Collective is now open from Tuesday – Sunday, 10am—5pm
Visit Collective this Easter break to experience a range of creative workshops suitable for children of all ages – from workshops celebrating rainwater in partnership with Edinburgh Science Festival, to drop-in creative sessions exploring our PLAY programme, and a final weekend of activities inspired by our current exhibition H-E-L-L-O by artist Cauleen Smith.
Edinburgh Science Festival: Rain Harvest
9–10 April 11am—12.30pm & 2—3.30pm £5 | Book in advance
Join in with the 2022 Edinburgh Science Festival and explore the beauty and vitality of rainwater in this hands-on, sensory workshop that blends art, science and play.
11–22 April Tuesday – Sunday, 10am—4pm Free | No booking needed
Throughout the Easter holidays, families are warmly invited to drop in to Collective and join us at our Play Shelter and Hillside spaces to take part in a range of art activities related to our year-round Collective Play programme.
Collective PLAY Weekend: Vibrations
23–24 April, 11am—4pm Free | No booking needed
Join us for a final Easter holiday weekend of free outdoor play and creative activities for children and families, inspired by our current exhibition H-E-L-L-O by Cauleen Smith.
A limited number of quiet slots are available on 23 April for families and children with autism or sensory learning disabilities.
The National Climate Campaign empowers underserved communities across Scotland with climate change knowledge
Dynamic Earth have delivered a packed programme of events and experiences exploring climate change including the delivery of STEM kits to a local children’s hospital, as part of a National Climate Campaign uniting Scotland’s Science Centres.
The kits, designed for young people, contain a variety of activities and experiments focusing on earth and environmental sciences, with connections to climate change and marine environments.
These boxes give young people the chance to explore connections between ocean depth and pressure, experience augmented reality colouring-in, build their own rope and more, bringing science directly to them wherever they are.
Alongside their STEM kit distribution, Dynamic Earth delivered a series of in-person events and digital programmes reaching over seven thousand people as part of a campaign, building on the legacy of COP26 alongside Scotland’s other science centres.
The centre has been running climate change workshops with community audiences and family learning activities with local primary schools, reaching groups including the Edinburgh Young Carers Project Care for Carers and the Citadel Youth Centre.
Brought together by Glasgow Science Centre, the centres have joined forces to inform, inspire and empower a diverse audience to tackle the climate crisis and ensure the discussion on climate change remains open.
Working together to further climate science education in their communities, the National Climate Campaign saw each centre deliver a coordinated and interactive campaign of over 89 events, reaching over 13,000 members of underserved and underrepresented audiences by the end of March 2022.
The programme strived to make science more relatable and helps learners build up their science skills to understand the world around them.
Elsewhere in Scotland, Glasgow Science Centre have been hosting weekly community visits and film screenings, shining a light on the importance of science in the community and engaging with groups who are unlikely to visit Glasgow Science Centre regularly and can be most affected by climate change and its effect on lifestyle.
In total Glasgow Science Centre have facilitated 16 community group visits this year to the Science Centre, including visitors from Glasgow Disability Alliance, Yorkhill Green Space and African Challenge Scotland.
They have engaged 374 people who may have not visited the centre before, while also offering 3,000 primary school pupils in remote, rural and deprived areas access to their online interactive ‘Learning Labs’.
A highlight from Aberdeen Science Centre’s 20-event programme was last month’s Supper and Science Evening, where families came together to cook an evening meal at Northfield Academy.
While the meal was cooking, Science Centre staff ran a series of climate-themed workshop activities, including one where they recreated an oil spill with feathers and soap, to give the children some hands-on climate science experience.
In Dundee, the team created 150 climate-themed community kits for young people, containing a mini solar-powered windmill as well as other items to show how earth and environmental sciences connect to climate change and marine environments, while also engaging over 1,000 primary school pupils in activities during COP26 Schools Week.
Eilidh Massie, Marketing Director at Dynamic Earth said: “It is so important for people to not only learn about our amazing planet, but also to understand that the Earth’s climate system is something we have taken for granted for too long.
“At Dynamic Earth we’re committed to reminding people, young and old, that we need to act now before the damage is irreversible.
“It has been a fantastic opportunity to work collectively with Scotland’s Science Centres as part of the National Climate Campaign to further these messages.”
Stephen Breslin, CEO of the Glasgow Science Centre said:“We set up the National Climate Campaign to ensure that there is a legacy of climate engagement left behind after COP26.
“We hope that by providing communities across Scotland with our knowledge and resources, we can act as a magnet for climate engagement and help empower young people to make considered decisions and learn what climate change means for them.”
Environment Minister, Mairi McAllan said: “Young people have been among the strongest voices calling for urgent global action to address climate change.
“This campaign will make sure that young people in communities across Scotland continue to play a key role in our journey to becoming a net zero nation, delivering a lasting legacy for COP26, and making their voices heard loud and clear.”
For more information on the National Climate Campaign and Scottish Science Centre’s climate change education programming visit:
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Audubon’s Birds of America Until 8 May 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed, £0-£10
This exhibition examines the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and largest books.
Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work which achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.
Audubon’s Birds of America showcases 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Typewriter Revolution Until 11 Sep 2022 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition examining its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
Until 8 Jan 2023 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
Following the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him.
In this small exhibition discover how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022.
31 Mar – 3 Aug 2022 Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) Free
Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.
Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.
The book will be exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery, in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book will be revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allow you to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail.
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein.
Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed
Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.
This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Edinburgh Science Festival 2022
9 Apr – 24 Apr 2022 10:00 – 17:00
The Edinburgh Science Festival brings two weeks of science-fuelled exploration to the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks.
The Grand Gallery will be home to DataSphere, a multi-media exploration of the information driving our world. Elsewhere in the museum get-hands on with amazing drop-in experiments from the University of Edinburgh, and children’s workshops exploring everything from Creative Coding to Disease.
Adults can enjoy a series of fascinating talks and debates on topics from climatology and the philosophy of science to death, folklore and the cities of the future. Speakers include A.C. Grayling, Jim Al-Khalili, Alice Bell and Mary Roach.
The DataSphere will also be transformed after dark with bars, a DJ and exclusive activities just for grown-ups. Take the chance to have as much fun as the kids as you send, swipe and scroll through the data that drives our world.
*NEW* Centre for Open Learning: Victorian Scotland
21 Apr – 23 Jun 2022 11:00-13:00 Seminar Room, Learning Centre Level 4 £175 for 10 sessions (concessions available)
National Museums Scotland are delighted to host a new term of University of Edinburgh Short Courses – a great way to explore the national collections and their wider history with experts.
This 10-week course uses selected items from the museum’s collections as the basis for studying Victorian Scotland. Using a different historical object each week, students will consider the political, economic, industrial, imperial, cultural and social history of Scotland in this period of enormous change and creativity.
The course will be led by Helen Rapport PGCE, M.A., PhD.
21 Apr – 23 Jun 2022 14:00-16:00 Seminar Room, Learning Centre Level 4 £175 for 10 sessions (concessions available)
National Museums Scotland are delighted to host a new term of University of Edinburgh Short Courses – a great way to explore the national collections and their wider history with experts.
This 10-week course explores Scotland’s great changes and developments from 1714–1815. Making extensive use of National Museums Scotland’s collections, the course covers the Enlightenment and the growth of universities, trade, transportation and industry, as well as the impact of Jacobite rebellions and events overseas, from France and Spain to the American colonies.
The course will be led by Helen Rapport PGCE, M.A., PhD.
*NEW* Centre for Open Learning: Discovering the National Collections: Jewellery from Antiquity to Present Day
22 Apr – 20 May 2022 11:00-13:00 Seminar Room, Learning Centre Level 4 £75 for 5 sessions (concessions available)
National Museums Scotland are delighted to host a new term of University of Edinburgh Short Courses – a great way to explore the national collections and their wider history with experts.
This course will use the museum collections to introduce the extraordinarily diverse world of jewellery. From antiquity to the present day, we will explore our fascination with adornment to discover how trade, culture and craftsmanship pushed the boundaries of jewellery making around the world.
This course is led by Karen A Clulow BA MA FSA Scot, and will be taught within a range of galleries in the National Museum of Scotland.
*NEW* Festival Family Encounters Day 7 May 2022 10:00-16:30 Grand Gallery
Free, drop-in. Some events may have timed slots and require sign-up on the day.
The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival opens on Saturday 7 May with Family Encounters at the National Museum of Scotland. Come along to get curious, creative and enjoy specially commissioned performances from Scottish based artists.
All events at Family Encounters on 7 May are free. Some may have timed slots and require sign-up on the day.
*NEW* Woolly Weekend 28 May – 29 May 2022 11:00-16:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Visit the National Museum of Rural life to celebrate our woolly wonders. See our shearer at work with the Scottish Blackface sheep and enjoy wool-themed family crafts and activities.
Find out how people grew and cooked their own food during the Second World War with cooking demonstrations, talks, tours and hands-on family activities.
Discover the challenges of wartime cooking with food historian Nichola Fletcher and find out about the fruit and vegetables that were grown on the airfield. Families can also join drop-in workshops to create a wildflower seed bomb or make a paper pot to take home.
This family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
31 Mar 2022 19:30-20:30 Online Free, with optional donation
Join David Lindo and Duncan Orr-Ewing to celebrate the joy that birds bring us, the urgent threats they face, and the science and conservation work protecting them.
David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, is a wildlife broadcaster, nature writer and urban wildlife educationalist. He is Vice-President of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Honorary President of the Colombia Bird Fair, and was voted 7th most influential person in Wildlife by BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Duncan Orr-Ewing is Head of Species and Land Management for RSPB Scotland.
Jurassic Encounter follows sell-out tour with visit to Musselburgh in July
NEWHAILES House has stood firm through four centuries by the Musselburgh Coast, but this July its Gardens will experience something completely new: An invasion of DINOSAURS, as the UK’s most roarsome family event thunders into town.
Jurassic Encounter will see 50+ animatronic creatures from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods resurface in parks in London, Buxton, Edinburgh and Bristol, as well as making their way across the sea for a stint in Rotterdam.
Roaring into Musselburgh on July 2nd, the event will feature TWO, life-sized T-Rex beasts, which roar and snarl at passers by. Other family favourites include Pterosaurs that shriek from the trees and a 15m tall Brachiosaurus guarding her eggs.
The event will be open every day from July 2 – 17 and makes for the perfect family day out, just a few miles along from the ever popular Portobello Beach.
Naz Kabir, spokesperson for Jurassic Encounter, says: “Last year, thousands of visitors all over the UK enjoyed a day out with our prehistoric beasts, and we’re delighted to return for another tour in 2022.
“This year we’ll have new dinosaurs, even more interactive exhibits including a VR experience and an education cinema where families will be able to learn more about these incredible creatures.”
The animatronic installations will feature information panels, containing interesting facts about each dinosaur, ensuring a visit to Jurassic Encounter will be as educational as it is exciting. And guests will be invited to watch documentaries about the period in the Education Cinema Marquee along the route, bringing the beasts to life and showing how they roamed the earth.
An excavation sand pit will allow children to dig for their dinosaur skeletons and fossils, and learn how archaeologists discovered the extinct species of past eras. And a VR experience will offer the chance to escape into a different world.
Food and refreshments will be available along the route and a merchandise trailer at the end of the route for children to purchase a souvenir. Guests are free to roam the park as they wish, and discover the animals lurking behind bushes and creeping through the undergrowth.
Tickets start at £9.50 and earlybird tickets are available now for the Newhailes event. For a 20% discount, visit www.jurassicencounters.uk and use the code EARLYBIRD20.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Audubon’s Birds of America Until 8 May 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed, £0-£10
This exhibition examines the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and largest books.
Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work that achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.
Audubon’s Birds of America showcases 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Until 27 Mar 2022 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions.
On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Typewriter Revolution Until 11 Sep 2022 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
Until 8 Jan 2023 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
Following the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022.
31 Mar – 3 Aug 2022 Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) Free
Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.
Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.
The book will be exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book will be revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allow you to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail.
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein.
Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed
Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.
This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Opening Hour 27 Mar 2022 10:00-11:00 Free entry
The monthly Relaxed Opening Hour at the National Museum of Scotland is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic 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.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. The Relaxed Opening Hour includes access to the entirety of the museum currently open to the public. At 11:00 sound will be switched back on, but visitors to this session are welcome to remain in the museum for as long as they like.
The Edinburgh Science Festival brings two weeks of science-fuelled exploration to the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks.
The Grand Gallery will be home to DataSphere, a multi-media exploration of the information driving our world. Elsewhere in the museum get-hands on with amazing drop-in experiments from the University of Edinburgh, and children’s workshops exploring everything from Creative Coding to Disease.
Adults can enjoy a series of fascinating talks and debates on topics from climatology and the philosophy of science to death, folklore and the cities of the future. Speakers include A.C. Grayling, Jim Al-Khalili, Alice Bell and Mary Roach. And join DataSphere After Dark, with bars, a DJ and exclusive activities just for grown-ups. Take the chance to have as much fun as the kids as you send, swipe and scroll through the data that drives our world.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00
National Lottery Open Week
26 Mar – 27 Mar 2022 10:00 – 16:00 Free entry on presentation of National Lottery ticket (T&Cs apply)
On 26 and 27 March, the National Museum of Flight is taking part in the National Lottery Open Week.
As a recipient of National Lottery funding, we are inviting players to the museum for free for the weekend, to say thank you for their support. Please book a timed entry ticket online for every member of your group in advance of your visit.
Museum Socials are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. The monthly events create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued.
They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the museum, as well as people who have always loved visiting.
In March, join exhibition curator Mark Glancy to learn about the making of Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books.
Museum Socials are inspired by Meet Me at MoMA. They are programmed in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland.
Join an online discussion celebrating the joy that birds bring us, the urgent threats they face, and the science and conservation work protecting them.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Audubon’s Birds of America Until 8 May 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed, £0-£10
This exhibition examines the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and biggest books.
Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a landmark work that achieved international renown due to the epic scale of the project and the book’s spectacular, life-sized ornithological illustrations.
Audubon’s Birds of America showcases 46 unbound prints from National Museums Scotland’s collection, most of which have never been on display before, as well as a rare bound volume of the book, on loan from the Mitchell Library. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see so much of Audubon’s work in one place.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Until 27 Mar 2022 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
This small exhibition highlights the exciting work being carried out in Scotland to fight against climate change. It brings together just some of the technological responses that have been developed in Scotland or that are being used here in the effort to cut carbon dioxide emissions. On show are a range of leading-edge equipment, much of it newly collected, alongside samples of natural material.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Typewriter Revolution Until 11 Sep 2022 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.
The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.
Until 8 Jan 2023 Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1 Free entry
On the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022.
31 Mar – 3 Aug 2022 Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) Free
Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.
Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.
The book will be exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book will be revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allow you to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail.
The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein.
Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 1 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Ticketed
Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.
This exhibition will look at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Spotlight On: Audubon’s Birds of America 8 Mar 2022 14:00-15:00 Auditorium, Level 1, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Free, advance booking required. Suitable for those aged 12 and over.
Join exhibition Curator Mark Glancy and Paper Conservator Lisa Cumming as they discuss how our upcoming exhibition Audubon’s Birds of America took flight. Discover how Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books, was made, and learn about the ongoing conservation work to preserve these life-size, hand-coloured prints for future generations.
Relaxed Opening Hour 27 Mar 2022 10:00-11:00 Free entry
These monthly Relaxed Opening Hours are for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.
This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with autistic children; autistic 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.
Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. The Relaxed Opening Hour includes access to the entirety of the museum currently open to the public. At 11:00 sound will be switched back on, but visitors to this session are welcome to remain in the museum for as long as they like.
Two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks.
The Grand Gallery will be home to DataSphere, a multi-media exploration of the information driving our world. Elsewhere in the museum gets hands-on with amazing drop-in experiments from the University of Edinburgh, and children’s workshops exploring everything from Creative Coding to Disease Detectives.
Adults can enjoy a series of fascinating talks and debates on topics from climatology and the philosophy of science to death, folklore and the cities of the future. Speakers include A.C. Grayling, Jim Al-Khalili, Alice Bell and Mary Roach. And join DataSphere After Dark, with bars, a DJ and exclusive activities just for grown-ups.
Take the chance to have as much fun as the kids as you send, swipe and scroll through the data that drives our world.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 – 16:00
*NEW* National Lottery Open Week
26 Mar – 27 Mar 2022 10:00 – 16:00 Free entry on presentation of National Lottery ticket (T&Cs apply)
On 26 and 27 March, the National Museum of Flight is taking part in the National Lottery Open Week.
As a recipient of National Lottery funding, we are inviting players to the museum for free for the weekend, to say thank you for their support. Please book a timed entry ticket online for every member of your group in advance of your visit.
Museum Socials are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. The monthly events create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued. They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the museum, as well as people who have always loved visiting.
In March, join exhibition curator Mark Glancy to learn about the making of Birds of America, one of the world’s rarest and most coveted books.
31 Mar 2022 19:30-20:30 Online Free, with optional donation
Join David Lindo and Paul Walton for an online discussion celebrating the joy that birds bring us, the urgent threats they face, and the science and conservation work protecting them.
David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, is a wildlife broadcaster, nature writer and urban wildlife educationalist. He is Vice-President of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Honorary President of the Colombia Bird Fair, and was voted 7th most influential person in wildlife by BBC Wildlife Magazine.
Paul Walton is Head of Habitats and Species for RSPB Scotland.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
To find out how sentimental the country is, Ryman decided to find out which moments top the list for which Brits would relive, given the chance. And it turns out, Edinburgh residents are not always as sentimental as the rest of the nation.
The moment Edinburgh dwellers would most like to relive is the birth of their child. 35.29% of respondents said this is the moment they’d most like to experience again – slightly higher than the national average.
Second on the list was in fact their wedding day, with 29.41% of respondents, more than 10% higher than the national average!
Coming in third place is a less sentimental answer – highlighting the love Edinburgh dwellers have for getting away – with 25% voting to relive the holiday of a lifetime.
Despite being more sentimental to some key moments such as the birth of their child, fewer residents of Edinburgh would opt to relive the day they got their pet; less than 9% of respondents agreed this would be the day they’d hurry back given the chance. This compares to almost 15% nationally.
In fact, more people would relive their holiday of a lifetime (25%) over the day they got their beloved pet!
In other shocking news, Edinburgh residents were less interested in reminiscing about the day of their proposal, with only 2.94% of respondents selecting this moment, making this nearly 5% less than the national average – the second lowest score out of all of those quizzed!
See the full table of results below, while the national results can be found here.
What moment(s) or day(s), if any, would you most like to relive?
The birth of my child/children
35.29%
The holiday of a lifetime
25.00%
The time I first met my partner
19.12%
A family holiday from childhood
17.65%
My wedding day
29.41%
The day I got a pet (dog, cat, etc.)
8.82%
The day I found out I was having a baby
11.76%
There is no moment or day that I would like to relive
10.29%
The day I bought my first house
11.76%
Achieving a lifelong ambition or skill (winning an award, graduating, etc.)
11.76%
Eating the best meal I’ve ever had
4.41%
The day I left a job I didn’t like
5.88%
The day I was proposed to/proposed
2.94%
Ticking an activity off my bucket list (skydiving, charity work, etc.)
Edinburgh’s sustainable food producers and suppliers are being called upon to apply to have their details registered in a new directory.
The Sustainable Food Directory is designed to help people find out where they can source sustainable food locally and to support the promotion of the capital as a leading food destination in Scotland.
Managed by Edible Edinburgh, and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, the directory will aim to showcase the best places to find local, sustainable food in Edinburgh, for residents and visitors.
Local food growing projects, community food organisations, shops, markets, cafes and restaurants are all being asked to apply to become part of the directory – with the aim of gaining recognition as the most sustainable food places in the city.
Applicants are being asked to complete a short form, detailing why they should be included in the directory, along with a sustainability statement outlining how they’re actively working towards sustainability in their services; supply chain, packaging and recycling.
Councillor George Gordon, Chair of Edible Edinburgh, said: As a food partnership, we want to promote the breadth of sustainable, healthy, local food choices on offer to residents and visitors to Scotland’s capital city. Food that’s grown locally has less distance to travel to get to our plate, meaning less carbon emissions from things like transportation and storage.
“We know that Edinburgh’s amazing local food and drink producers work hard to bring high quality, sustainably produced food to people’s plates. So, we’re calling on sustainable food businesses, growers, suppliers and producers in the city to apply to be listed on our new directory, highlighting their business action and ambition, to make it easier for people to support local food producers, shops and communities in Edinburgh.”
The project to create a Sustainable Food Directory was announced as part of Edible Edinburgh’s Inspiring Food event at Edinburgh College Granton Campus on Friday.
The college event promoted some of Edinburgh’s leading food businesses, charities, growing projects and pantries.
Business can find out more about the directory and how to register by emailing Edible Edinburgh on hello@edible-edinburgh.org.
The directory is scheduled to go live to the public in early summer.
Registration Form for our community festival is now available!
We are looking for local community groups, organisations, businesses, creators, makers or traders to join the festival family and host events, activities or a stall.
St James Quarter is giving all glam squads the weekend off as it gears up to host its first ever Love Beauty event from 10th to 13th February.
A one-off event you don’t want to miss, beauty Kings and Queens are invited down to St James Quarter to explore a range of inspiring makeup, skincare and fragrance workshops and consultations. Attendees will also have the opportunity to make the most of some exclusive Love Beauty discounts running across the whole weekend.
And it doesn’t stop there, Jamie Genevieve, expert makeup artist and founder of VIEVE, will be making an appearance as she hosts a one-off event on Saturday 12th February in partnership with HBeauty.
Jamie will reveal some of her most sacred top tips and showcase her makeup brand in an exclusive interview before answering any burning beauty questions the audience might have.
A number of St James Quarter’s top brands will be involved in the beauty inspired events over the course of the weekend including VIEVE at H beauty, Dior at John Lewis & Partners and MAC Cosmetics at Boots, as well as many more.
Kicking off from 9am each day, attendees can brush up on their skills with beauty demonstrations at & Other Stories, fill their bags with free samples from Clinique and Bobbi Brown counters in John Lewis & Partners and be the first to enjoy a brand new No7 product launch at Boots.
L’Occitane will also be debuting its very first ‘L’Occi Truck’. Showcasing beauty on the go, the four wheeled drive will be parked up in the main Galleria, near Register Square, and will be filled with everyone’s favourite beauty and skincare products.
Visitors can also take part in a variety of activities at St James Quarter’s SOOK space – an area designated to allow brands to create engaging and exciting offerings and connect with their customers on a more intimate level. From HydraFacial within Cavendish Clinic at John Lewis, hair demos with GHD to makeup tips from MAC Cosmetics at Boots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Gill Moore, Retail Director at St James Quarter, said: “What an event we have lined up. Love Beauty is a chance for everyone to come together and enjoy all our skincare, make-up and fragrance specialists we have within The Quarter.
“There will be a number of brands hosting exclusive events over the weekend including VIEVE in partnership with H beauty, Dior in John Lewis & Partners and MAC Cosmetics in Boots.
“Attendees can take this opportunity to really flaunt their own style, learn some new beauty tips and take advantage of all the fabulous deals and giveaways available over the weekend.
“We’re also extremely excited to be welcoming make-up icon, Jamie Genivieve, next Saturday to learn more about how she founded her successful makeup line, VIEVE.”
Activities will be taking place throughout The Quarter across the whole weekend. Keep up to date with the latest info via our Instagram page by following @StJamesQuarter
