient craft demonstrations.
EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
OPENING SOON
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Saturday 14 November 2026 – Sunday 18 April 2027
Tickets from £13.50, concessions available.
Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire will reshape our understanding of Scotland’s relationship with the Roman world. This exhibition will bring the military communities of Rome’s most northern frontier to life through new research, significant loans from across Europe, and previously unseen archaeological discoveries.
Visitors will encounter objects and stories that bring a vibrant and diverse frontier community to life. This will include finds from a 2nd century AD Roman fort at Inveresk, East Lothian. Central to the exhibition will be two spectacular altars from the fort’s Mithraeum (a temple to the god Mithras).
Find out more nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/Roman-Scotland-Life-on-the-Edge-of-Empire
Scotland’s First Warriors
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Until 16 May 2027
Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free
Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.
Scotland’s First Warriors is supported by Postcode Lottery players
Find out more nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/scotlands-first-warriors
EVENTS
Short Courses with the University of Edinburgh
1 Oct 2026 – 28 May 2027
Various prices, book via Centre for Open Learning website
Explore our collections with expert tutors on a University of Edinburgh Short Course hosted at the National Museum of Scotland. Courses include Victorian Edinburgh, Georgian Scotland and Colour in Science and Nature.
For more information nms.ac.uk/events/short-courses-with-the-university-of-edinburgh
Find out Fridays
Until 26 Feb 2027, Friday afternoon during term time
13:30 – 16:00
Free, drop-in
All ages
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons with our Learning team. Find out fascinating facts and hear surprising stories about our collections and get hands on with some of our favourite objects.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/find-out-fridays
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Scotland
4 Oct – 6 Dec 2026
10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in
All ages
A monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to families with neurodiverse children, neurodiverse young people and adults, adults living with dementia, adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Find out more www.nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-scotland
October Half Term: The Stories We Tell
Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct
10:00 – 16:00
Free, drop-in
All ages
This October Half Term explore a world of stories with free family activities.
From historical happenings and fantastical myths to local gossip and traditional folktales, explore the different ways people of the past and present have kept a record of the world around them. Journey through the many forms that stories can take, from oral storytelling and written tales to stories told through dance, song and objects. Discover the stories that shaped Scotland and those that have reached us from distant shores.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/october-half-term-the-stories-we-tell
Creative Workshops for Kids: Imagine That!
Wed 14 Oct
9:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 16:30
Tickets £20, Members and concessions available
Ages 7 -11
Artist and writer Hannah Kelly leads a workshop all about stories. Children will explore the museum through playful prompts and let their imaginations transform objects into story ingredients. Back at the studio they will create their own terrific tales.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshops-for-kids-imagine-that
Shadows on the Wall: Storytelling through Shadow Puppetry
Wed 14 Oct
9:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 16:30
Tickets £15, Members and concessions available
Ages 7-11
A creative workshop exploring storytelling, Scotland, and shadow puppetry. Taking inspiration from Scotland’s landscape and folktales, children will learn more about the museum’s collection. Then they will craft a story of their own, told through the art of shadow puppetry.
Book now https://www.nms.ac.uk/events/shadows-on-the-wall
Museum Socials
Fri 17 Jul – Fri 19 Mar 2027
10:30 – 12:00
National Museum of Scotland
Free, booking required
Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
Perspectives: Black History Month Tour
Fri 16 Oct
16:00 – 17:00 and 17:30 – 18:30
Free, booking required
Ages 16+
Join Lisa Williams for an after-hours tour of the National Museum of Scotland to celebrate Black History Month. Lisa will explore the stories behind iconic objects and give fresh insights on the links between Scotland and Africa and the Caribbean. From the Darien Chest to Althea McNish fabrics, you’ll uncover groundbreaking design and new perspectives.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/perspectives-black-history-month-tour
We Were Here: Film screening and in conversation
Fri 16 Oct
19:00 – 21:00
Free, booking required
Ages 12+
We Were Here interweaves art history with social narratives, offering a fresh lens on European Renaissance and the complex tapestry of Black presence often overlooked in conventional historical accounts. After the screening, there will be a discussion and Q&A with Director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu and historian, writer and presenter, Dr Onyeka Nubia. The event will be chaired by Dr Anna Groundwater, Principal Curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/we-were-here-film-screening-and-in-conversartion
Family Storytelling Day
Sat 24 Oct
10:30 – 16:30
Free, drop-in
All ages
Join us for a day of free fun for families, including storytelling, crafts and object encounters. Get to know birds, beasts and beasties of all kinds at the National Museum of Scotland this October half term.Settle in for a story with our friends from the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, get creative at our craft tables, or get up close to some of the incredible animals in our collections.
In partnership with the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/family-storytelling-day
Words of the Wild: Changing Seasons
Sat 24 Oct
15:00 – 16:00
Free, booking required
Ages 6+
Join the Scottish Wildlife Trust and storyteller David Hughes to take a turn of the “Celtic Wheel of the Year”. David will explore what can be learnt about our changing seasons when Scottish myths, legends and folk tales are looked at through an ecological lens.
This event is part of Family Storytelling Day and is held in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Scottish International Storytelling Festival.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/words-of-the-wild-changing-seasons
The Sunday Sketch
25 Oct
14:00 – 16:00
Tickets from £13
Ages 16+
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. All abilities are welcome at this relaxed and informal session. Each month we will explore a different theme, and all materials are supplied.
Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch
Music at the Museum
27 Oct – 2 Mar 2027
11:30 – 12:15 and 13:30 – 14:15
Free, drop-in
All ages
In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of the museum on Tuesdays. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo or ensemble.
Find out more, nms.ac.uk/events/music-at-the-museum
Museum Socials
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4
Third Friday of the month
10:30–12:00
Free, booking required
Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials
Curiosity Club
Sat 31 Oct 2026 – Sat 27 Mar 2027
10:30 – 12:00
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Ages 7-11
Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities and gallery visits.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club
Relaxed Curiosity Club
Sat 31 Oct 2026 – Sat 27 Mar 2027
14:30 – 15:30
£10 (Members and concessions £9)
Ages 7-11
These relaxed sessions are designed for children with additional support needs and their families.
Get inspired through games, activities and an optional gallery visit. Explore some of the fascinating facts and stories behind our collection. We aim to create a fun, friendly, and relaxed environment for ASN children to explore our Curiosity Club activities with the reassurance of their parents/carers being with them or nearby.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-curiosity-club
Magic Carpet
Nov 9, 16, 23
10:30 – 11:15 or 11:45 – 12:30
Tickets from £4 per session
Ages 0-4
Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way.
Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about our topic.
Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet
Perspectives: A guided LGBTQ+ tour of the National Museum of Scotland
Fri 13 Nov 2026 and Sun 21 Feb 2027
14:00 – 15:30
Free, ticketed
Ages 16+
Researcher Joe Setch presents a free guided tour that highlights some of the LGBTQ+ histories in the National Collection. Explore the museum’s collections from a queer perspective. Discover stories of creativity, innovation and love, alongside often hidden truths about harm and exclusion.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/perspectives-lgbtq-tour
Museum Late: When in Rome
Fri 20 Nov
19:30 – 22:30
Tickets £26, Members and concessions available
Ages 18+
A night of Roman-inspired revelry in the spectacular setting of the National Museum of Scotland after hours, inspired by the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
When in Rome, do as the ancient Romans do! Get ready for a night like no other with music, bars and Roman-themed performances and activities throughout our galleries.
Book now www.nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-when-in-rome
Meet the Makers: Prehistoric and Roman Scotland
Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov
10:00 – 16:00
Free, drop in
All ages
Free, drop-in demonstrations and displays showcasing craftsmanship of the past.
Contemporary makers will represent craft skills from Bronze Age Scotland to the Roman military occupation. Discover how pottery, jewellery, textiles, leather, tools, and wooden objects were made in the past. Inspired by our major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
Find our more nms.ac.uk/events/meet-the-makers-prehistoric-and-roman-scotland
Creative Workshop: Roman Pottery
Sat 21 and Sun 22 Nov
10:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:30
Tickets £50, Members and concessions available
Ages 16+
Master potter and ancient pottery specialist Graham Taylor leads a workshop on the skills and techniques of ancient Roman Pottery making and decorating, inspired by objects on display in the major new exhibition Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire. Working with a pot fresh from Graham’s wheel, participants will create their own replica pot that will be taken back to the Potted History workshop, fired, and returned to them.
Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-roman-pottery
National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
Last Tuesday of every month
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Relaxed Afternoon is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life
Autumn Explorers
Tue 13 – Fri 16 Oct
10:30 – 15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
All ages
Autumn Explorers family activities are back, and this time we’re going back to our roots, digging into the traditions of the Scottish potato harvest.
Ever wondered why there’s a school holiday in October? Come along and discover how this tradition began when children would swap the classroom for the fields to help with the tattie howking. Find out how this crop has fed families for generations and get hands-on with sustainable activities, some surprising science and spud-tacular storytelling.
Autumn Explorers is supported by Postcode Lottery players
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/autumn-explorers
National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Every second Sunday of the month
10:00-12:00
Free with museum admission
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.
Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight
Half Term: How Things Fly
Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct
10:30 – 15:30
Free with admission
Ages 3+
The National Museum of Flight is full of things that fly of all shapes and sizes. This October half term, families can discover how they fly with a range of fun activities. Build a glider with wings shaped like a real aeroplane, try some popular flying toys from and watch the How things fly show.
Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/half-term-how-things-fly
Expert Talks
Concorde Theatre
16 Oct
11:00-11:20
Free with museum admission
Ages 7+
Learn more about the collections and history of East Fortune Airfield with a series of free expert talks at the museum. In October, Curator Ian Brown will discuss ‘Mythbusting the Raid on the Forth, 16 October 1939’. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk.
Find out nms.ac.uk/events/expert-talks