An enormous six-meter-high sculpture of three elephant tusks made entirely of upcycled pianos goes on display as part of a new exhibition marking the official launch of The Wee Hub at Ocean Terminal this Sunday (19 June 2022).
The sculpture, ‘The Elephant in the Room’, is a tripod of elephant tusks topped with more than 50 ‘ivories’ and is one of ten that can be seen in and around the Wee Hub’s community space, which has taken over the former Debenhams store at the waterfront centre in Leith.
Also on display is ‘Half of a Piano Cube’, a pyramid of three playable pianos, ‘Power to the People’, two grand pianos each boasting a large gramophone-like pentagonal horn made from lids and soundboards and ‘Piano Meant-A-Lot’, an allotment shed made entirely from old pianos and piano parts which houses a beautiful old playable upright piano.
Legless grand piano planter boxes will be filled with vegetables and flowers to complete the bucolic idyll of this particular exhibit.
Each interactive sculpture, conceived and created in Leith by the Pianodrome Community Interest Company, uses locally sourced pianos and the exhibition is their first appearance in Scotland.
As part of The Wee Hub’s official launch, which includes a parade around the centre, circus performances and a series of free events, Tim Vincent -Smith, the artist who designed the sculptures, and Matthew Wright, the Pianodrome producer, will be there from 3pm – 4pm along with Danny McGeever, Edinburgh-based singer songwriter, and Nikki Hill of Dripping Tap Theatre, to give a tour of the sculptures, animating them with music and movement.
Expect music, clowning and a rendition of Sunshine on Leith from Danny.Sean Logan of Full Spectrum, will be there playing the sculptures all day.
Miles Tubb of the Living Memory Association which with the support of Ocean Terminal’s owners created The Wee Hub as a free collaborative space for local community groups in the heart of Leith, said: “Pianodrome’s sculptures are simply fantastic and opening their exhibition as part of our official launch day hits the perfect note.
“They are a community-led organisation, just as all the groups here at The Wee Hub, bringing people together to enjoy the arts, music and our heritage. The day will be a colourful and lively display of local people’s creativity and talents from dance through to circus performance.”
Tim Vincent-Smith and Matthew Wright who are also both musicians from the band S!nk set up Pianodrome in 2017 to build the world’s first amphitheatre made entirely from upcycled pianos. Tim said:
“The sculptures were commissioned by the Leeds International Piano Competition and formed a piano trail around the city which was enjoyed by tens of thousands of people – many made the journey specifically to see them. Having set up in Leith and collecting and working with old pianos from the area, however, exhibiting our sculptures at Ocean Terminal could not be more perfect – it is a bit of a homecoming.
“Working with The Wee Hub also presents us with many opportunities for further collaborations. Here we are at the heart of a lively and creative community and with the likes of Tinderbox, who are also based at OT, we hope to bring piano-inspired workshops and events in the months ahead.”
The Wee Hub Launch also includes a laser sculpture workshop with the artist Jonathon Elder, a fencing demonstration from Salle Holyrood Fencing, Circus workshops from Think Circus, music workshops from Tinderbox, a model railway exhibit, and heritage exhibitions.
There is also a dance programme beginning at 11am with a children’s disco, jazz, a parade and a show from the International Dancers of the Edinburgh Festival Carnival.
The Wee Hub Launch Day Programme:
11am Children’s disco
1pm – Nouvelle Jukebox. Edinburgh based duo. Jazzy vocals and swinging guitar.
2pm – Cutting of ribbon and parade round the Centre
2.30 – International Dancers from Edinburgh Festival Carnival
The Heart of Newhaven Community, Friends of Victoria Park and The VP Allotment Holders invite you to The Picnic in the Park, at Victoria Park on Sunday 19 June from 12.30pm-3.30pm.
Bring a picnic and enjoy meeting your neighbours in the park
Children’s Races (including the world-famous 3-legged!) Fun Dog Parade
Plant Swap Table
Kids’ Books Swap Table
Live Music
Optional Fancy Dress for People and Pets!
Prizes for taking part for Children and Dogs!
Check the ‘Friends of Victoria Park’ and ‘Heart of Newhaven’ Facebook pages for updates
Jump into the worlds of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. for the ultimate family day out as The Nickelodeon Experience, sponsored by BFF and Magic Tears by Cry Babies, arrives in the UK next month for its very first summer tour!
The outdoor experience, which kicks off its UK tour in Edinburgh from 2nd July, is bringing to life the very best of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. for an unforgettable family day out. For the first time ever, kids can go behind the scenes and up close to some of their favourite TV shows including PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Henry Danger, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and many more.
Offering a variety of action-packed activities centred around Nickelodeon’s most popular TV shows, explorers big and small can take their pick from an exciting line-up of entertainment, including a timed immersive escape room, an interactive air maze, a pirate treasure hunt and the opportunity to get slimed (the ultimate Nickelodeon honour!)
At The Nickelodeon Experience, kids rule. Fun seekers ages 7-14 can discover their superpowers in The Thundermans’ School for Superheroes or step inside an episode of Henry Danger where Nick fans must navigate Henry Danger’s Maze full of secret twists, turns, puzzles and passages. They can also race against the clock to solve the Hunter Street Escape Room mystery, which puts teamwork to the test in an attempt to crack the code and find the key.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there! From a trip to Adventure Bay with an opportunity to meet PAW Patrol fan-favourites Chase and Marshall, to a subterranean adventure in The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ underground lair, Nick fans will be utterly captivated in this immersive outdoor experience.
What’s more, budding explorers can also jump on board a giant pirate ship and hunt for treasure in an immersive play zone based on the swashbuckling world of Santiago of The Seas.
Visitors will also be able to cool off and chill out in SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom Beach, where they can relax, eat, and refuel after all the fun! Then, as the perfect way to finish up an unforgettable day, kids can head to the Slime Time Party to get SLIMED before heading to The Nickelodeon Experience store to take home the perfect memento.
The Nickelodeon Experience kicks off a UK tour next month from 2nd July at Saughton Park in Edinburgh before venturing to Heaton Park in Manchester and, finally, to Knebworth House, Hertfordshire.
Kids tickets start at £29.50 and infants under two years old go free.
THE NICKELODEON EXPERIENCE LOCATIONS AND DATES:
· SAUGHTON PARK, EDINBURGH – 2nd July – 14th July
· HEATON PARK, MANCHESTER – 23rd July – 5th August
· KNEBWORTH HOUSE, HERTFORDSHIRE – 14th – 27th August
The Nickelodeon Experience is proudly produced by The Luna Cinema and suitable for children aged two to fourteen years old.
George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinemasays:“With less than a month to go, we cannot wait for The Nickelodeon Experience to officially kickstart this summer! For years we’ve wanted to develop a truly interactive experience that allowed kids to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favourite TV shows, just as we do with Friends fans at FriendsFest and film lovers with our Luna Cinema screenings.
“To have such an iconic catalogue of shows, including global brands like PAW Patrol, The Thundermans and SpongeBob SquarePants under the Nickelodeon umbrella is a treasure trove of content to explore and bring to life.”
Virginia Monaghan, VP, Events and Experiences, Paramount Global, commented:“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Luna Cinema to bring our hugely popular Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows to life through this uniquely immersive experience.
“This is a chance for children to make new memories with friends, in a safe and fun setting, and with their favourite characters.”
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit:
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life 2 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Member Preview Day 1 Jul 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.
The Silver Casket Until 1 Aug 2022 Hawthornden Court Free entry
See an iconic piece of Scotland’s national heritage, the silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots. Made in Paris, probably between 1493 and 1510, the casket is a superb and extremely rare work of early French silver. It is likely that its long-standing association with Mary and her downfall has kept it preserved for over 450 years.
The silver casket is on display in Hawthornden Court at the National Museum of Scotland. From August 2022, it will be on permanent display in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery alongside other objects associated with Mary.
E.Coli by Luke Jerram 3 Aug – 31 Aug 2022 Grand Gallery Free entry
Part of the Edinburgh Art Festival programme, this 90ft long inflatable sculpture by Bristol-based Luke Jerram will be suspended from the ceiling of the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery. The E.coli is 5 million times bigger than the real bacteria. When standing next to it, does the bacteria alter our personal sense of scale? Does it look scary, beautiful, comical or alien? Will people be attracted or repelled by it?
Japanese Contemporary Design Until 5 Mar 2023 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free entry
From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades.
The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.
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.
Inspiring Walter Scott 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.
Book of Hours Until 3 Aug 2022 Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) Free entry
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.
Bernat Klein: Design in Colour 5 Nov 2022 – 23 Apr 2023 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
Marking the centenary of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour will celebrate the work of the influential émigré textile designer.
Visitors will be able to explore Klein’s creative process and varied career, from providing couture fabrics for fashion designers to his influence on modernist architecture and interior design in the UK and Scandinavia
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Concert for a Summer’s Night 21 Jun 2022 19:15 doors open, 20:00 concert starts Grand Gallery Ticketed
Mark the summer solstice with string collective Scottish Ensemble. Be taken on an atmospheric journey through an eclectic mix of musical styles, including Mozart’s scampering, energetic ‘Magic Flute Overture’, Vask’s shimmering ‘Musica Serena’ and Dvorak’s ‘American Quartet’, evoking expansive, wide-open vistas.
Spotlight On: Anatomy 13 Jul 2022 14:00 – 15:00 Auditorium, Level 1 Free, with optional donation
Join exhibition curators Tacye Phillipson and Sophie Goggins as they discuss our major exhibition Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life. Dig deeper into the themes explored in our summer exhibition in this free curator talk to kick off our Anatomy events programme. Revisit your favourite stories from the exhibition or find out more before your visit.
Gilded Balloon at the National Museum of Scotland 3 Aug – 28 Aug 2022 Ticketed
Gilded Balloon are back: bringing Festival fun to the National Museum of Scotland throughout August!
Brining a colourful line-up: from science for kids to satire for grown-ups, from chat shows to live podcasts. There’s an influencer, a ventriloquist, assorted Fringe favourites and of course a couple of Britain’s Got Talent winners.
Performers include Scottish treasures Fred MacAulay, Lynn Ferguson and Jack Docherty, alongside Paul Zerdin and assorted puppet pals, Lost Voice Guy, the one and only Chesney Hawkes and even Boris Johnson?! Plus, our own favourite – Comedy Night at the Museum where top comedians improvise a humorous look at our amazing collection.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Bird Bingo Until 31 Aug 2022 10:00-17:00 A trail around the museum Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Come and play Bird Bingo at the National Museum of Rural Life!
Can you find all the birds hiding around the museum? Using the clues on our family trail sheet, see if you can spot different birds in our museum galleries and learn fun facts about them on your journey.
This family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Awesome Bricks 18 Jun –19 Jun 2022 10:00-17:00 Ticketed
Join us for one of Scotland’s biggest LEGO events. See a host of unique and inspiring LEGO constructions, including a 3D hot air balloon festival, and get hands-on in our blue brick build zone.
Awesome Bricks is produced in partnership with Warren Elsmore.
Behind the Scenes Tours 25 May – 26 Oct 2022 11:00–12:00 & 14:00–15:00 Object Store Free with museum admission Booking required
Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store. Join Aviation Curator Ian Brown for one of our regular guided tours of the museum’s Object Store. Explore some of the collections not normally on public view and discover the fascinating stories behind them.
A group of young adults from Tower Hamlets are set to represent East London’s young people in the opening flag-waving event of the Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular at St Ninians, taking place near Kelty in Fife.
TV presenter, magician and comedian, Stephen Mulhern, will host the event, which aims to “inspire youth” .
The Youth Spectacular, which is part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, is taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June. The amazing young talent who are participating will be performing in a newly constructed arena on the site of the former opencast mine at St Ninians.
The group from London, involving 11 young adults, aged 16-20, and 5 youth workers are from the Spotlight Youth Centre, a creative arts youth service based in London’s Tower Hamlets.
Around 4,000 young people aged 11-19 are engaged each year and come to the youth centre to make friends and for advice, guidance and support. Spotlight also runs a number of creative programmes including photography, music, fashion and visual arts, as well as an active programme including fitness and nutrition, sport and exercise.
It also has an in-house young-person only GP service, HealthSpot.
The group are part of the centre’s inspirational programme, focusing on youth leadership and volunteering. They are also members of Poplar HARCA’a Youth Youth Empowerment Board, which feeds into the governance of the award-winning housing association in East London.
While in Scotland the group will participate in outdoor activities at Willowgate Activity Centre in Perthshire, take part in a mini-Highland Games and visit some Edinburgh attractions, including Edinburgh Castle.
· The Imps Motorcycle Display Team, the world’s foremost youth display team
· Katie Robertson, the award-winning ‘Wheeled Piper’
· Massed pipes and drums from Scottish schools
· Massed military bands
· The musical skills of the massed army cadet force brass bands
· Highland dancing displays and other dancers
· The world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Harry Forshaw, Youth Volunteering Coordinator for Spotlight, said: “As a group representing young people from the east end of London we are incredibly excited and proud to be participating in this truly inspiring event.
“Spotlight provides facilities that all young people can access on a non-exclusive basis and our youth-led centre demonstrates what young people can achieve when they are given the chance to have their voices heard.
“We are honoured to be participating in the opening event, and what we have achieved will hopefully serve to inspire other young people.”
Irene Bisset, Chair of National Pride UK, said: “We’re delighted that this group of fantastic young adults from Spotlight are attending and participating in our event.
“With our aim being to showcase the tremendous talents of young people, inspiring both this and future generations, we are honoured that they have taken the time to come and participate.
“We look forward to welcoming them to St Ninians for a great weekend of fun and can hopefully leave them with fond memories of their time in Scotland.”
The Royal Highland Show is launching a free RHS app designed to making visiting the Show a more enjoyable and interactive experience.
The app has been designed to provide the best way of navigating around the showground, allowing visitors to plan their day so as not to miss out on any of the exciting activities, classes, exhibits and shopping.
Featuring an interactive map of the Ingliston Showground, users can access an overview of what is going on in each area and be provided with wayfinding routes across the site.
The app will also enable Show organisers to highlight in real time specific ‘not to be missed’ events and attractions, such as the start of the Grand Parade, celebrity chef demonstrations or the show jumping Grand Prix.
Users will also be able to quickly access links to live results from the Showground as well as stream RHS TV straight to their devices.
The app can be downloaded on both iPhone and Android devices and is available for free in both the App Store and Google Play.
The app release comes as the Show celebrates its bicentenary in 2022, marking 200 years since the very first Highland Show took place in 1822. The app will also compliment the brand-new RHS TV, which will see a dynamic mix of live and pre-recorded content from the Show broadcast online throughout the four days, all available to access for free and featuring the perfect balance of livestock judging, equestrian classes, culture, interviews, food & drink and of course, the grand parade.
Presenting RHS TV in the mornings will be Dougie Vipond, with Sarah Mack taking the reins in the afternoons. Not only beamed across the globe, RHS TV will also be transmitted across the showground on giant screens throughout the four days.
The content captured will be available to watch back on the Royal Highland Show YouTube channel.
Mark Currie, Director of Operations at the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), organisers of the Royal Highland Show, said: “The RHS app marks another exciting step forward into the future for the Royal Highland Show, allowing visitors to experience the Show like never before.
“We know there is simply so much to see at the Show that some people don’t know half of what’s going on, so the RHS app will make sure they can experience as much as possible!”
The Royal Highland Show, supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, will take place 23-26th June 2022.
Tickets, including for car parking, must be pre-purchased online this year and no tickets will be available to buy on the gate. Tickets are limited in number this year with sell out days anticipated, so it is advised to purchase early.
The Show will be broadcast online this year via RHS TV, funded by the Scottish Government.
For further information and to purchase tickets please visit:
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
The Silver Casket Until 1 Aug 2022 Hawthorden Court Free entry
See an iconic piece of Scotland’s national heritage, the silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots. Made in Paris, probably between 1493 and 1510, the casket is a superb and extremely rare work of early French silver. It is likely that its long-standing association with Mary and her downfall has kept it preserved for over 450 years.
The silver casket is on display in Hawthornden Court at the National Museum of Scotland. From August 2022, it will be on permanent display in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery alongside other objects associated with Mary.
E.Coli by Luke Jerram 3 Aug – 31 Aug 2022 Grand Gallery Free entry
Part of the Edinburgh Art Festival programme, this 90ft long inflatable sculpture by Bristol-based Luke Jerram will be suspended from the ceiling of the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery. The E.coli is 5 million times bigger than the real bacteria. When standing next to it, does the bacteria alter our personal sense of scale? Does it look scary, beautiful, comical or alien? Will people be attracted or repelled by it?
Japanese Contemporary Design Until 5 Mar 2023 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free entry
From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades.
The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.
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.
Inspiring Walter Scott 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.
Book of Hours Until 3 Aug 2022 Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1) Free entry
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 2 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Member Preview Day 1 Jul 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.
Bernat Klein: Design in Colour 5 Nov 2022 – 23 Apr 2023 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
Marking the centenary of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour will celebrate the work of the influential émigré textile designer.
Visitors will be able to explore Klein’s creative process and varied career, from providing couture fabrics for fashion designers to his influence on modernist architecture and interior design in the UK and Scandinavia
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
How The Nose Got Its Sneeze 11 – 12 Jun 2022 10:00-16:45 Event Space, Level 2 Free sign up on the day
In this fun and immersive play adventure, children will explore what happens inside the nose when things like smoke, dust and pollen get inside and how the nose defends our precious lungs against these invaders.
Play will start with a story to set the scene, followed by a journey through a giant nose and then continue with lots of loose-part-play within two large lung-shaped domes. A gentle soundscape of music and breathing will surround the hands-on activity. OKIDO play rangers and lung researchers will be on hand to help with questions and fun!
Sign up on the day for a 45 minute session, starting each hour from 10am until (last session) 4pm.
This event is for under-fives but parents, carers, grandparents and older siblings are encouraged to join in too!
Concert for a Summer’s Night 21 Jun 2022 19:15 doors open, 20:00 concert starts Grand Gallery Ticketed
Mark the summer solstice with string collective Scottish Ensemble. Be taken on an atmospheric journey through an eclectic mix of musical styles, including Mozart’s scampering, energetic ‘Magic Flute Overture’, Vask’s shimmering ‘Musica Serena’ and Dvorak’s ‘American Quartet’, evoking expansive, wide-open vistas.
Spotlight On: Anatomy 13 Jul 2022 14:00 – 15:00 Auditorium, Level 1 Free, with optional donation
Join exhibition curators Tacye Phillipson and Sophie Goggins as they discuss our major exhibition Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life. Dig deeper into the themes explored in our summer exhibition in this free curator talk to kick off our Anatomy events programme. Revisit your favourite stories from the exhibition or find out more before your visit.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Bird Bingo Until 31 Aug 2022 10:00-17:00 A trail around the museum Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Come and play Bird Bingo at the National Museum of Rural Life!
Can you find all the birds hiding around the museum? Using the clues on our family trail sheet, see if you can spot different birds in our museum galleries and learn fun facts about them on your journey.
This family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Awesome Bricks 18 Jun –19 Jun 2022 10:00-17:00 Ticketed
Join us for one of Scotland’s biggest LEGO events. See a host of unique and inspiring LEGO constructions, including a 3D hot air balloon festival, and get hands-on in our blue brick build zone.
Awesome Bricks is produced in partnership with Warren Elsmore.
Behind the Scenes Tours 25 May – 26 Oct 2022 11:00–12:00 & 14:00–15:00 Object Store Free with museum admission Booking required
Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store. Join Aviation Curator Ian Brown for one of our regular guided tours of the museum’s Object Store. Explore some of the collections not normally on public view and discover the fascinating stories behind them.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Japanese Contemporary Design Until 5 Mar 2023 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free Entry
From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades.
The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.
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.
Book of Hours Until 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 2 Jul – 13 Nov 2022 Member Preview Day 1 Jul 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.
Bernat Klein: Design in Colour 5 Nov 2022 – 23 Apr 2023 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
Marking the centenary of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour will celebrate the work of the influential émigré textile designer.
Visitors will be able to explore Klein’s creative process and varied career, from providing couture fabrics for fashion designers to his influence on modernist architecture and interior design in the UK and Scandinavia
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
How The Nose Got Its Sneeze 11 – 12 Jun 2022 10:00-16:45 Event Space, Level 2 Free sign up on the day
In this fun and immersive play adventure, children will explore what happens inside the nose when things like smoke, dust and pollen get inside and how the nose defends our precious lungs against these invaders.
Play will start with a story to set the scene, followed by a journey through a giant nose and then continue with lots of loose-part-play within two large lung-shaped domes. A gentle soundscape of music and breathing will surround the hands-on activity. OKIDO play rangers and lung researchers will be on hand to help with questions and fun!
Sign up on the day for a 45 minute session, starting each hour from 10am until (last session) 4pm.
This event is for under-fives but parents, carers, grandparents and older siblings are encouraged to join in too!
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Bird Bingo 1 Apr – 31 Aug 2022 10:00-17:00 A trail around the museum Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Come and play Bird Bingo at the National Museum of Rural Life!
Can you find all the birds hiding around the museum? Using the clues on our family trail sheet, see if you can spot different birds in our museum galleries and learn fun facts about them on your journey.
This family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
Woolly Weekend 28 – 29 May 2022 11:00-16:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Visit the National Museum of Rural life to celebrate the start of summer and all things woolly. Our petting zoo is open from 12:00 – 15:00 with a rabbit, guinea pig, duck and chicken. See our shearer at work with our Scottish Blackface sheep and enjoy wool-themed family crafts and activities.
This family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Falklands 40 and the Vulcan at War
28 – 29 May 2022 10:00 – 17:00 Concorde Hangar and Vulcan Aircraft Free with museum admission
Learn about the role of the Vulcan in the Falklands War, with talks, tours and displays to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the conflict.
The Vulcan aircraft on display at East Fortune, serial number XM597, took part in Black Buck missions, attacking Argentinian radar defences. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the conflict, some of the crew members and personnel involved in Operation Black Buck are visiting the museum to share their stories in a series of talks and tours.
In the Concorde Hangar, visitors will also be able to see a small photography display and some of Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum’s Airborne Forces Collection, and younger visitors will have the chance to make a paper Vulcan underneath Concorde.
Awesome Bricks 18 Jun –19 Jun 2022 10:00-17:00 Ticketed
Join us for one of Scotland’s biggest LEGO events. See a host of unique and inspiring LEGO constructions, including a 3D hot air balloon festival, and get hands-on in our blue brick build zone.
Awesome Bricks is produced in partnership with Warren Elsmore.
You may already be in planning mode for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, but have you considered insuring your street party?
Between the 2nd and 5th of June, it’s estimated that there will be 10 million Britons hosting street parties organised across the UK, according to Country Living.
It’s no surprise to see how huge an occasion this is! Not only is this a great celebration of the Queen’s 70-year reign, but it’s also a welcome opportunity to reconnect with our community after COVID. We could all do with some good news after all.
There are so many things to think about when it comes to party-planning, and no more so than when it involves an entire street or community.
A-Plan Insurance have revealed their top tips to throw a Jubilee Street Party:
Planning a Jubilee Street Party?
The official Big Jubilee Lunch is planned for Sunday 5th June. Here are some helpful pointers to help you decide on whether to plan a street party:
1. What type of Jubilee Party do you want to hold?
If you are planning a Street Party, you will need to contact your local council. You can do this here or simply give your Council a call if it isn’t listed on their website.
If you don’t need to close the road, you can run a ‘Street Meet’ – if you live in a cul de sac, councils are generally happy for this to go ahead without permission. Otherwise, use driveways, parking areas and front gardens – none of these will require council permission. Ensure you don’t obstruct pavements.
Another option is a ‘Neighbour’s Picnic’, which can be held in the local park, the only caveat is that you cannot have music or a barbecue, but it may work well for sandwiches and cake!
2. Get your community involved from the start
Get your neighbours involved – and make sure everyone meets to discuss the Big Day beforehand.
Ask everyone to bring a dish and drink, and don’t forget to include vegetarian/vegan type options.
Consider whether you will buy plastic cutlery, or reduce waste and encourage neighbours to bring their own cutlery.
Consider classic British recipes, such as Scotch Eggs, sausage rolls, Bakewell Tart and Victoria Sponge cake.
If you are using private land, you could consider a barbecue.
If you need crockery, consider buying some mismatched plates from a charity shop, they appear much more authentic, cause less waste and the charity will benefit from your purchase. You could even clean them up and return them for resale.
To keep decoration costs down, get the local children involved in creating bunting, paper waving flags on (paper) straws, and paper chains.
Consider setting up a Spotify playlist and sharing the link with your neighbour’s who can add their music to it as well. Add a few of the Queen’s favourites, such as ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ by Vera Lynn, and ‘Leaning on a Lamp-post’ by George Formby.
And remind everyone to bring their favourite mug for a cup of tea!
3. Do I need Jubilee Street Party Insurance?
As a Platinum Jubilee Street Party is a one-off event, you won’t need a risk assessment or licence for the consumption of alcohol. That doesn’t mean that there is no risk.
We would encourage anyone organizing a Jubilee party to have street party insurance cover in place. The main risks are:
Burns from barbecues
Food and drink
Trips and falls
Damage to vehicles
Breakages
Some councils will require proof of insurance, while others won’t.
A spokesperson for A-Plan Insurance stated: “The Queen’s Jubilee is to celebrate her 70 years of service. Her Majesty The Queen is extremely well respected by many and is well-loved for her oath to duty, love of the people and even her sense of humour.
“Millions of people want to celebrate this milestone with her and we want to ensure that people are aware of the guidelines before throwing their party.
“To reiterate, as a Platinum Jubilee Street Party is a one-off event, you won’t need a risk assessment or licence for the consumption of alcohol. That doesn’t mean that there is no risk.
“We would encourage anyone organizing a Jubilee party to have street party insurance cover in place. We look forward to this huge, worldwide celebration.”
A Matter of Precedents by Annette Krauss opens on 1 June, as a research resource in the Library.
This collaborative long-term research project reflects on Collective’s move to the City Observatory and explores the site’s designation as a ‘common good asset’.
The project launches with two walking conversations on 1 & 2 June led by Annette Krauss and other artists and cultural thinkers, and will visit common good sites in Edinburgh.
18 June – 4 September
backwash, an exhibition of new work by Camara Taylor, opens in the Hillside on 18 June. The exhibition consists of new video and mixed-media work relating to the artist’s ongoing conversation with Scottish waterways and a collection of public papers spanning several centuries. Camara Taylor is a participant in Satellites, Collective’s development programme for emergent pracitioners based in Scotland.
25 June – 18 September
On 25 June The Beast by Ruth Ewan will open in the City Dome.
A new animation, presented alongside archival material, focuses on the Scottish/American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie and his namesake Diplodocus carnegii. The exhibition explores intersecting ideas around power, exploitation, culture and the history of capitalism. The animation has been co-written with Marxist magician and professor of theatre studies Dr Ian Saville.
