National Museum of Scotland

Connecting Scotland to the world and the world to Scotland.

About National Museum of Scotland

	National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JF
	National Museum of Scotland Website
	Facebook information can be found here
	Follow nationalmuseumsscotland on Instagram

Listed Under Attractions - Museums / Attractions - Days Out / Attractions - History and Culture / Activities - History and Heritage / Attractions - Visitor Centres

Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology and Scottish history, all under one roof at the National Museum of Scotland.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for National Museum of Scotland are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at National Museum of Scotland

Exhibitions

Cold War Scotland

13th July 2024 - 4th January 2026

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.

Family and Kids

Find Out Fridays

Selected dates between 15th August 2025 - 19th December 2025

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons, during school term-time, with our Learning team at the National Museum of Scotland.

Family and Kids

Sprogmanay

1st January 2026

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Shimmy, sparkle, and sing your way into the New Year as Sprogmanay returns on New Year’s Day at the National Museum of Scotland.

Nights Out

Museum Late: Big Burns Ceilidh

23rd January 2026

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Enjoy a night like no other in the beautiful setting of the National Museum of Scotland at night as the fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band bring the Grand Gallery to life!

Exhibitions

Giants

31st January 2026 - 14th September 2026

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family friendly exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland!

Music

Scottish Ensemble: Concerts for a Summer’s Night

19th June 2026

National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Old Town

Join the Scottish Ensemble for their annual event, Concerts for a Summer's Night, at National Museum of Scotland on Friday 19th June!

National Museum of Flight Scotland

National Museum of Flight Scotland East Fortune Airfield, EH39 5LF

Head off on a journey of discovery at this former airfield as you explore the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day

National Museum of Rural Life

Wester Kittochside Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR

Take in the sights, smells and sounds of a 1950s working farm, complete with dairy cows and sheep, at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.

National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG

Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the National War Musuem.

Museums

Military Museum Scotland

Legion Hall Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston , Kirknewton EH27 8EJ

Come and learn about the Scottish involvement in the British military from WW1 to the present day at the Military Museum Scotland!

Museums

Surgeons Hall Museums

Surgeons Hall Museums Nicolson Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9DW

Surgeons' Hall Museums is home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World, open to the public since 1832.

Museums

Museum Collections Centre

10 Broughton Market, Edinburgh New Town EH3 6NU

The Museums Collections Centre is an amazing treasure trove of objects spanning a wide range of subjects.

Museums

John Gray Centre

15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX

The John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.

Museums

Prestongrange Museum

Prestongrange Museum Morrisons Haven, Prestonpans EH32 9RX

Prestongrange is a free open-air museum, that tells 700 years of industrial heritage history. Family friendly, with lots to see and do!

Museums

Museum of Childhood Edinburgh

42 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1TG

The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and...

Museums

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ocean Drive, Leith EH6 6JJ

Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years.

Museums

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.

Museums

Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage

1A Dryden Terrace, Edinburgh East EH7 4NB

The museum tells the story of Scottish firefighting from its inception to present day. Explore antique fire engines, engaging interactives, artefacts and more.

Museums

Gladstones Land

477b Lawnmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NT

Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!

Museums