We are excited to invite you to our Doors Open Day
on Saturday 28th September & Sunday 29th September 10am – 4pm
Join us for a day filled with fun activities, delicious food and music. Explore our vibrant community, tour the building and grounds and dabble in some of the workshops on offer.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to celebrate with us and be sure to arrive in time for the Unveiling of our new Oyster Mural at 11:00 on Saturday !
We will be open from 10am – 4pm on both Saturday 28th September and Sunday 29th September 2024.
You can find our more details about the event and sign up to workshops here :
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Game On Until 3 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games.
Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.
Cold War Scotland 13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025 10:00 – 17:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War.
Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
Theravada Buddhism Until 12 Jan 2025 Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today. The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Morning Curator Tour: Cold War Scotland Wed 25 Sep & Tue 29 Oct 09:15-10:00 Meet at Tower Entrance, Level 1 £12, £10 Members & Conc.
Join our exhibition curators for an exclusive early morning tour of our Cold War Scotland exhibition. Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology, and Cold War Research Fellow Dr Sarah Harper will delve deeper into stories explored within the exhibition, from the emergence of nuclear energy in Scotland to the vibrant anti-nuclear protests and political activism of the period.
Relaxed Viewings: Game On Sun 1 Sep & Sun 6 Oct 10:00-12:00 Tickets from £10
Enjoy a calmer visit to the Game On exhibition. In these sessions visitor numbers will be reduced and the volume of some games turned down. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, neurodivergent children, young people and adults, and those with sensory or additional support needs who would prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
Magic Carpet Explorers Mon 2 Sep-Mon 11 Nov 10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3, £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Explorers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities.
Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-explorers
Magic Carpet Minis Wed 4 Sep – Wed 20 Nov 10:30 – 11:15 or 14:00 – 14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3, £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.
Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-minis
Spotlight On: Cold War Scotland Thu 5 Sep 14;00-15:00 £5, £4 Members & Conc.
The Cold War was a global conflict that began in the wake of the Second World War and ended with the peaceful revolutions of 1989-90 and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. During this 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union, Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research.
In this spotlight talk, Director of Collections Dr Sam Alberti and historian Holger Nehring discuss Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War and share the stories of the Scots involved in this global conflict.
Book now nms.ac.uk/spotlight-on-cold-war-scotland
Relaxed Evening: Game On Tue 10 Sep 17:30-19:30 Tickets from £9
Enjoy a calmer visit to the Game On exhibition. During this special session, visitor numbers will be limited and we will lower sounds on the loudest games to create a more relaxed experience. A quiet break-out space will also be available and a visual welcome guide will be provided in advance to help you prepare for your visit.
Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-evening-game-on
The Galloway Hoard: A Decade of Discovery Wed 11 Sep 19:30-20:30 Free with optional donation
The Galloway Hoard was hailed as a remarkable Viking-age treasure and, in the ten years since its discovery, has been analysed by experts from across the globe.
The Hoard has not only provided researchers with a window into an early medieval world of vast horizons and networks, but also intimate family heirlooms and sacred relics.
In this live online event, many of the experts who have studied the Galloway Hoard will discuss the unique insights it has revealed, and will share a vision for its future.
Curiosity Club Sat 14 Sep – Sat 23 Nov 10:30 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our 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/curiosity-club
Relaxed Curiosity Club Sat 14 Sep – Sat 23 Nov 14:30 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, our Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities, and gallery visits. Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities.
Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-curiosity-club
Multisensory Museum Walk: Scotland Galleries Sat 21 Sep 10:15, 12:15 & 14:30 Free, booking required
Join dance artist Alena Ageeva to experience our Scottish archaeology and art collections in a new and creative way using movement, touch, sound, and smell. This creative exploration of the Scotland Galleries uses movement and your senses to find new connections with some of our most important and beautiful objects.
Book now nms.ac.uk/multisensory-museum-walk-scotland-galleries
Magic Carpet Explorers: Maths Tales Special Wed 25 Sep 10:30 – 11:15 or 14:00 – 14:45 Free, booking required
Bring your little ones for a fun session on the Magic Carpet exploring maths tales. Discover shapes, numbers, time and more through songs, action rhymes, objects and sensory play. Suitable for children ages 2–4 and their adult helper.
Book now nms.ac.uk/magic-carpet-explorers-maths-tales-special
Science Saturday 2024 Sat 28 Sep 10:30-15:30 Free, drop in
Join us to celebrate Maths Tales at the museum, as part of Maths Week Scotland. Unleash your creativity with LEGO® bricks, meet friendly learning robots Sphero, Botley and Code-a-Pillar, delve into strategy games, or challenge yourself to brain teasers and logic puzzles.
Book now nms.ac.uk//science-saturday-2024
Museum Late: Game On Sat 5 Oct 19:30-22:30 Prices from £16, exhibition add-on ticket from £7
Join us for a night of grown-up fun and games in the spectacular setting of the National Museum of Scotland at night. Get ready for a night like no other with music, bars, and gaming throughout our galleries.
Book now nms.ac.uk/museum-late-game-on
Accessible Games Night with RNIB and TripleTapTech: Visual Impairment Tue 15 Oct 17:30-20:00 Free, booking required
Join us for a sociable night of accessible gaming with TripleTapTech and RNIB for people who are blind or partially sighted. We are partnering with RNIB and gaming innovators TripleTapTech to create a special event where visitors can play on a range of accessible games..
Book now nms.ac.uk/accessible-games-night-with-rnib-and-tripletaptech-visual-impairment
Collection Centre Tours Until 26 Mar 2025 National Museums Collection Centre
Discover the secrets of how we store our Natural Sciences, Science & Technology and Scottish History & Archaeology collections, and find out how these objects and specimens are used in international research. This is an in-person event at the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton, for those aged 14 and over.
Book now nms.ac.uk/CollectionCentreTours
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight Sun 8 Sep-Sun 8 Dec 10:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Join us for a Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight, 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 now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight Science Sunday Sun 22 Sep 10:30-15:30 Free with museum admission
Join us to celebrate Math Tales at the museum, as part of Maths Week Scotland. Unleash your creativity with LEGO® bricks, meet friendly learning robots Sphero, Botley and Code-a-Pillar, delve into strategy games, or challenge yourself to brain teasers and logic puzzles.
Book now nms.ac.uk/science-sunday
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Nature Track Packs Until 1 Sep 10:00 – 17:00 Free with museum entry and Annual Pass
Available to borrow at the museum ticket desk, each pack contains fun ideas and activities to help children use all their senses to explore the countryside on a walk to the farm.
Book now nms.ac.uk/naturetrackpacks
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Rural Life Sun 1 Sep – Sun 1 Dec 10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30) Free with museum admission
Join us for our 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 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 now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-rural-life
MooFest Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sep 11:00 – 16:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Celebrate all things cattle at the National Museum of Rural Life. We are putting our bovine friends in the spotlight at this weekend of hands-on activities, talks and family fun. Find out all about cows, bulls, milk, and meat with our experts, take part in family craft sessions and meet some of the cattle on our working farm.
Book now nms.ac.uk/MooFest
Tractor Tots Fri 20 Sep – Mon 25 Nov £20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3
Tractor Tots is a bookable series of playful sensory singalong sessions for under-fives and their adults at the National Museum of Rural Life.
Book now nms.ac.uk/tractor-tots
Adult Workshops: Natural Dyeing Sat 21 Sep 10:15-16:00 Tickets from £55
This hands-on workshop will get you started with all you need to know to start dyeing at home.Find out how to use homegrown or foraged plants to dye yarn and fabric in this full-day workshop with natural dyer and textile artist Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw.
Book now nms.ac.uk/adult-workshops-natural-dyeing
Menopause Wellbeing Walk Fri 11 Oct 10:30-12:30 Tickets from £30
Slow down and take some time out on a guided menopause wellbeing walk with mindful activities at the National Museum of Rural Life. Join Anna Neubert-Wood from WanderWomen for this meditative, restorative and reflective outdoor experience aimed at those going through menopause.
Book now nms.ac.uk/menopause-wellbeing-walk
Autumn Explorers 15 Oct – 18 Oct 2024 10:30 – 15:30 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Tickets available August 2024
Our Autumn Explorers family activities are back, with storytelling, sustainable crafts, and the chance to learn all about soil and spiders.
Read more nms.ac.uk/autumnexplorers
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For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789
Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald will attend the World Premiere of Euros Lyn’s The Radleys
Filmmakers Nina Conti and Mark Cousins also present new work
New guests join previously announced Saoirse Ronan, Thelma Schoonmaker, Alex Garland, Andrew Macdonald and Gaspar Noé in attendance at the Festival this year
A special late night screening of 28 Days Later will take place along with a late night Surprise Film presented by Gaspar Noé
Tickets across all events released from 3pm Thursday 1 August
The relaunched EIFF runs from Thursday 15 August to Wednesday 21 August
The relaunched Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has today announced a new selection of guests attending this year’s Festival in support of World and UK Premieres and events.
The Festival will also release more tickets across all screenings today from 3pm via edfilmfest.org, edfringe.com and via the EdFringe official app.
Newly announced to attend this year’s Festival are Damian Lewis and Kelly Macdonald who will present the World Premiere of Euros Lyn’s fresh reimagining of the vampire genre The Radleys.
Filmmaker Mark Cousins will attend the UK Premiere of his new award-winning documentary on Scottish artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things.
In attendance as part of the The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence will be Arash Rakhsha for the urgent documentary All the Mountains Give, Jack King for the powerful Yorkshire-set drama The Ceremony; Mary Jiménez and Bénédicte Liénard for the richly poetic Fugue: Will Seefried for the haunting queer drama Lilies Not for Me: Daisy-May Hudson for the stirring film Lollipop: Abdolreza Kahani for the subversive comedy drama A Shrine; Bryan Carberry for the clear-eyed take on artificial intelligence **smiles and kisses you**; Nina Conti for the absurdist comedy road movie Sunlight; Kelsey Taylor for the dark psychological thriller To Kill a Wolf and Manuela Irene for the delicately moving Xibalba Monster.
Also in attendance for the Festival’s Out of Competition films will be fillmaker Sophie Fiennes for the immersive documentary Acting; Daniel Reisinger for the bittersweet comedy And Mrs, Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel for the Camera D’Or Winner Armand; Ben Rivers for Bogancloch about Jake Williams, a hermit living in the Scottish wilderness, Jake will also attend the Festival; Suzanne Smith and Sylvia Solf for their dance-filled South African documentary Joy Dancer; Polly Steele for the courageous documentary The Mountain Within Me, Greg Kwedar for the transcendent prison drama Sing Sing.
Previously announced guests include filmmaker Nora Fingscheidt and producer and actor Saoirse Ronan who will present the Opening Night UK Premiere of The Outrun the legendary Thelma Schoonmaker will present the inaugural Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking ExcellenceCompetition Shorts as well as introducing a retrospective screening of Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell’s much loved classic I Know Where I’m Going! (1945) set on the Isle of Mull.
Filmmakers Carla J. Easton and Blair Young will be in attendance for the Festival’s Closing Night film, the World Premiere of the powerful new documentary Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands.
Master provocateur Gaspar Noé (Irreversible, Climax, Enter The Void) will attend the Festival for a special In Conversation event discussing his filmmaking career, ahead of presenting a special screening of Dario Argento’s horror masterpiece Suspiria (1977).
Writer, academic and former EIFF Director Lynda Myles will present Lynda Myles Celebrates: is a new special screening showcase for visionary cinematic work which this year is the World Premiere of Argentinian filmmaker Axel Cheb Terrab’s film Gala & Kiwi Axel Cheb Terrab and the cast will also be in attendance.
Also attending as part of the Midnight Madness strand will be Kit Redstone and Arran Shearing for the enigmatic and unexpected King Baby, and James Clarke and Daniel Shephard for the adrenaline fuelled thriller Sunray: Fallen Soldier which stars a cast of former Royal Marine Commandos who will also be in attendance.
Tickets for the recently announced Keynote Address In Conversation: Alex Garland and Andrew Macdonald will go on sale at 3pm today. Press and industry tickets for this event will be made available to EIFF delegates at 8.45am the day before, on a first come first served basis.
A special late night screening of 28 Days Later will take place on Saturday 17 August at 1am in Red Lecture Theatre at Summerhall.
GASPAR NOÉ PRESENTS: SURPRISE FILM and ALI PLUMB’S UNTITLED FILM QUIZ PROJECT were also released at 3pm yesterday (Thursday 1 August).
This year’s Festival programme features musical odysseys, dystopian worlds, laughter in the face of darkness, vivid portraits of characters from the fringes of society and reimagined inner and outer spaces. It showcases new work from filmmakers from the UK, US, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China, Kazakhstan, Belgium, Iran and beyond.
37 new feature films, 18 World Premieres including 10 World Premieres competing for the new Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, 4 special retrospective screenings, 5 short film programmes including the new Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence competition, an In Conversation event with iconic filmmaker Gaspar Noé and a strand of thrilling Midnight Madness screenings make up a seven-day celebration of world-class new cinema which also allows audiences, press and industry to easily engage with the best of Edinburgh’s other arts and cultural Festivals.
EIFF venue partners this year embed the Festival in the heart of the Fringe landscape with screenings taking place at Cameo Cinema, Summerhall, 50 George Square, in partnership with Assembly Festival; Inspace on Crichton Street in partnership with Monkey Barrel Comedy; and Tollcross Central Hall, in a programme which champions a new generation of UK and international talent, including a strong selection of first and second features.
This year’s 77th edition of the Festival honours the film festival’s history, showcasing the very best talent in filmmaking in a format rooted in a local Scottish context whilst embracing the international diversity of creative expression. EIFF encourages audiences, film fans and industry professionals to make the trip this summer to Edinburgh.
Tickets are now on sale via edfilmfest.org, edfringe.com and via the EdFringe official app. Press and Industry accreditation for EIFF is open and closes on 2 August.
EIFF 2024 is supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Audience Projects Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the Industry Programme is backed by EXPO funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland, and EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
Edinburgh International Film Festival runs from Thursday 15 to Wednesday 21 August 2024.
National Galleries of Scotland announces a packed three months of events across the National, Modern and Portrait galleries in Edinburgh. Whether taking a deep dive into the exhibitions with talks, tours and music or being inspired to create your own art at the workshops, there is something for everyone to discover.
With summer blockbuster An Irish Impressionist: Lavery on Location open from 20 July, there are plenty of opportunities to delve further into the glamorous sun, sea and society of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Join talks live from the Hawthornden Lecture Theatre at the National or stream on YouTube as you take a trip through the extraordinary life of the Belfast-born artist, Sir John Lavery.
Be whisked away to the French artists’ colony of Grez-sur-Loing as co-curator Professor Frances Fowle explores Sir John Lavery’s time in France alongside the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson on Wednesday 31 July.
Or join assistant curator Freya Spoor on Tuesday 17 September to learn more of his connections to Scotland from schooldays in Ayrshire to his role in the pioneering group of artists known as the Glasgow Boys.
Dip your toes in the glamour of a lost era and explore the high fashion depicted in Lavery’s paintings with Dr Sally-Anne Huxtable (Associate Professor, London Metropolitan University and Chair, Design History Society) on Friday 4 October.
Be immersed in the sights and sounds of Lavery’s wonderful world with a specially commissioned music performance inspired by the artist’s work. Renowned musician and composer/arranger Martin Kershaw will premiere the music alongside Kershaw on saxophones, Paul Harrison (piano), Graeme Stephen (guitar) and David Bowden (bass) on Thursday 24 October.
Be inspired by stories of collaboration, creativity and rebellion in Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 at Modern Two.
Join curator and researcher Alice Correia as she chairs a discussion with featured Women in Revolt! artists Nina Edge and Pratibha Parmar. Women in Revolt! Representing South Asian Women in Britain can be watched via the livestream on YouTube or join in person at the Hawthornden at the National.
On 27 August Women in Revolt: From Matisse to Think Pink explores the work of Liz Rideal with the artist herself. Rideal will make connections between her own use of collage and Matisse’sJazz images.
Discover images and voices from Scotland’s mining communities with Before and After Coal at the Portrait and discover more about the history and lasting impact of coal through talks and music events.
Dr Ewan Gibbs (University of Glasgow) and Dr Catherine Mills (University of Stirling) will consider post-1980s shifts in coal production for electricity generation, and the creation of the mining landscapes eco-museum in Beyond Coal on 3 September.
Older kids Friday after school art session at The National Galleries of Scotland.
Or in an exciting crossover between exhibitions artists Nicky Bird (Before & After Coal) and Rosy Martin (Women in Revolt!) discuss the significance of the early 1980s in It’s About Time on Tuesday 10 September. Looking at featured works in each of the shows, they dive into the themes of activism and visibility, notions of solidarity alongside the implications of becoming ‘living history’.
Or for something more musical celebrate the final day of the Before and After Coal exhibition on Sunday 15 September with a performance by the Newtongrange Silver Band founded in 1892 and is closely linked with the coal mining industry.
Explore the fascinating exhibitions at the National Galleries of Scotland across all four galleries. Learn about the inspiring 40-year career of Edinburgh-based artist Everlyn Nicodemus in an opening talk for her retrospective at Modern One on Friday 18 October.
Celebrate the incredible 40 years since National Galleries of Scotland began collecting photography, looking at the national photography collection in the context of the 1980s. Be inspired by the works of Bruce McLean and try your hand at creating your own art at The Drawing Room on 11 September.
Older kids Friday after school art session at The National Galleries of Scotland.
Experience your national collection and learn more about the incredible art belonging to the people of Scotland.
Discover the latest acquisition to be added to the collection, The Lilac Sun Bonnet by Bessie MacNicol and discover more about this pioneering artist in a talk on Tuesday 8 October. Get to know the artworks and themes in the new Scottish galleries at the National in the Scottish Art in Focus tours which take place every month on Saturday afternoon.
Learn more about the changing landscape of Edinburgh and Scotland and the people who made it all happen. For those wanting a more detailed look into Edinburgh’s evolving cityscape and how it captivated the imagination of artists, join the Inside Out: Edinburgh Old and New Walking Tour.
Be immersed in the magical free live music events all while soaking up the beautiful art and surroundings of the Portrait and National gallery. With a performance from the award-winning trio Atelier Ensemble on Thursday 5 September, they will play timeless classics and uncover lesser-known compositions. On 3 October, Isla Ratcliff & Evie Waddell perform unique arrangements of Scottish traditional music, combining Scots and Gaelic songs, fiddle, piano, stepdance and BSL.
There are free family activities for all ages and stages to enjoy, as well accessible events for visitors with specific access needs. Weekly Family Friday events let your children’s imaginations run wild. With mornings dedicated to little ones expect interesting textures, lights, sounds and sensory art-fun.
Later in the afternoon older kids can get involved in the trails, new play activities and, of course, hands-on making with artists. Sensory-Friendly Sundays for families with children with additional support needs ensure a quiet, comfortable space is available at all times.
For adults, discover fascinating audio-described and deaf led British Sign Language tours for visitors with a visual impairment.
With events for exhibitions including Lavery on Location, Woman in Revolt!, Do Ho Suh, Vermeer. With the opportunity to meet other people, see artworks in the gallery and take part in creative activities. All with access to a comfortable quiet space.
As Scotland’s official Team GB Fanzone, St James Quarter is hosting a Festival of Sport to celebrate the 2024 Olympics. From screenings to interactive fitness and competitive classes, the spirit of sport will be all around the Quarter.
Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, St James Quarter will invite guests to ‘get active’ from 26 July—11 August, with a whole host of sporting festivities and special guests, as it launches its ‘Festival of Sport’ right in the heart of the city.
As the official Team GB Fanzone in Scotland, the Quarter will show all the live action from the Olympics in Paris on a giant screen, delivered in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.
Spectators can visit the Fanzone on Level 5 to cheer on their favourite athletes from the comfort of the Quarter’s rooftop bar, with captivating views of Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill.
The official Team GB mascot Pride the Lion will join in the fun, heading to the Quarter to celebrate with sporting fans on 30th July.
Guests will also have the chance to meet and greet Olympic athletes, with Badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who is competing in this year’s games, visiting the Fanzone on 7thAugust, and Joel Fearon, who competes in Athletics (Sprint) and Bobsleigh on 8th August.
As part of the two-week-long Festival of Sport, St James Quarter, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is hosting a range of free fitness activities for all guests inspired by the UK’s success at the Olympics.
From Pilates to Body Combat, Hatton Boxing to Musical Theatre Fitness, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the Games, including family-friendly classes.
In addition, with breakdancing making its Olympic debut, B-Boys will ‘pop and lock’ around the Quarter, rocking live battles on Register Square and offering guests the opportunity to give it a spin. There will also be football freestyling exhibitions to wow sporting fans.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
07887554193
info@chriswatt.com
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During the two-week Festival of Sport, the St James Quarter team, along with invited guests will be gearing up and ‘cycling’ to Paris in the heart of the Galleria, to raise money for the Quarter’s charity partners Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid.
Home to over 80 brands from luxury boutiques to high-street stores, plus an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, St James Quarter is the perfect place to shop, dine, play and stay this summer.
Picture – Chris Watt Photography
07887554193
info@chriswatt.com
www.chriswatt.com
To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter, visit the St James Quarter website or download the St James Quarter App.
Summer’s here! We’re running an exciting programme of fun activities and creative events for local children, young people, and their families throughout July and August. Come and join the fun!
Highlights include:
Film Festival Workshop with Folk Film Gathering (Ages 8+): Learn about film festival programming on Thursday 11 July, 5:30pm-7pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
NEA x Edinburgh Science Mini Summer Festival (All ages): Enjoy fun science activities on Tuesday 18 July, 11am-3pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
The Show for Young Men (Ages 8+): A special preview performance on Wednesday 31 July, 11am at PASS Theatre, Edinburgh College Granton Campus.
Fringe at… North Edinburgh Arts! (All ages): Family-friendly performances and workshops on Saturday 10 August, 10:30am-12:30pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Travelling Gallery – Where We Stand (All ages): An exhibition on community ownership on Thursday 15 August, 10am-4pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Play Rangers (Ages 5+): Creative outdoor play every Friday afternoon in local parks.
Family Badminton (Ages 7+): Weekly sessions on Mondays, 4:30pm-7:30pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
Cycling Group (Ages 8+): Family-friendly cycling every Wednesday, 10am-11:30am, meeting at 67 Pennywell Road.
Join us for a summer full of creativity, outdoor fun, and community spirit!
With the need for culture organisations to diversify and expand their skills more acute than ever, Culture & Business Scotland have unveiled a series of training opportunities and events designed to help the nation’s creative professionals equip themselves with new knowledge.
The charity, which works to facilitate mutually beneficial connections between the culture and business sectors, will host a series of upcoming events giving organisations well-rounded education in a range of subjects including fundraising through storytelling, legacy giving and the principles of board membership.
Next week, a short course on board membership taking place on Tuesday 4th June will give new trustees and board members access to two informative, hands-on sessions introducing them to their new roles and responsibilities.
On Tuesday 4th and Tuesday 11th June two sessions will explore the five stages of the copywriting process, while additional training courses will help participants to deeper their understanding of corporate sponsorship and discover the benefits and possibilities of legacy giving campaigns.
Along with full-length courses, Culture & Business Scotland run a series of Insights Webinars designed to empower individuals and organisations in the culture sector with knowledge and expertise from industry experts, and networking events, allowing attendees the chance to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals in the culture sector.
David Watt, Chief Executive of Culture & Business Scotland said: ‘Our programme of events is designed to help both members and non-members to expand their skillsets and knowledge and empower them to feel confident in all aspects of their work.
“Thanks to expert guidance and structured, practical sessions, participants will gain a solid foundation in skills that are crucial in the evolving landscape of Scotland’s culture environment’.
With just over a week to go until global pop superstar Taylor Swift arrives in Edinburgh, the city council has released advice for residents, businesses and visitors.
The three sold out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June will go down as some of the most significant performances ever seen here in Scotland’s capital city.
To ensure our city maintains its vibrancy we will be ensuring the key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will also be dedicating extra litter collectors at Roseburn Park from 4pm – 1am daily.
We request that you only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.
There will be a number of Council Marshalls on hand to assist Swifities navigate the area.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:“As we get ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of Swifties to our vibrant city, we are eager for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after.
“Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we’re conscious of our residents.
“We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. These concerts are just the start of an amazing summer of events and culture here in Edinburgh.”
To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts visit our dedicated Taylor Swift webpage.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 Until 6 May 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Ticketed
In this world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, see exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Uniquely Scottish Silver Until 26 May 2024 Grand Gallery Free
Uniquely Scottish Silver brings together five distinct Scottish silver object designs: mazers, quaichs, thistle cups, ovoid urns and heart brooches. Discover some of the earliest and rarest survivals within the Scottish silversmiths’ craft.
Game On 29 Jun – 3 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Tickets on sale spring 2024
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform.
From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.
Theravada Buddhism Until 12 Jan 2025 Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today. The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh.
The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.
Cold War Scotland 13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025 10:00 – 17:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling.
The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. The exhibition will explore both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Sensory Sunday: Exploring Ancient Egypt 05 May 14:00 Level 4, Studio 2, Learning Centre Free, booking required
Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions.
Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families. Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.
These sessions are suitable for children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities. The content is aimed at ages 5-10 but is not set – we welcome all families who think they might enjoy these sessions.
Magic Carpet Minis Block 1 (08,15 and 22 May) 10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.
Magic Carpet Toddlers Block 1 (13, 20 & 27 May) 10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Toddlers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities.
Wellbeing Wanders 13-17 May 11:30-12:00 Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, sign up on the day
Join us on a guided walk around the museum for Wellbeing Week. Explore the collections and take part in mini mindful sessions at each stop along the way with these short, free guided walks.
Curiosity Club: Ancient Egypt 18 May 10:30-12:00 Level 4, Learning Centre £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, this is a chance for kids to explore the museum through games, activities and gallery visits.
Wellbeing Week: Mindful Art at the Museum 19 May 11:30-12:30 Meet at the Tower Entrance, Level 1 £10, £8 Members and Concession
Join artist Kayleigh McCallum and mindfulness practitioner Charlene Duncan for mindful sketching in our galleries. This small group session in our galleries will start with a short introduction to mindfulness, followed by guided sketching and then some final mindfulness exercises. Suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. All materials will be provided. All ages welcome, but recommended age 8+.
Slow Down Sunday for Families 19 May 10:30–11:15 & 13:00–13:45 Event Space, Level 2 Free, booking required
Join author and mindfulness teacher Natasha Iregbu as she invites families to practice mindfulness in a fun and enjoyable way. Natasha and her excitable butterfly Amaya will take you on a journey of storytelling and mindfulness as they guide you and your children to use your senses and practice being in the moment. The session will include a book reading, mindfulness activities, yoga movement and a craft activity.
Wellbeing Week: Musical Moments in the Museum 19 May 13:00-16:00 Free, drop in
Enjoy an afternoon of musical encounters, featuring two musicians from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. As part of our Wellbeing Week, experience musical soundscapes within some of our Scottish galleries.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Family Encounters Day 25 May 10:00 – 16:30 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop-in Some activities may require sign-up on the day
At our Festival Family Encounters Day, enjoy exciting new performances and interactive experiences from local artists, pop-up theatre and dance shows, walk-about character actors and plenty of hands-on family activities.
The full event programme will be published in early May.
Galloway Hoard: Where did the silver come from? 29 May 19:30 – 20:30 Online event Free, with optional donation
In this live online event, National Museums Scotland Galloway Hoard Researcher Adrián Maldonado will join Jane Kershaw from the University of Oxford to explain how a collaboration between cutting-edge science and archaeology can reveal the sources of Viking-age silver in the Galloway Hoard.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Conservation Hangar Talks Daily 14:00-15:00 Free with museum admission Booking required
See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.
Awesome Bricks 15 & 16 June Advance booking required
Our hands-on celebration of LEGO returns to the National Museum of Flight. Join us for a lively weekend of LEGO brick fun, with lots to see and do for all ages. Get a close-up view of incredible LEGO constructions, including an interactive train set, and make your own unique creations in our white brick build zone.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Tractor Tots Until May 2024 10:15 & 13:30 Various dates Ticketed
Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play. Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside.
Please find below the latest National Museums Scotland listings:
Exhibitions & displays
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania Until 14 Apr 2024 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Delve into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth. This urgent issue is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic.
Rising Tide considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary artistic responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Until 06 May 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Ticketed
In this world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, see exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behavior, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.
Game On 29 Jun – 03 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Tickets on sale spring 2024
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games.
Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and art form.
From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.
Cold War Scotland 13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025 10:00 – 17:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Edinburgh Science Festival 30 Mar – 14 Apr 10:00 – 17:00, with some events after 17:00 Book via Edinburgh Science’s website
Join us as we host two weeks of science-fuelled exploration at the National Museum of Scotland, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events.
Audio-Described Access Evening: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 16 Apr 17:30–19:00 Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Join us after hours for an audio-described tour of key exhibits in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. The tour will last around one hour with the option to explore the exhibition independently afterwards. This event is particularly aimed at those who are blind, partially sighted or visually impaired. Recommended age is 8+.
Sensory Sunday: Exploring Ancient Egypt 05 May 14:00 Level 4, Studio 2, Learning Centre Free, booking required
Families with children with additional support needs and disabilities are invited to join our programme of sensory play sessions. Explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families.
Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating.
You are welcome to come and go at any point during a session.
These sessions are suitable for children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities.
The content is aimed at ages 5-10 but is not set – we welcome all families who think they might enjoy these sessions.
Magic Carpet Minis Block 1 (08,15 and 22 May) 10:30 & 14:00 on Wednesdays £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Minis introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and gentle way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the Natural World, Space, World Cultures and Scottish History through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and sensory play.
Magic Carpet Toddlers Block 1 (13, 20 & 27 May) 10:30–11:15 or 14:00–14:45 £15.00 per child for block of 3 £13.50 per Member child for block of 3
Magic Carpet Toddlers introduces you and your little one to some of the wonderful galleries, objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Taking place in different spaces around the museum, you will explore subjects such as the natural world, science and technology, world cultures and Scottish history through songs, stories, rhymes, actions, objects and short activities.
Wellbeing Wanders 13-17 May 11:30-12:00 Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, sign up on the day
Join us on a guided walk around the museum for Wellbeing Week. Explore the collections and take part in mini mindful sessions at each stop along the way with these short, free guided walks.
Curiosity Club: Ancient Egypt 18 May 10:30-12:00 Level 4, Learning Centre £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Capturing some of the museum’s most exciting collections, this is a chance for kids to explore the museum through games, activities and gallery visits.
Wellbeing Week: Mindful Art at the Museum 19 May 11:30-12:30 Meet at the Tower Entrance, Level 1 £10, £8 Members and Concession
Join artist Kayleigh McCallum and mindfulness practitioner Charlene Duncan for mindful sketching in our galleries. This small group session in our galleries will start with a short introduction to mindfulness, followed by guided sketching and then some final mindfulness exercises. Suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. All materials will be provided. All ages welcome, but recommended age 8+.
Slow Down Sunday for Families 19 May 10:30–11:15 & 13:00–13:45 Event Space, Level 2 Free, booking required
Join author and mindfulness teacher Natasha Iregbu as she invites families to practice mindfulness in a fun and enjoyable way. Natasha and her excitable butterfly Amaya will take you on a journey of storytelling and mindfulness as they guide you and your children to use your senses and practice being in the moment. The session will include a book reading, mindfulness activities, yoga movement and a craft activity.
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival: Family Encounters Day 25 May 10:00 – 16:30 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop-in Some activities may require sign-up on the day
At our Festival Family Encounters Day, enjoy exciting new performances and interactive experiences from local artists, pop-up theatre and dance shows, walk-about character actors and plenty of hands-on family activities.
The full event programme will be published in early May.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Flying into the Future 1 Apr – 5 Apr 11:00 – 15:00 Concorde Hangar Free with museum admission
From airships to autogyros and electric to hydrogen-powered aircraft, discover how we might fly in the future with fun, family activities.
Activities include a family technical challenge where you will use craft materials to build something that flies, a staff-led tour of the Civil Aviation Hangar and a trail exploring the 50+ aircraft on display in the museum.
Tractor Tots Until May 2024 10:15 & 13:30 Various dates Ticketed
Running in blocks of three Friday morning sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to the museum and farm, and bringing it to life through interactive creative play.
Each session will take place in a different location at the museum and working farm, and will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside.
Film Festival Workshop with Folk Film Gathering (Ages 8+): Learn about film festival programming on Thursday 11 July, 5:30pm-7pm at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre.
