Scotland's national museum joins the Victorian Royal Scottish Museum (opened 1866), with its soaring glass-roofed Grand Gallery, to the sandstone Museum of Scotland building of 1998. Its galleries run from Scottish archaeology and history (the Lewis chess pieces, Pictish stones, the Maiden guillotine) to natural history, world cultures, science and technology, where Dolly the cloned sheep is on show. Entry to the permanent galleries is free, with charges for some special exhibitions.
Visitor Information
- Is National Museum of Scotland free to visit?
- Yes, general admission to National Museum of Scotland is free. Free entry to the museum; some special exhibitions are ticketed.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
- What are the opening hours of National Museum of Scotland?
- National Museum of Scotland is open Daily 10:00-17:00. Closed 25 December; open 12:00-17:00 on 26 December.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is National Museum of Scotland?
- National Museum of Scotland is located at Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom, in the Old Town area of Edinburgh. The nearest stations are Edinburgh Waverley, St Andrew Square (tram).
- What can I see at National Museum of Scotland?
- Lewis chessmen, Dolly the sheep and a T. rex under one roof: Scotland's story and the wider world, free on Chambers Street. Current highlights include World Cultures galleries, Scotland's First Warriors, Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire.
- Do I need to book National Museum of Scotland in advance?
- National Museum of Scotland is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free entry to the museum; some special exhibitions are ticketed.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
- When is the best time to visit National Museum of Scotland?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.