Summary
- History of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
- What to see and do at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh?
- How do I get to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh?
- Timetables & Fares for the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
- FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Are you planning a stay in the capital of Scotland? Be sure to visit the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh to learn more about this beautiful country!
Head for Edinburgh! Dominated by its castle, it abounds in treasures and is above all rich in an incredible medieval heritage as well as an exciting culture! The capital of Scotland will offer you a very full stay, if only because of its "Old Town" and "New Town" districts, the latter being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But the city is also full of exciting attractions. Among them, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is not to be missed! Works of art, jewels, weapons and armour... There will be something for everyone!
To help you visit the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, we have prepared a mini-guide with all the important information you need to know. Here's everything you need to know to visit the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh!
Also read: 11 must-do things to do in Edinburgh
History of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
Established in 2006, the National Museum of Scotland was in fact born from a merger between the Museum of Scotland, which was dedicated to the history and culture of Scotland, and the Royal Museum, a natural history museum.
Today, it holds a large number of diverse and varied treasures, ranging from science, archaeology, fashion, history, and much more! Numerous exhibitions also take place throughout the year. The museum is one of the National Museums of Scotland.
What to see and do at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh?
In order to organise and prepare your visit as well as possible, we advise you to download the museum map beforehand, so that you can see all the things you'll want to see!
You should know that the exhibitions are grouped by period and theme, and spread over 6 floors. For example, theprehistoric period is on the ground floor: you will discover how the first men lived on Scottish territory. You can also discover thehistory of fashion, the" Natural World" which is dedicated to endangered species and the evolution of the planet, an exhibition on the different cultures of the world...
On the first and second floors, you will find among other things exhibitions retracing history from the year 900 to 1707: important monuments, influential people, nation building... The part dedicated to the transformation of Scotland, between 1707 and the 19th century, is on the third floor, while you will find all thehistory of the Industry and the Empire on the 4th floor.
The sixth floor contains a number of films and objects from the end of the First World War to the present day. Finally, the seventh floor is actually a huge terrace, from where you can enjoy an incredible view of the whole city!
Things not to be missed:
- The great gallery
- The Millennium Clock
- The Crown Jewels
- Fun and scientific animations
- The famous stuffed "Dolly" sheep
- The gallery dedicated to fashion
The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions and theme evenings! Young and old, lovers of history, science, culture or simply curious, you are bound to find what you are looking for if you come to visit the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh! Lively, playful and impressive, it abounds in wonders from all eras!
How do I get to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh?
There are several ways to get to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, located at Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, in the Old Town south of Royal Mine :
- By bike: Edinburgh is a very pleasant city to cycle through, due to its many greenways and cycle paths.
You will find many places with bike racks near the museum on Chambers street. - By Bus: Manybuses go through the city centre and stop in front of the museum on Chambers Street, or nearby on the George IV and South Bridges (Lines 24, 35, 41, X54 and X61). You can find all the information you need on the Lothian Bus Company's website.
- By train: The nearesttrain station is Edinburgh Waverley. The museum is a 10-15 minute walk away. All train fares and timetables can be found here.
- By car: You will need to follow the signs to the city centre. You can get a reduced parking rate with your museum entrance ticket. Please go to the museum ticket office to validate your parking ticket (outside of August) and park at NCP Castle Terrace Car Park.
Timetable & Fares of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
SCHEDULE
The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and from 12 noon to 5pm on 26 December and 1 January. The museum is closed on 25 December.
RATES
Admission to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is free.
Access to certain exhibitions may be subject to a fee. Visit the official website for more information.
Three guided tours per day are offered free of charge:
- Discovery of the National Museum of Scotland, from 11am to 12pm.
- Highlights of Scotland's galleries, from 1pm to 2pm
- Theme tour (varies each day), from 3pm to 4pm
