Tag: listings

National Museums Scotland Listings: 26 February 2026

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Giants
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Opening 31 Jan
Tickets from £13

Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family-friendly exhibition. The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/giants

COMING SOON Scotland’s First Warriors
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Opening 27 June
Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free

Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/scotlands-first-warriors

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Museum Socials
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4
20 Feb & 20 Mar
10:30–12:00
Free, booking required

Our Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials

The Amazing Mathemagic Show
Hawthornden Court, Level 1
21 Feb
10:30–13:00 and 13:30–16:00

Join students and staff from Edinburgh University as they use maths to transform into performers, musicians, and astonishing mind readers. Whether you are a maths enthusiast or number curious, there will be something for all ages at this interactive stall. Discover simple yet mind-boggling tricks that merge maths with magic.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/the-amazing-mathemagic-show

The Sunday Sketch
Various Galleries
22 Feb –22 Mar
14:00–16:00
Tickets from £13

Learn how to sketch, taking inspiration from the incredible collections on display in our museum galleries. Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch

Sensory Sundays
Learning Centre, Studio 2, Level 4
1 Mar
14:00–15:00
Free, booking required

Children with additional support needs and disabilities and their families 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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday

Magic Carpet
Meet at Hawthornden Court
6, 13 & 20 Mar
10:30–11:15 and 11:45–12:30
From £4 per session

Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play, and handling objects, to help you and your little one discover more about our topic.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet

Creative Workshop: Block Printing
Learning Centre Studios, Level 4, and Early People Gallery, Level -1
21 Mar
11:00–15:30
Tickets from £45

Join artist Georgie Fay to make unique paper and clay designs using woodcut printing techniques.

Explore our Early People gallery and discover the journeys made and the materials used by Scotland’s early people. Back in the Learning Centre, create a woodcut with a design inspired by our collections. You will make your own woodcut template, print on paper and clay.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-block-printing

Doug Allan: Giants of the Sea
Auditorium, Level 3
22 Mar
11:30
Tickets from £12

Following his sold-out talk in April 2024, award-winning wildlife photographer Doug Allan is back at the National Museum of Scotland. This time, to talk about his experiences filming the great giants of the sea.

Featuring his own photographs and clips from well-known TV programmes, Doug will talk about the excitement and challenges he has faced when working in the world’s oceans.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/doug-allan-giants-of-the-sea

Curiosity Club
Learning Centre, Level 4
28 Feb & 28 Mar
10:30-12:00
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)

Inspired by 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/events/curiosity-club

Relaxed Curiosity Club
Learning Centre, Level 4
28 Feb & 28 Mar
14:30-15:30
£10 (£9 Members and Concessions)

Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children, or children with disabilities. Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-curiosity-club

Gather Around the Frame: A Celebration of Hand Quilting
Locations across the museum
29 Mar
10:15-16:45
Free drop-in activities, booking required for panel discussion

Join us for a hands-on stitching experience around replica historical quilting frames as enjoyed by previous generations as they sewed together. This event will feature talks, film screenings, hands-on crafts, and our very own quilting bee. All materials are provided.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/gather-around-the-frame-a-celebration-of-hand-quilting

Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
Locations across the museum
Daily from 4-19 Apr
10:00-17:00
All pricing and bookings through Science Festival website

Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 will highlight Scotland’s contribution to scientific advances through research, innovation, and its extraordinary people. The Grand Gallery will host family-friendly activities and artwork by award-winning artist, Gayle Chong Kwan.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/edinburgh-science-festival-2026

Morning Curator Tour: Giants
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
7-14 Apr
Tickets from £13

Join exhibition curator, Dr Sarah Stewart, for an exclusive early-morning tour of Giants.

Giants celebrates the colossal creatures that roamed the Earth 66 million years ago. Meet ten giant creatures from prehistory. Discover how they were able to grow so large, what advantages their size offered, and why they eventually faced extinction.

The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tours-giants

Creative Workshop: Paper Creations
Learning Centre Studios, Level 4
23 May
10:30-13:00 and 14:00-16:30
Tickets from £45

Join paper folding artist Kate Colin for a bespoke workshop, inspired by our ‘Giants’ exhibition and fossil collections. You will learn paper folding techniques and create a collection of handcrafted paper sculptures inspired by spiral forms and fossil structures.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-paper-creations

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
Last Tuesday of every month
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life

Spring Explorers
14–17 Apr
10:30–15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Become a Spring Explorer this April at the National Museum of Rural Life. Join us as we dig into all things soil and explore the wiggly world beneath our feet. Take part in a planting activity to learn how bugs and worms keep soil healthy for plants to grow. Settle in for some lively, soil-inspired storytelling in the theatre, then get messy with some hands-on fun at our Soil Exploration Station.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/spring-explorers

Tractor Tots
24 Apr & 29 May 2026
Learning Centre
£25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3

Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions, and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots

Woolly Weekend
Museum and farm
23 & 24 May
10:30-16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Celebrate all things woolly with a weekend of family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life.

See woolly farm friends up close and take part in wool-themed crafts, storytelling, and activities in the museum. Then take a walk to the farm to watch YouTube sensation Cammy Wilson shear our flock. Cammy will explain how, when, and why sheep are sheared, and will demonstrate traditional and modern shearing techniques.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/woolly-weekend

National Museum of Flight

East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

National Lottery Open Week
Sat 14 & Sun 15 Mar
Free admission for National Lottery players

On 14 and 15 March, the National Museum of Flight is taking part in the National Lottery Open Week.

As a recipient of National Lottery funding, we are inviting players to the museum for free to say thank you for their support.

Book your visit, nms.ac.uk/events/national-lottery-open-week

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 29 Mar 2026
14:00-15:00
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking is required.

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that are not normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks

Flying High
Concorde Hangar
6-10 Apr
10:00-16:00
Free with museum admission

Learn about the Scottish engineering inventions that made international travel possible through fun family activities.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/flying-high

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Every second Sunday of the month, 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. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

National Museums Scotland Listings

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Giants
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Opening 31 Jan
Tickets from £13

Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family-friendly exhibition. The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/giants

COMING SOON Scotland’s First Warriors
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Opening 27 June
Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free

Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/scotlands-first-warriors

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Live Music Mondays
Hawthornden Court, Level 1
2, 9 & 16 Feb
12:45 – 13:30
Free, drop in

Come along to free live music performances, featuring folk, classical, traditional Scottish, and modern fusion styles. In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of our museum. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo, or ensemble.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/live-music-mondays

Manipulate Festival: Ocho the Octopus
Grand Gallery, Level 1
7 Feb
10:00–13:00
Free, drop-in

Ocho the Octopus, a giant puppet, stops off at the National Museum of Scotland for a morning of pop-up performances and audience interactions. Designed and created by Tim Davies, this incredible illuminated Octopus puppet will begin its journey with pop-up performances in the Grand Gallery before making its way to the Royal Mile. Join us for two walkabout non-verbal performances throughout the morning and take part in our ‘under the sea’ puppetry-inspired craft.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/manipulate-festival-parade-ocho-the-octopus

Manipulate Festival: Europe, Meine Liebe, Mon Amour
Grand Gallery, Level 1
8 Feb
10:30–16:00
Free, drop-in

Enjoy short pop-up theatre performances in the museum’s Grand Gallery, inspired by visual artist Bruno Gallagher’s travels around Europe. Europe, Meine Liebe, Mon Amour is a new work by Gallagher, told through four short performances. These non-verbal performances will transport you on a journey through imagination. Each performance is a celebration of creativity, combining physical theatre, costume, and dance.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/manipulate-festival-europe-meine-liebe-mon-amour

Giants: Half Term
Grand Gallery, Level 1
14–22 Feb
10:30–16:00
Free, drop-in

Join us for free family activities to celebrate our new exhibition, Giants. Use geometric shapes to complete our ’Giant’ outline as part of the Giant Geometry Challenge. Younger visitors can get building too, with foam blocks with Big Blocks for Wee People.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/giants-half-term

Giants: Half Term Big Build
Grand Gallery, Level 1
14–22 Feb
10:30–16:00
Booking required, tickets from £1

As part of Giants: Half Term, book a slot in our LEGO® building sessions and create your own ‘Giants’ inspired model.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/giants-half-term-big-build

Museum Socials
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4
20 Feb & 20 Mar
10:30–12:00
Free, booking required

Our Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials

The Amazing Mathemagic Show
Hawthornden Court, Level 1
21 Feb
10:30–13:00 and 13:30–16:00
Free, drop-in

Join students and staff from Edinburgh University as they use maths to transform into performers, musicians and astonishing mind readers. Whether you’re a maths enthusiast or number curious, there will be something for all ages at this interactive stall. Discover simple yet mind-boggling tricks that merge maths with magic.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/the-amazing-mathemagic-show

The Sunday Sketch
Various Galleries
22 Feb –22 Mar
14:00–16:00
Tickets from £13

Learn how to sketch, taking inspiration from the incredible collections on display in our museum galleries. Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch

Ceòl aig an Taigh Tasgaidh Music at the Museum
Hawthornden Court, Level 1
23 Feb
13:00–13:45
Free, drop-in

Celebrate World Gaelic Week 2026 at the National Museum of Scotland with a free concert. Join guitarist Innes White and singers Ceitlin Lilly and Ellen MacDonald to hear Gaelic songs in Hawthornden Court. You will also have the chance to learn some of the words and join in. All our musicians are members of the band ‘Sian’, known for their creative harmonies and imaginative musical arrangements.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/ceòl-aig-an-taigh-tasgaidh-music-at-the-museum

Magic Carpet: Gaelic Week Special / Seachdain na Gàidhlig
Kingdom of the Scots gallery, Level 1
25 Feb
10:30–11:15
Free, booking required

Come along to our Edinburgh Gaelic Week Magic Carpet special. This interactive session, suitable for under 5s and their accompanying adult, features songs, stories, rhymes, and play with no knowledge of Gaelic required. All children must be accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of two children per adult. We kindly ask that all attendees book a ticket.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet-gaelic-week-special

Sensory Sundays
Learning Centre, Studio 2, Level 4
1 Mar
11:00–12:00 and 14:00–15:00
Free, booking required

Children with additional support needs and disabilities and their families 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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday

Magic Carpet
Meet at Hawthornden Court
6, 13 & 20 Mar
10:30–11:15 and 11:45–12:30
From £4 per session

Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects, to help you and your little one discover more about our topic.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/magic-carpet

Creative Workshop: Block Printing
Learning Centre Studios, Level 4, and Early People Gallery, Level -1
21 Mar
11:00–15:30
Tickets from £45

Join artist Georgie Fay to make unique paper and clay designs using woodcut printing techniques.

Explore our Early People gallery and discover the journeys made and the materials used by Scotland’s early people. Back in the Learning Centre, create a woodcut with a design inspired by our collections. You will make your own woodcut template, printing on paper and clay.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-block-printing

Doug Allan: Giants of the Sea
Auditorium, Level 3
22 Mar
11:30
Tickets from £12

Following his sold-out talk in April 2024, award-winning wildlife photographer Doug Allan is back at the National Museum of Scotland. This time, to talk about his experiences filming the great giants of the sea.

Featuring his own photographs and clips from well-known TV programmes, Doug will talk about the excitement and challenges he’s faced when working in the world’s oceans.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/doug-allan-giants-of-the-sea

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
Last Tuesday of every month
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life

Spring Explorers
14–17 Apr
10:30–15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Become a Spring Explorer this April at the National Museum of Rural Life. Join us as we dig into all things soil and explore the wiggly world beneath our feet. Take part in a planting activity to learn how bugs and worms keep soil healthy for plants to grow. Settle in for some lively, soil-inspired storytelling in the theatre, then get messy with some hands-on fun at our Soil Exploration Station.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/spring-explorers

Tractor Tots
24 Apr & 29 May 2026
Learning Centre
£25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3

Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

Pilot Training School
Concorde hangar
14–18 Feb
11:30–15:00
Free with museum admission

At the National Museum of Flight this half term, master the skills needed by pilots during the Second World War. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to step into the shoes of wartime aviators and test their abilities with a range of interactive activities. Participants can learn to read maps and use compasses for navigation, construct and fly steerable paper aeroplanes, and explore authentic pilot uniforms and flying gear.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/pilot-training-school

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 29 Mar 2026
14:00-15:00
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks


Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Every second Sunday of the month, 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. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

National Museums Scotland Listings

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

LAST CHANCE Cold War Scotland
Special Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Until 4 Jan 2026
10:00 – 17:00
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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/cold-war-scotland

COMING SOON Giants
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Opening 31 Jan 2026
Tickets from £13

Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago.

Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family friendly exhibition.The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/giants

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Relaxed Morning
7 Dec
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in

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 autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Find out more nms.ac.uknms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning

Ash Rise Afternoon
7 Dec
14:00-16:30
Auditorium, Level 1
£5, £4 Members & conc.

Join us for a special film screening and panel discussion to hear about the Ash Rise project. Learn more about Scotland’s native ash tree, the challenges of ash die-back and how the material is celebrated in contemporary furniture making.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/ash-rise-afternoon

Live Music Mondays
15 Dec
12:45 – 13:30
Free, drop in

Come along to free live music performances, featuring folk, classical, traditional Scottish, and modern fusion styles. In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of our museum. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo, or ensemble.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/live-music-mondays

Drawn Together at the Museum
27 – 30 Dec
10:30-16:00
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free, drop-in

Join us in the National Museum of Scotland this festive period and be inspired to sketch some of the fascinating objects in our collection. Whether it’s an old favourite or something new to you, there will be plenty to catch your eye in our galleries.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/drawn-together-at-the-museum

Sprogmanay
1 Jan 2026
12:00-17:00
Free, drop-in

Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns for 2026. Enjoy an afternoon of fun for all ages with live music and performances. The full programme will be announced in December.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/sprogmanay

Conservation in action: Film showcase and panel
17 Jan 2026
13:30-15:00
Auditorium, Level 1
£5 adults, £4 conc.

From the wilds of Alaska to our very own National Museums Collection Centre in Granton, join us to explore inspiring conservation and environmental stories. In partnership with the Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival (ECFF) and Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN), see a selection of short films and hear more from our panel of conservation champions.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-in-action-film-showcase-and-panel

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Festive Weekend
6 & 7 Dec
11:00-16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Bring the family for a weekend of festive activities, and storytelling at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Get hands on with nature-inspired crafts in the Learning Centre, make some eco-friendly reindeer food to take home, then follow our festive trail around the museum galleries. Sign up on the day for panto-style storytelling in the theatre with the team from Macastory.

Book your visit now nms.ac.uk/events/festive-weekend

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
Last Tuesday of every month
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life


Tractor Tots
Jan & Feb 2026
Learning Centre
£25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3

Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots


National Museum of Flight

East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 29 Mar 2026
14:00-15:00
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Every second Sunday of the month, 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. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

National Museums Scotland Listings

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

LAST CHANCE Monkeys: Our Primate Family
Until 30 Nov
10:00-17:00
Ticketed

See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/monkeys-our-primate-family

Cold War Scotland
Until 4 Jan 2026
10:00 – 17:00
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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

NOW ON SALE Giants
Opens 31 Jan 2026
Ticketed

Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family friendly exhibition.

Tickets now on sale nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/giants

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
2 Nov
10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
Special Exhibition Gallery 1
Tickets from £13

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the exhibition. During this time some ambient sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers will be reduced.

A sensory backpack will also be available from the front desk to support your visit.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-monkeys

Relaxed Morning
2 Nov & 7 Dec
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in

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 autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Find out more nms.ac.uknms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning

Annual Open Evening
20 Nov
18:00-19:30
Auditorium, Level 1
Free, booking required

Join us for the Annual Open Evening to find out more about our collections and the work that we do across all our museums. The event will be hosted by Ian Russell, our Chair, and Dr Chris Breward, our Director. Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory will also present on Scotland’s First Warriors, a new exhibition opening at the National Museum of Scotland in 2026.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/annual-open-evening

Monkeys After Dark: Families
21 Nov
17:30-19:30
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 & Auditorium, Level 1
£18 adult, £13 conc. and £3 child

Enjoy after-hours access to Monkeys: Our Primate Family. This family session will include taster talks, hands-on activities and more.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/monkeys-after-dark-families

Monkeys After Dark: Adults
21 Nov
17:30-19:30
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 & Auditorium, Level 1
£18 adult, £15 Members and conc.

This adults-only event features the opportunity to discover current research exploring the sex lives of our closest animal relatives and experience Monkeys: Our Primate Family exhibition afterhours.

See our primate handling collection with our museum experts including Principal Curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener. Explore 3D printed models and new digital software with our guest speakers to learn more about primate anatomy.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/monkeys-after-dark-adults

The Sunday Sketch
21-23 Nov
14:00-16:00
Ages 18+
Tickets from £13

Learn how to sketch, taking inspiration from the incredible collections on display in our museum galleries. Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch

Ash Rise Afternoon
7 Dec
14:00-16:30
Auditoirum, Level 1
£5, £4 Members & conc.

Join us for a special film screening and panel discussion to hear about the Ash Rise project. Learn more about Scotland’s native ash tree, the challenges of ash die-back and how the material is celebrated in contemporary furniture making.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/ash-rise-afternoon

Drawn Together at the Museum
27 – 30 Dec
10:30-16:00
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free, drop-in

Join us in the National Museum of Scotland this festive period and be inspired to sketch some of the fascinating objects in our collection. Whether it’s an old favourite or something new to you, there will be plenty to catch your eye in our galleries.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/drawn-together-at-the-museum

Sprogmanay
1 Jan 2026
12:00-17:00
Free, drop-in

Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns for 2026. Enjoy an afternoon of fun for all ages with live music and performances. The full programme will be announced in December.

Find out more .nms.ac.uk/events/sprogmanay

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Adult Workshop: Festive Willow Weaving
29 & 30 Nov
Learning Centre
£40, £35 Members and conc.

Led by artist and forager Max Johnson, choose from one or more workshops to make a willow wreath, willow star or willow reindeer and tree to take home. All workshops are suitable for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/adult-workshops-festive-willow-weaving

Festive Weekend
6 & & Dec
11:00-16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Bring the family for a weekend of festive activities, and storytelling at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Get hands on with nature-inspired crafts in the Learning Centre, make some eco-friendly reindeer food to take home, then follow our festive trail around the museum galleries. Sign up on the day for panto-style storytelling in the theatre with the team from Macastory.

Book your visit now nms.ac.uk/events/festive-weekend

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
Last Tuesday of every month
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life

Tractor Tots
Jan & Feb 2026
Learning Centre
£25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3

Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for our younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from our learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 


Science Sunday
2 Nov
11:00-15:00
Free with museum admission.

Celebrate maths at the National Museum of Flight. Use objects from the collection to practice ‘subitizing’ – the ability to see the number of objects without counting. Find out about the museum collection with our Cryptography Challenges and explore the museum with our new maths trail.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/science-sunday

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 29 Mar 2026
14:00-15:00
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight
Every second Sunday of the month, 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. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-national-museum-of-flight

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

National Museums Scotland Listings

WHAT’S ON AT NATIONAL MUSEUMS ACROSS SCOTLAND

Exhibitions & displays 

National Museum of Scotland      
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF     
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Monkeys: Our Primate Family
Until 30 Nov
10:00-17:00
Ticketed

See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/monkeys-our-primate-family

Cold War Scotland
Until 4 Jan 2026
10:00 – 17:00
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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Science Saturday
27 Sep
10:30-15:30
Hawthornden Court, Level 1 & Event Space, Level 2
Free, drop in

Celebrate Maths Week Scotland at the museum with crafts, games and puzzles. Unleash your creativity with our maths challenges. Build a Scottish wild animal with LEGO® or design and draw your own animals adapted to suit different climates.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/science-saturday

Legends, Myths and Maths: A Journey Through Scotland
28 Sep
11:00-12:00
Auditorium Level 1
Free, booking required

Join author David Macphail to explore the myths, legends, wildlife and landscapes of Scotland, with hidden maths. A fun and interactive talk for families presented by Maths Week Scotland.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/legends-myths-and-maths

In Conversation: Peter Ross and Fraser Hunter
28 Sep
15:00-16:00
Auditorium Level 1
Tickets from £7.50

Join author Peter Ross in conversation with Dr Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman Archaeology, as they discuss Peter’s new book ‘Upon A White Horse: Journeys in Ancient Britain and Ireland‘, which explores the enduring mystery of ancient sites and objects and considers the ways in which they continue to hold significance for people now.

The book includes a number of items in National Museums Scotland’s collections, including the strange and fascinating Ballachulish Figure.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/in-conversation-peter-ross

Creative Workshop: An Introduction to Drawing Scottish Wildlife
4 Oct
11:00-16:00
Tickets from £45

Take a fresh look at our Scottish wildlife collections. These informal creative workshops will focus on helping you to better understand and engage with these fascinating animals in new ways.
Using pencils, artist Meg Buick will teach you how to create various textures and marks to depict the animal world.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-drawing-wildlife

Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
5 Oct
10:00 – 12:00 (Quiet space open until 12:30)
Special Exhibition Gallery 1
Tickets from £13

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Morning for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the exhibition. During this time some ambient sounds will be turned down and visitor numbers will be reduced.
A sensory backpack will also be available from the front desk to support your visit.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning-monkeys

Relaxed Morning
7 Sep
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in

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 autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Find out more nms.ac.uknms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning

Printmaking workshop with Nkem Okwechime
5 Oct
14:00-16:00
Learning Centre
Free, booking required

Enjoy a practical printmaking workshop with Scottish-Nigerian artist Nkem Okwechime. Explore how the Museum’s collections have inspired his work and try screen printing techniques to create artwork to take home.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/printmaking-workshop-with-nkem-okwechime

Spotlight On: Monkeys: Our Primate Family
7 Oct
14:00-15:00
£3, £2 Members & Conc.

Join exhibition curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener, to learn how research into our primate collections is shaping our understanding of the biology and conservation of monkey species around the world today.

The first exhibition of its kind to show primates behaving as they would in the wild, ‘Monkeys: Our Primate Family’ brings together more than 50 taxidermy specimens, including monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/spotlight-on-monkeys-our-primate-family

Six Long Legs
15-17 Oct
10:30 – 11:30 and 14:00 – 15:00
Auditorium, Events Space, Level 2
Performance fee, workshop £2

Join us for three days of insect-themed family fun inspired by the National Museums Scotland’s entomology collection. Enjoy a colourful show featuring dressing up, puppetry and mischievous anarchy. Then get creative and build your own bug in a playful and collaborative workshop.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/six-long-legs

Wild Wings of Hope
15-17 Oct
10:30-16:00
Grand Gallery, Living Lands gallery
Free

Explore the extraordinary journeys of migratory birds and insects with storytelling and craft. This three-day event celebrates the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Scotland and Africa.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/wild-wings-of-hope

Curiosity Club: Wild Wings
25 Oct
10:30-12:00
Learning Centre, Level 4
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)

Inspired by some of the museum’s most exciting collections, Curiosity Clubs are a chance for kids to explore the museum without their adult helpers through games, activities and gallery visits.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/curiosity-club

The Sunday Sketch
26 Oct
14:00-16:00
From £13

Learn how to sketch, taking inspiration from the incredible collections on display in our museum galleries. Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life
30 Sep
14:30-17:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life

Autumn Explorers
14 Oct – 17 Oct
10:30-15:30
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Our Autumn Explorers family activities are back, and this time we’re going on a nocturnal nature adventure with storytelling and sustainable crafts.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/autumn-explorers

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

October Half Term: Make Do and Mend
11 Oct-19 Oct
Drop-in daily from 10:00-15:00

Try knitting, repairing and re-using clothes, following advice from a Second World War publication.

Make Do and Mend was a government campaign during the Second World War to teach people how to repair and reuse existing clothing to help them get through the clothing shortage. During October half term, take part in family activities that will introduce you to some of these skills.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/make-do-and-mend

Science Sunday
2 Nov
11:00-15:00
Free with museum admission.

Celebrate maths at the National Museum of Flight. Use objects from the collection to practice ‘subitizing’ – the ability to see the number of objects without counting. Find out about the museum collection with our Cryptography Challenges and explore the museum with our new maths trail.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/science-sunday

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 29 Mar 2026
14:00-15:00
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required.

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

What’s On at National Museums Scotland this summer

Monkeys: Our Primate Family 

National Museum of Scotland      
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF     
Open 10:00–17:00 daily    

OPENING TODAY Monkeys: Our Primate Family  
28 Jun – 30 Nov  

See some of the rarest and most endangered primates on Earth in Monkeys: Our Primate Family at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the remarkable lives of our primate relatives and demonstrates how they have adapted to survive in different habitats. The exhibition brings together more than 50 species of monkeys, apes, lemurs and lorises. 

Book your ticket now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/monkeys-our-primate-family 

 Events 

Monkey Business  
28 & 29 Jun and 19 & 26 Jul 
10:30-16:00 
Grand Gallery 
Free, drop-in  

This summer, celebrate the opening of our new exhibition Monkeys: Our Primate Family with activities for all the family. Join us for four days of monkeying around with fun, family activities for all ages.   

Grab a seat at our craft tables, get hands-on with fascinating objects and more. Then discover the world of primates in our new exhibition, Monkeys: Our Primate Family. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/monkey-business 

Morning Curator Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family  
13 & 15 Aug 
09:15-10:00 
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
£15, £13 Members & Concessions

Join us before normal opening hours to explore this special exhibition with its curator, Dr Andrew Kitchener. The tour will bring you face to face with some of the rarest and most endangered primate species on Earth. Explore their remarkable lives and discover how primates have adapted to survive in different habitats.   

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-monkeys  

BSL Tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family  
14 Aug  
15:00-16:00 
Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 
£10 

Join BSL guide Babs Brown for a guided tour of our exhibition, Monkeys: Our Primate Family.   

The tour will last approximately one hour with the chance to explore the exhibition independently afterwards. This event is aimed at D/deaf community BSL visitors, and is most suitable for those ages 14+. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/bsl-tour-of-monkeys-our-primate-family  

Audio Descriptive Tour: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 
3 September 
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 
17:30-19:00  

Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour of Monkeys: Our Primate Family, with accompanying sensory resources and a chance to explore the exhibition after hours.   

This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors. It is most suitable for those ages 14+. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/audio-descriptive-tour-monkeys-our-primate-family 

Spotlight On: Monkeys: Our Primate Family  
7 October  
14:00-15:00  
Auditorium, Level 1 
£3, £2 Members & concession  

In this spotlight talk, exhibition curator Dr Andrew Kitchener will share his insights into the making of the exhibition and discuss the cutting-edge primate research taking place at the National Museums Collections Centre.   

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/spotlight-on-monkeys-our-primate-family 

 
Exhibitions & displays 
 
National Museum of Scotland      
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF     
Open 10:00–17:00 daily    

Cold War Scotland  
Until 4 Jan 2026 
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.  

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland 

Events 

National Museum of Scotland      
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF     
Open 10:00–17:00 daily    

Relaxed Morning  
6 Jul & 3 Aug 
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)  
Free admission, drop-in 

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 autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning  

Sensory Sunday  
6 Jul & 7 Sept 
11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00 
Free, booking required   

Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs. 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. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday  

Summer Family Fun  
7 Jul-1 Aug 
10:30-15:30 
Free, drop-in

Join us on Mondays and Fridays for a range of exciting, drop-in activities for the whole family. Each week, we will be exploring a new theme – from Scottish stories to around-the-world adventures, there will be something new to discover.    

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/summer-family-fun  

Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh  
1 & 8 Aug 
19:30-22:30 
Tickets from £24  

Our sell out museum ceilidh makes its festival debut. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. Set in the museum’s majestic Grand Gallery, all dances are suitable for beginners with no previous experience necessary – our caller will guide you through the steps on the night.  Between dances enjoy drinks, food, activities and explore a selection of the museum galleries at night.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-festival-ceilidh 

National Museum of Rural Life   
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR  
Open 10:00–17:00 daily  

Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life  
24 June  
14:30-17:00 
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass  

Join us for our monthly Relaxed Afternoon for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. 

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-afternoon-national-museum-of-rural-life 

Nature Track Packs  
28 Jun-31 Aug 
10:00-17:00  
Free with museum admission  

Our free Nature Track Packs are great tools for children on the walk to the farm. Each Nature Track Pack contains fun ideas, activities and challenges to inspire and engage all of the senses.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/nature-track-packs 

Tractor Tots  
7 Jul  
10:30 or 13:30 blocks  
£20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3 
Ages 0-4 

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.  

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots  

Archaeology Day  
19 Jul 
11:00-15:30 
Free with museum entry and Annual Pass 

Take part in a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life. 

Meet the team from Treasure Trove Scotland and find out all about their work to investigate and assess new archaeological discoveries. 

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/archaeology-day 

National Museum of Flight 

East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF 
Open  Weekends only, 10:00–16:00  

Awesome Bricks  
14 & 15 Jun 
10:00-17:00 
Tickets from £13.50, book in advance to save 

Our hands-on celebration of LEGO returns to the National Museum of Flight. Join us for a weekend packed full 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. You can also make your own unique creations in our brick build zone.  

Book your ticket nms.ac.uk/events/awesome-bricks 

Second World War Satchels  
7 Jul-17 Aug 
10:00-16:00 
Free with museum admission  

Pick up one of our summer activity satchels and delve deeper into the history of the Second World War.  

Separate satchels are available for adult and family visitors. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/second-world-war-satchels 

Second World War Puzzle Room  
7 Jul-15 Aug  
12:00-15:00 
Free with museum admission 

Work together as a family in our puzzle room and see if you can come up with the answers. Only by solving four different challenges will you know if you’ve got what it takes to decipher codes, diffuse a bomb and work out flight paths. 

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/second-world-war-puzzle-room 

Lunchtime Talks  
18 & 25 Jul and 8 Aug  
13:00-13:20 
Free with museum admission  

Hear experts speak about the history of East Fortune Airfield, the museum’s collections and more in our series of free lunchtime talks. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/lunchtime-talks  

360 Fest  
6 Sept 
10:00-17:00 
Tickets from £13.50, book in advance to save 

Go full circle at our big family event at the National Museum of Flight.  You’ll be on a roll this September with our all round family fun event. From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning.   

Book your ticket nms.ac.uk/events/360-fest 

Conservation Hangar Talks  
Until 29 Mar 2026 
14:00-15:00 
Free and available as an add-on to your general admission ticket. Booking required. 

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.   

Book your visit nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks  

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

National Museums Scotland Listings

WHAT’S ON AT NATIONAL MUSEUMS SCOTLAND

Exhibitions & displays

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine
Until 27 Apr 2025
Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Free

Injecting Hope is a new, free exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland that presents the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.

This exhibition brings together more than 80 objects that were acquired in real time during the peak of the pandemic by curators across the UK. Learn the science behind the creation of the vaccine and understand the logistics behind its global roll-out.

Find our more nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/injecting-hope 

Cold War Scotland
Until 4 Jan 2026
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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

LAST CHANCE TO SEE
Theravada Buddhism
Until 9 Mar 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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/theravadabuddhism

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Relaxed Morning
6 Apr
10:00-12:00 (quiet space open until 12:30)
Free admission, drop-in

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 autistic children; autistic young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.

Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore some areas of the museum without noisy interactives and videos to give a more relaxed environment.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-morning

Sensory Sunday
6 Apr
11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00
Free, booking required

Exciting, hands-on sensory play sessions for children with additional support needs. 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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/sensory-sunday

Magic Carpet Explorers
Block 2 (3, 10 & 17 Mar)
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 little ones 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, 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/events/magic-carpet-explorers

Magic Carpet Minis
Block 2 (5, 12, 19 Mar)
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/events/magic-carpet-minis

Relaxed Access Evening: Injecting Hope
6 Mar
17:30-19:30
Free, booking required

Join us for a relaxed after-hours visit to Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine. During this session, visitor numbers will be reduced, and sounds will be lowered to create a more relaxed experience.

This session is primarily for, but not limited to, neurodivergent visitors and those with sensory or additional support needs who would prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-access-evening-injecting-hope

Creative Workshop: Hand Embroided Stories
9 Mar
11:00-16:30
£50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession

Join textile artist Louise Goult to create your own unique hand embroidered artwork. Taking inspiration from the treasure trove of creativity in our Fashion and Style gallery, you will learn the skills, stitches and techniques to make a unique hand embroidered artwork.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/hand-embroidered-stories

Audio Descriptive Tour: Injecting Hope
13 Mar
17:30-19:00
Free, booking required

Join our tour guide for an audio descriptive tour and a chance to look round the Injecting Hope exhibition after hours.

This tour is aimed at blind, partially sighted and visually impaired visitors, and is most suitable for those aged 14+.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/audio-descriptive-tour-injecting-hope

Friday Friends
14 March
14:00 – 16:00
Free, booking required

Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/friday-friends

Morning Curator tour: Cold War Scotland
18 Mar
09:15-10:00
£12, £10 (Members & Concessions)

Join this tour of our current exhibition Cold War Scotland to better understand a time when the world stood on the brink of nuclear war.

Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology, 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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-cold-war

Morning Curator Tour: Injecting Hope
19 Mar & 9 Apr
09:15-10:00
£12 Adults, £10 Members & Concessions

Join our exhibition curator for an exclusive early morning tour of our Injecting Hope exhibition which details the rapid research, development and delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. Discover the science behind the creation of the vaccine, the logistics behind its global roll-out and some of the uniquely Scottish experiences of the global pandemic.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/morning-curator-tour-injecting-hope

Injecting Hope BSL Tour
20 Mar
15:00-16:00
Free, booking required

Join BSL guide Trudi Collier for a tour of the Injecting Hope exhibition with a focus objects connected to the Deaf experience of the pandemic.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/injecting-hope-bsl-tour

Museum Socials
21 Mar & 18 Apr
10:30-12:00
Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4
Free, booking required

Museum Socials are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling and creative crafts. And tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/museum-socials

The Sunday Sketch
23 Mar
14:00-16:00
£15 or £13 (Members & Concession)
Ages 18+

Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities in our Ancient Egypt Rediscovered gallery. This session will focus on the representation of the human form in ancient Egyptian artefacts.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch

Relaxed Magic Carpet
24 Mar
10:30-11:15 or 14:00-14:45
£ 3 per child

Join us for a relaxed Magic Carpet session as we explore the museum through interactive songs, rhymes, and sensory play.

This is a monthly, relaxed version of our Magic Carpet event, for babies, toddlers and children aged 0-6 with additional support needs or for anyone who would prefer a calmer session and a slightly more relaxed pace. This is not a set age range for participants and we welcome all families who feel they may enjoy these sessions.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-magic-carpet

Curiosity Club
29 Mar
10:30-12:00
£10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Ages 7-11

Inspired by 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/events/curiosity-club

Relaxed Curiosity Club
29 Mar
14:30-15:30
£10 (£9 Members and Concessions)

Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children or children with disabilities. Parents/carers (up to two per participating child) are invited to stay and either join in with the activities or enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer of the activity area.

Content is aimed at ages 7–11, but this is not a set age range and we welcome all children and families who think they might enjoy these sessions. 

Book now, nms.ac.uk/events/relaxed-curiosity-club

Edinburgh Science Festival 2025
5 – 20 Apr
All pricing and booking through Science Festival website

Join us as we host two weeks of science-fueled exploration, from free interactive exhibits to family workshops and adult talks and events. The 2025 Edinburgh Science Festival will explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration.

View events https://www.edinburghscience.co.uk/whats-on/#national-museum-of-scotland

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Tractor Tots 
Block 1: 7, 14 & 21
Block 2: 10, 17 & 24
10:30
£20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3
Ages 0-4

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. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots

Spring Explorers
8 – 11 Apr
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Become a Spring Explorer this April at the National Museum of Rural Life.  Our Spring Explorers family activities are back, and this time they’re all about pollination! Get hands on with seeds, soil and planting and sign up for storytelling, before exploring the museum galleries and historic farm.

This free family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/spring-explorers

National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00 

Conservation Hangar Talks
Until 30 Mar
14:00-15:00
Free with museum admission

Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a behind-the-scenes look in our Conservation hangar on a free daily talk at 14:00. Find out about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display and have the chance to see conservators at work.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/conservation-hangar-talks

Sustainable Skies
14 – 18 Apr
11:00-16:00
Free with museum admission

Join us for family activities across five days at the National Museum of Flight, as part of Edinburgh Science Festival. As well as family-friendly fun, you’ll also learn about the future challenges faced by flight and their solutions.

This free family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/sustainable-skies

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

What’s On: Exhibitions, displays and events at National Museums of Scotland

Exhibitions & displays

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.

Find our more nms.ac.uk/game-on


Cold War Scotland
Until 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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/theravadabuddhism

Events

National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Open 10:00–17:00 daily

Magic Carpet Minis
Block 3 (6, 13 & 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/events/magic-carpet-minis

Friday Friends
8 & 22 November
Selected Friday afternoons
14:00 – 16:00
Free, pre-booking required

Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families. The groups meet monthly and explore the themes of the museum through objects, music, art and activities.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/events/friday-friends

Creative Workshop: An Introduction to Drawing Scottish Wildlife
9 Nov
11:00-16:00
£50, £44 Members & Concession
Booking required

This informal creative workshop will focus on better understanding and engaging with Scottish wildlife. Learn how to create various textures and marks to depict the animal world, using tone and contrast to achieve a three-dimensional effect with pencils. The focus will be on using creativity to improve your understanding of and appreciation for the animals being drawn, rather than depicting an accurate likeness.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/creative-workshop-an-introduction-to-drawing-scottish-wildlife


The Sunday Sketch
17 Nov
14:00-16:00
£15, £13 Members & Conc.
Book required

Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. In this session, we will be drawing the artworks in the Art of Living and Traditions in Sculpture galleries on level 5 of the National Museum of Scotland. Learn how to capture the varied qualities of faces and figures sculpted in clay, marble, plaster, terracotta and wood.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/the-sunday-sketch

Annual Open Evening
20 Nov
18:00
Free, booking required

Join National Museums Scotland Chair, Ian Russell, and Director, Dr Chris Breward, for a review of the year highlighting the extensive range of activity that has taken place across the organisation in 2024.

Curator Dr Adrian Maldonado will also present Unwrapping the Galloway Hoard, which gives a fascinating update on the latest conservation and research discoveries from this Viking-age hoard.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/annual-open-evening


Curiosity Club: Animals in the Dark
23 Nov
10:30

Inspired by 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/events/curiosity-club

Drawn Together at the Museum
27 – 29 Dec
10:30-16:30
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free, drop-in

Escape to the museum during the holidays and enjoy sketching around our galleries. Join us for this calming, creative activity in the heart of the busy holiday season. Meet our artist-in-residence then pick up a pencil and paper and explore the galleries.

Read more nms.ac.uk/events/drawn-together-at-the-museum

Sprogmanay
1 Jan 2025
14:00-17:00
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free, drop in

Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns for 2025. Join us for an afternoon of fun for children of all ages with a programme of live music, dancing, and performances. You can also explore our galleries packed with inspiring objects and stories.

Read more nms.ac.uk/events/sprogmanay

ON SALE SOON Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh
24 Jan 2025
19:30-22:30
From £20
Strictly 18+

The Grand Gallery will be brought to life for an evening of music and dancing with the Jacobites Ceilidh Band. The band will have late goers twirling and birling as they’re guided through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances. Between the sets guests can enjoy drinks, food, activities and a chance to enjoy the museum galleries at night.

On sale soon nms.ac.uk/events/museum-late-big-burns-ceilidh

National Museum of Rural Life
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
Open 10:00–17:00 daily 

Festive Weekend
7 & 8 Dec
11:00-16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Bring the family for a fun festive day out at the museum and farm. Craft a cute ‘pig in blanket’ pinecone decoration, paper-cone turkey or Christmas tree to take home. There will be winter storytelling with the team from Macastory. Take a wintertime walk to the working farm, where the farmhouse is decorated for the festive season.

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/festive-weekend

Tractor Tots 
Until Feb 2025
10:15 & 13:30
Various dates
£20 per child for block of 3, £15 per Member child for block of 3
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. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/events/tractor-tots

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

Follow us on X…x.com/NtlMuseumsScot

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789   

What’s On at National Museums Scotland

The latest National Museums Scotland listings:  

Exhibitions & displays

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.

Find our more nms.ac.uk/game-on

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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/theravadabuddhism

Events

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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/MorningTour

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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/relaxed-viewings-game-on

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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/the-galloway-hoard-a-decade-of-discovery 

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

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland  

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/  

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For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789  

What’s On at National Museums

Exhibitions & displays


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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year


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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Uniquely-Scottish-Silver


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.


Find our more nms.ac.uk/game-on

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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/theravadabuddhism

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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/ColdWarScotland

Events

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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/sensorysunday


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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/magiccarpetminis


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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/magiccarpettoddlers

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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/wellbeingwanders

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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/curiosityclub

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+.

Book now nms.ac.uk/MindfulArt


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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/SlowDownSunday

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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/musical-moments-in-the-museum

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.

Find out more nms.ac.uk/FamilyEncounters


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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/vikingsilver

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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/ConservationHangarTalks

Behind the Scenes Tours
29 May & 26 June
12:00-13:00
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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/BehindtheScenes

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.

Book now nms.ac.uk/awesomebricks

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. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/tractor-tots 


Woolly Weekend
18 & 19 May
11:00 –16:00
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass

Join us for a weekend of all things woolly at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Book now nms.ac.uk/WoollyWeekend

Follow us on Twitter…twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot   

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland   

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/   

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789