National Museum of Scotland

What's On

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Scotland's First Warriors

Over 200 objects trace conflict in prehistoric Scotland from the Neolithic to Rome, including six Bronze Age shields and the richest Iron Age warrior burial yet found.

Now showing27 Jun – 16 May 2027Free

Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire

Rome's most northerly frontier brought to life, centred on finds from the Inveresk fort, including two altars from the world's most northerly Mithraeum shown for the first time.

Upcoming14 Nov – 18 Apr 2027£13.50

Permanent Collections

Science and Technology galleries

Six galleries over three levels on communications, transport, engineering, energy and medicine, with hands-on exhibits and Dolly, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell.

Permanent collectionFree

World Cultures galleries

Peoples, cultures and objects from around the globe, including the Patterns of Life gallery on how people and their possessions interact across four continents.

Permanent collectionFree

Natural World galleries

Hundreds of animals illustrate the variety of life on Earth, with a Tyrannosaurus rex cast guarding the entrance and Animal World exploring behaviour from the Arctic to Australia.

Permanent collectionFree

Scottish History and Archaeology galleries

Scotland from prehistory to today, including the Kingdom of the Scots gallery and the Lewis chess pieces, carved from walrus ivory in the 12th century.

Permanent collectionFree

Evolving Earth

New permanent display on how minerals diversified over time, from diamonds in the Allende meteorite and a lunar meteorite to human-made minerals of the Anthropocene.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

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Talbot Rice Gallery

ArtFree2 min walk

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Surgeons' Hall Museums

Architecture4 min walk

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Dovecot Studios

DesignFree4 min walk

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The Writers' Museum

Local HistoryFree5 min walk

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 and 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 Science and Technology galleries, World Cultures galleries and Natural World galleries.

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.