Returning for its ninth year, the hugely popular Awesome Bricks event lands at East Lothian’s National Museum of Flight this Father’s Day weekend, 20-21 June.
Families and fans of all ages are invited to enjoy a brick-tastic weekend packed with creativity, hands-on fun, and aviation inspiration at the Museum, located on the historic wartime airfield at East Fortune, between Haddington and North Berwick.
Created in collaboration with LEGO® experts Warren and Teresa Elsmore, this year’s event promises even more building brilliance. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s inaugural journey in 1976. Visitors can help create a giant mosaic of Concorde underneath the iconic aircraft itself.
From hands-on build zones to unique LEGO® fan displays, Awesome Bricks is packed with interactive engineering experiences which will delight children, parents, and AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO®) alike. Visitors can compete in speed-building challenges and drive a LEGO® train around the tracks.
Steve McLean, General Manager, National Museum of Flight said: “We are delighted to see Awesome Bricks return to the National Museum of Flight for a weekend of invention, creativity and fun.
“As this year marks the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s historic first commercial flight, it is fitting that our big build is a mosaic of this aircraft. Combined with the chance to learn about flight and see the magnificent aircraft in our collections, this event offers a wonderful day out that the whole family can enjoy together.
Awesome Bricks 2026 highlights include:
Brick build zone: Let your creative talents run free with 70,000 LEGO® bricks.
Make a mosaic: Help us build our giant mosaic image of Concorde right next to the real aircraft!
AwesomeVille: Welcome to AwesomeVille! Build your dream house and add it to our growing awesome LEGO® town, including DUPLO® Little Awesomeville for under 5s.
LEGO® train layout: Choose your controller and drive a LEGO® train around the tracks.
LEGO® fan zones: See unique models and tiny worlds created by talented AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO®).
Speed Build Challenge: Race against friends, family or other visitors to see who is fastest in our LEGO® speed build challenge. Can you top the leaderboard?
Visitors can board Concorde, explore four historic wartime aircraft hangars packed with exciting displays telling stories of a century of aviation, and become aeronautical engineers in the family friendly Fantastic Flight gallery.
East Fortune’s wartime heritage is brought to life in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition, and visitors can step back in time by exploring the recently restored Second World War blast and air raid shelters.
Awesome Bricks
Sat 20 – Sun 21 Jun (Father’s Day weekend) 10:00 – 17:00 National Museum of Flight Tickets from £17, book in advance to save
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Giants Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Until 14 Sep 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.
COMING SOONScotland’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.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Magic Carpet Learning Centre Event Space, Level 2 11, 18 & 25 May 10:30-11:15 & 11:45-12:30 Tickets £4
Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Each month we explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about our topic.
Gordon Buchanan: Giants of the Land Auditorium, Level 1 16 May 14:00 Tickets from £12
Join award-winning wildlife filmmaker, presenter and author Gordon Buchanan as he makes his first-ever appearance at the National Museum of Scotland. In this auditorium talk, Gordon will reflect on 30 years of taking part in daring expeditions, pushing boundaries, and raising awareness of the world’s most endangered species and habitats.
Centre for Open Learning: the History and Culture of Colour Various galleries 21 May–18 Jun 14:00-15:30 £80 per person
The University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning invites you to take your learning beyond the classroom. Explore artifacts in the museum’s remarkable collections and uncover stories linking the history of colour with culture, society and art. Focusing on specific colours, you will explore their histories and examine the impact these colours have had, and continue to have, on specific cultures and the world as a whole. Through gallery-based teaching, trace the effects of colour on culture and society throughout history up to the present day.
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.
Curiosity Club Learning Centre, Level 4 23 May 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.
Relaxed Curiosity Club Learning Centre, Level 4 23 May 14:30-15:30 £10 (£9 Members and Concessions)
Relaxed Curiosity Club sessions are particularly aimed at children with additional support needs, neurodivergent children, and 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.
Festival Family Day Grand Gallery 30 May 10:00-16:30 Free, drop in
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Family Day returns for 2026. Experience exciting pop-up performances and creative encounters with local artists – from theatre and dance to walk-about characters – there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
James Hutton at 300: A Celebration of Geology 5 Jun 13:30-16:15 Free, drop in
Discover the legacy of James Hutton, the ‘father of modern geology’. Celebrate his tercentenary with free, drop-in short talks, mini tours and object handling.
Audio Descriptive Tour: Giants Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 16 Jun 17:30-19:30 Tickets from £13, concessions available
Join us after hours for an audio-described tour of the Giants exhibition. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons and fossils in this immersive exhibition with audio descriptions and tactile opportunities.
Summer Family Fun Grand Gallery Every Monday and Friday in July 10:00-16:00 Free, drop in
Join us on Mondays and Fridays in July for a range of exciting, drop-in activities for the whole family. Each week, we’ll explore a new theme – from Scottish stories to around-the-world-adventures, there will be something new to discover.
Museum Socials Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Third Friday of the month 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. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
National Museums Collection Centre 242 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1JA
Collection Centre Tours 19 May & 16 Jun 10:30 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 14:30 Tickets from £10, advance booking required
Discover the secrets of how we store and research our collections. Find out how our collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display.
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.
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.
Tractor Tots 29 May 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
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Expert Talks Concorde Theatre 15 May & 12 Jun 11:00-11:20 Free with museum admission
Learn more about our collections and the history of East Fortune Airfield with our series of free expert talks at the museum. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk. In April, join Matteo Randazzo who will discuss ‘Second World War Archaeology at East Fortune’.
BSL Tour: National Museum of Flight 16 May 14:00-15:30 Free add-on to general admission ticket
Discover our amazing aircraft and explore the history of aviation in this Deaf-led tour delivered in British Sign Language. This event is Deaf-led and aimed at adult BSL users.
Awesome Bricks 20 & 21 Jun 10:00-17:00 Tickets from £17, concessions available
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 created by talented AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO®), including an interactive train set, and make your own unique creations in our brick build zone.
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.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Giants Special Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Until 14 Sep 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.
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.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Curiosity Club Learning Centre, Level 4 28 Mar & 23 May 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.
Relaxed Curiosity Club Learning Centre, Level 4 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.
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.
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.
Makkin it! 5-19 April 10:00-2:00 and 13:00-15:00 Free, drop in
Join our Learning Team in the Grand Gallery to discover some incredible Scottish inventions. Get hands-on with some of our favourite inventions, press and investigate your unique fingerprint, then head off and explore our galleries with a copy of our Inventors trail.
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.
Gordon Buchanan: Giants of the Land Auditorium, Level 1 16 May 14:00 Tickets from £12
Join award-winning wildlife filmmaker, presenter and author Gordon Buchanan as he makes his first-ever appearance at the National Museum of Scotland. In this auditorium talk, Gordon will reflect on 30 years of taking part in daring expeditions, pushing boundaries, and raising awareness of the world’s most endangered species and habitats.
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.
Museum Socials Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Third Friday of the month 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Expert Talks Concorde Theatre 17 Apr & 15 May 11:00-11:20 Free with museum admission
From April to October, learn more about our collections and the history of East Fortune Airfield with our series of free expert talks at the museum. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk. In April, join Matteo Randazzo who will discuss ‘Second World War Archaeology at East Fortune’.
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.
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.
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.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
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+.
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.
Relaxed Morning: Monkeys: Our Primate Family 7 Sep 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.
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.
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’ (due to be published on 11 Sep 2025) 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.
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.
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.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Dog and Duck Day 13 Sep 10:30 –15:30 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Join us for a fun-filled day of working dog displays, crafts and family storytelling at the National Museum of Rural Life. See clever canines at work in outdoor displays from the Drakes of Hazard sheepdog and duck team and specialist dog trainers, Mordor Gundogs.
This full-day workshop with natural dyer and textile artist Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw is suitable for both beginners and those with some natural dyeing or eco printing experience.
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.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
COMING SOONMonkeys: 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.
Events National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
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.
Mission Planet Earth 5 – 20 Apr 10:30 – 16:00 Free, drop in
As part of the Edinburgh Science Festival, join us in Hawthornden Court for a landing capsule game aand the chance to create your own mission craft at one of our craft tables. Our Learning Team will also be at the sparkcart with fascinating facts and stories behind our collections as well as our handling objects.
Relaxed Morning 6 Apr & 4 May 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.
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.
Communicating Science Through Art 17 Apr 19:30 – 20:15 Online via Zoom Free with optional donation
In this online panel discussion, artists Angela Palmer and Alec Finlay, whose artworks feature in our current Injecting Hope exhibition, will explore artistic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and consider how art can help us gain new insights into and understandings of complex science and shared experiences.
Museum Socials 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.
Join us for a film screening and discussion exploring the Scottish Deaf community’s experiences of lockdown.
Trudi Collier, Deaf Heritage Coordinator, and Will Clark, Deaf filmmaker, will present a film screening exploring experiences of Scotland’s Deaf community during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Centre for Open Learning: Understanding Colour 24 Apr – 26 Jun 2025 11:00 – 13:00 £215 for 10 sessions
National Museums Scotland are delighted to host a new term of University of Edinburgh Short Courses – a great way to explore our collections with experts.
This course offers an introduction to the uses of colour using the National Museum of Scotland’s collections. Examine objects from the Art & Design, Natural Science and Science & Technology galleries to consider the role of colour in our world. Students will be shown some simple techniques to record the colourful images, creating a lasting reminder of their studies.
Centre for Open Learning: Georgian Scotland 24 Apr – 26 Jun 2025 11:00 – 13:00 £215 for 10 sessions
National Museums Scotland are delighted to host a new term of University of Edinburgh Short Courses – a great way to explore our collections with experts.
This course on Georgian Scotland explores Scotland’s great changes and developments between 1714–1815. Making extensive use of National Museum Scotland’s collections, the course covers the Enlightenment and the growth of universities, trade, transportation and industry, as well as the impact of Jacobite rebellions and events overseas, from France and Spain to the American colonies.
Centre for Open Learning: Scotland: Romance and Reality 23 May 10:30 – 16:30 £55 (concessions available)
This one-day course explores the Romantic images of Scotland formed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Using contemporary primary sources and objects on display in the National Museum of Scotland, the course will discuss the influence of art, literature, transport and tourism on the Romantic image of Scotland, as well as the role played by figures such as Queen Victoria and Walter Scott.
Join us for a day of free pop-up performances and activities for the whole family as we kick off the 2025 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival. The ever-popular Family Day returns for 2025. Experience exciting pop-up performances and creative encounters with local artists – from theatre and dance to walk-about characters – there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
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.
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life 22 Apr 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.
Woolly Weekend 24 & 25 May 10:30 – 15:30 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Celebrate all things woolly with a weekend of family fun at the National Museum of Rural Life. With themed activities and crafts throughout the museum and farm, there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy! See woolly farm friends up-close, take part in wool-themed crafts in the museum and explore the galleries with our Dolly the Sheep Trail. Then head out to the farm to watch YouTube sensation Cammy Day at work with our Scottish Blackface flock. Learn how, when and why sheep are sheared and see demonstrations of some traditional and modern shearing techniques.
Tractor Tots 4 & 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.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
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.
Relaxed Morning 13 Apr & 11 May 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Relaxed Morning 2 Feb & 2 Mar 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.
Sensory Sunday 2 Feb & 2 Mar 11:00-12:00 and 14:00-15:00 Free, book 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.
Magic Carpet Minis Block 1 (5, 12, 19 Feb) 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.
This half term we will be home to an Agency for World Change climate action booth inspired by the Museum of Bern’s Planetopia project. Meet climate impact advocates, get creative, learn more about what the museum is doing for climate action and make your pledge of what small change you can make to live more ecologically.
Museum Socials 21 Feb 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.
Curiosity Club: Ice Age 22 Feb 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.
Relaxed Curiosity Club: Ice Age 22 Feb 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.
Relaxed Magic Carpet 24 Feb 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.
Morning Curator Tour: Injecting Hope 25 Feb 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 will also share some of the uniquely Scottish experiences of the global pandemic.
Magic Carpet Gaelic Week Special 26 Feb 10:30-11:15 Free, booking required
Come along to our Edinburgh Gaelic Week 2025 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.
Creative Workshop: Sustainable Statement Jewellery 1 Mar 10:30-16:00 £50 Adults, £45 Members and Concession
Join sustainable jewellery designer Syrah Jay to design and create your own statement necklace. Taking inspiration from National Museums Scotland’s nationally significant collection of modern and contemporary jewellery, discover how accessories don’t need to be made from precious metals.
Relaxed Access Evening: Injecting Hope 6 Mar 17:30-19:30 Free
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.
Banners, Ballads and Badges 8 Mar 13:00-15:30 £5, £3 (Members and Concessions)
Join an afternoon of talks and crafts as we discuss the vibrant anti-nuclear protests between the 1970s and 1990s and consider the unique role women played in Scotland’s peace movement.
There will be speakers from National Museums Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the Gareloch Horticulturalists (Horties). Together they will discuss the significance of Scotland’s peace camps and vibrant anti-nuclear protests, which attracted women from all over the world.
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.
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+.
Friday Friends 14 March 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.
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.
ERKM4Y Polaris Demonstration at Holy Loch, 3rd Feb 1961
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.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Tractor Tots Until Mar 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.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Half Term: Code Breakers 14-16 Feb 11:00-15:00 Free with museum admission
At the National Museum of Flight this half term, learn how secret Second World War codes were made and broken. Learn how secrets were hidden and shared during the Second World War with our family activities. Make your own code and learn how codes were broken. Then try your hand at Morse Code, semaphore and secret writing.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Game On Until 3 Nov 2024 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3
Get set for Game On – the largest interactive exhibition of the history and the culture of video games. Game On, an exhibition conceived and curated by Barbican Immersive, examines the creative and technological advances that have established a new medium and artform. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Mario, explore gaming’s rich history through over 100 playable games from the last five decades.
Cold War Scotland 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.
Theravada Buddhism Until 12 Jan 2025 Gallery 3, Level 1 Free
A thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today. The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visitors to the National Museum of Flight this half term can travel back in time to experience life on the Second World War airfield.
Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, families will be transported to the 1940s with new activities, tours and opportunities to learn wartime espionage skills from 16 Oct – 18 Oct 2024.
Set on one of the best-preserved Second World War airfields in the UK, half-term activities will bring this extraordinary history to life with costumed interpreters and genuine military flying equipment from the period.
SPITFIRE TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE NEW HANGER AT THE MUSEUM OF FLIGHT, EAST FORTUNE.
Visitors can discover real stories from the Second World War in Scotland with clothing and equipment worn and used by RAF Coastal Command pilots during the Second World War as well as tour the newly refurbished blast and air raid shelters.
Families will also be able to learn some of the skills needed by Special Operations Executive reconnaissance organisations, some of whom trained in nearby Belhaven in East Lothian, as part of the Special Operations Executive Skills sessions.
The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery means that Half term: Second World War Scotland is free with Museum admission.
Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: “As one of Scotland’s best days out, the National Museum of Flight is the perfect destination for families this half-term.
“We are delighted to be able to offer these free activities thanks to the generous support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and I hope our visitors will enjoy learning about the Second World War in Scotland.”
The National Museum of Flight is home to a world class collection of aircraft, from a Supermarine Spitfire to Scotland’s only Concorde. The attraction houses the family-friendly Fantastic Flight gallery with its interactive exhibits where visitors can explore the science of aviation and discover how aircraft fly.
They are also able to learn more about East Fortune’s wartime heritage in the Museum’s Fortunes of War exhibition.
Funds are raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded through Postcode Culture Trust.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania Until 14 Apr 2024 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Delve into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth. This urgent issue is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic.
Rising Tide considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary artistic responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.
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 silver smiths’ craft.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 20 Jan – 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.
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.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
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.
Sprogmanay 1 Jan 2024 14:00-17:00 Grand Gallery, Level 1 Free, drop in
Enjoy a warm welcome to 2024 with music and fun for all the family. Join us for lively performances and vibrant musical activities from the incredible Unicorn Dance Party and Sprog Rock.
Families can drop into this free, unticketed afternoon event to enjoy a programme of live music and fun, and then explore the museum’s galleries packed with fascinating, family-friendly exhibits.
Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh 26 Jan 2024 19:30-22:30 £16-£22 (including exhibition entry) Strictly 18+
Welcoming back the fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band, the Grand Gallery will be brought to life for an evening of music and dancing. 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, plus our exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will be free entry.
Voices of the Sea: From Orkney to Oceania 3 Feb 2024 10:30- 12:00 Auditorium, Level 1
Ticketed, various pricing
Join us at the National Museum of Scotland for a selection of film screenings followed by a reflective panel discussion. Inspired by our current exhibition, Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania, learn how the sea is a crucial source of ecology, economy and cultural heritage.
Curiosity Club Until 24 Feb 2024 10:30 – 12:00 £10 (Members and Concessions £9)
Unleash your creativity and curiosity topic each month, we’ve captured some of the museum’s most exciting and child friendly collections and themes, for kids to explore through games, activities, and visits to some of our most interactive galleries.
Friday Friends Until 28 Jun 2024 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.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Second World War East Fortune 10 – 11 Feb 2024 11:00-15:00 Concorde Hangar Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Discover the history of one of Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfields. Our costumed interpreter will take you through Air Raid Precautions and talk about the shelters on site, explaining what it was like to use them. Handle genuine military flying clothing from the period and discover what was good and bad about it.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
The Declaration of Arbroath 3 Jun – 2 Jul 2023 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free entry
The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320 written by the barons and freeholders of the Kingdom of Scotland to Pope John XXII. The letter asked the pope to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the most famous documents in Scottish history – the Declaration of Arbroath.
Beyond the Little Black Dress 1 Jul – 29 Oct 2023 Special Exhibition Gallery, Level 3 Ticketed (concessions available)
From design classics to cutting-edge catwalk creations, this exhibition deconstructs the little black dress and examines the radical power of the colour black in fashion.
The exhibition will chart a century of fashion in a series of themed, immersive displays. Iconic early pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Jean Muir will be juxtaposed with recent looks by ground-breaking contemporary designers and brands like Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha and Off-White.
Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania 12 Aug 2023 – 14 Apr 2024 Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Free
Delve into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth. This urgent issue is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic. Rising Tide considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary artistic responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.
Japanese Contemporary Design Until 30 Jul 2023 Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1 Free entry
From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades.
The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival Family Encounters Day 27 May 2023 10:00 – 16:30 Grand Gallery (and beyond) Free, some performances may require sign up on the day
Join us as we kick off the 2023 Edinburgh International Children’s Festival with Family Encounters – a day of free pop-up performances, artist interventions and activities for the whole family.
The Declaration of Arbroath: Insights from the Archives 20 Jun 2023 14:00 –15:00 Auditorium Adult/Over 60: £3 Member/Student/Concession: £2
Inspired by a rare chance to see The Declaration of Arbroath, curator Dr Alice Blackwell and National Records Scotland conservator, Hazel de Vere, discuss its historical significance and material fragility.
Discovering Decorative Arts at the National Museum of Scotland Until 22 Jun 2023 11:00-13:00 In the museum galleries £155 for 10 sessions (concessions available)
National Museums Scotland are delighted to host a new term of University of Edinburgh Short Courses including this ten-week course that will introduce the magnificent arts collections within the National Museum of Scotland. Exploring the historical developments of decorative arts and how they have influenced modern methods and techniques used to create many beautiful objects on display in the museum.
Concert for a Summer’s Night 22 Jun 2023 20:00 – 21:15 (doors open 19:15) £9-£19 (includes welcome drink)
The Scottish Ensemble’s Concert for a Summer’s Night series is back at the National Museum of Scotland after sell-out performances at venues around Scotland in 2022. Join us for a musical journey that takes in the well-loved (Debussy’s serene Clair de Lune) and the less expected (including music from jazz legend Chick Corea), introductions from the stage and a chance to chat to musicians afterwards. A perfect way to celebrate summer.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open daily 10:00 – 16:00
Conservation Hangar Tours Until 31 Mar 2024 Free with museum admission Booking required
See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with a guided tour and find out more about objects from the collection that aren’t normally on display.
Operation Sabotage 3 & 4 Jun 2023 Age 14+ event Ticketed
The year is 1942 and you are stationed at the RAF base at East Fortune. There has been an act of sabotage and one of the aircraft is unknowingly carrying live ordnance with instructions to bomb the town. Solve a series of fiendish puzzles to call off the flight and save North Berwick!
Operation Sabotage is an escape room experience for 4-8 people that lasts up to an hour. Working together as a team, you must race against the clock in two Second World War-themed rooms to decipher the identity of the saboteur before it’s too late.
Awesome Bricks 17 & 18 Jun 10:00 – 17:00 Ticketed Advance book required
Our hands-on celebration of all things LEGO is back with a wealth of things to see and do. Get a close-up view of incredible LEGO constructions, including an interactive train set, and make your own unique creations in our blue brick build zone.
Nature Track Packs 24 Jun – 31 Aug 10:00 – 17:00 Borrow from the ticket desk Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Explore more at the National Museum of Rural Life this summer with our Nature Track Packs. Each pack contains fun ideas and activities to encourage children to engage all their senses to explore the countryside on a walk up to the farm.
