iNational War Museum
Housed in a 1748 ordnance storehouse on Hospital Square within Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum has told the story of Scotland at war since it opened in 1933. Run by National Museums Scotland, its galleries span two floors and four centuries, from Highland broadswords and regimental uniforms to chemical warfare suits, medals and letters sent home from campaigns abroad. Military art includes Robert Gibb's famous painting The Thin Red Line. Entry is included with an Edinburgh Castle ticket.
More in Edinburgh
What's On
Permanent Collections
Scotland at War: 400 Years of Conflict
Two floors of galleries on Scots at war: the Highland soldier's journey from rebel to regiment, daily service life from recruitment to retirement, and the home front.
The Thin Red Line by Robert Gibb
Robert Gibb's celebrated 1881 painting of the 93rd Highlanders holding the line against Russian cavalry at Balaclava, a highlight of the museum's military art.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
Hospital Square, Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley and Princes Street (tram)
Show on mapHours
Winter hours until 31 March 2027, 09:45–16:45
| MonToday | 09:45–17:45 |
| Tue | 09:45–17:45 |
| Wed | 09:45–17:45 |
| Thu | 09:45–17:45 |
| Fri | 09:45–17:45 |
| Sat | 09:45–17:45 |
| Sun | 09:45–17:45 |
Admission
From £23.50
Museum entry is free with an Edinburgh Castle ticket (adult £23.50 online, £26.00 at the gate). Under 5s go free.
Last verified
Nearby
Visitor Information
- How much does National War Museum cost?
- Standard adult admission to National War Museum is £23.50. Museum entry is free with an Edinburgh Castle ticket (adult £23.50 online, £26.00 at the gate). Under 5s go free.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of National War Museum?
- National War Museum is open Daily 09:45-17:45 (April-September); 09:45-16:45 (October-March). Closed 25 and 26 December. Inside Edinburgh Castle; the museum is currently partially closed for essential building repairs.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is National War Museum?
- National War Museum is located at Hospital Square, Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom, in the Old Town area of Edinburgh. The nearest stations are Edinburgh Waverley and Princes Street (tram).
- What can I see at National War Museum?
- 400 years of Scotland at war, told through broadswords, uniforms, letters home and art inside Edinburgh Castle. Current highlights include The Art of Commemoration, Scotland at War: 400 Years of Conflict and The Thin Red Line by Robert Gibb.
- Do I need to book National War Museum in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit National War Museum?
- 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.
Image credits
7
- National War MuseumStefan Schäfer, Lich / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- The Art of CommemorationNeil Hanna / National Museums Scotland
- The Thin Red Line by Robert GibbRobert Gibb / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
- Camera Obscura & World of IllusionsInterestingfax, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- National Galleries Scotland: NationalM J Richardson / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
- The Writers' MuseumStefan Schäfer, Lich (Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 3.0
- The Georgian HouseStephencdickson / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0