National Museum of Scotland Tours

National Museum of Scotland which includes interior views as well as a large group of people
Science, nature, history and culture come together in this spectacular museum, which celebrates learning about the world and all its wonders.

Be engrossed for hours in the National Museum of Scotland’s fascinating exhibits. This celebrated attraction packs hundreds of displays into its high-ceilinged galleries and white-marble corridors. A comprehensive look at Scottish history adds local interest, while exhibits dedicated to anthropology and technology give the museum a global perspective.

See the building inspired by London’s Crystal Palace and constructed during the museum boom of the late-Victorian era. A redevelopment that involved merging the museum with a neighboring building led to a grand reopening in 2011.

Enter through the doors under the main sandstone façade to a cloistered lobby beneath the main hall. As well as a gift shop and restaurant, this foyer includes an information point, which offers maps and brochures with additional facts.

From here, take one of the free guided tours that run daily. Choose from three different kinds of tours: a general overview, one dedicated to Scotland and a third tour option, with changing daily topics. Self-guided tours are available using the museum's free app.

Head upstairs into the Grand Gallery. This atrium forms the center of the museum and features cast-iron pillars and a glass ceiling. Browse galleries on three levels dedicated to cultures from around the world, the denizens of the animal kingdom and the wonders of outer space.

Set your watch by the surreal Millennium Clock, an artistic timepiece on the side of the main hall. Macabre sculptures whir and spin at the turning of the hours as a Bach concerto plays to mark the passing of time.

Learn about Scottish history in the Scotland galleries. This maze of rooms traces the story of the nation, displaying carvings from the Pictish era, weapons from religious wars and machinery from the Industrial Revolution.

Enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh’s historic buildings from the museum’s roof terrace. Use the maps and information points to help identify the different sights.

To get to the museum, walk for 10 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station or take a bus to Chambers Street stop, directly outside. The National Museum of Scotland has free admission and is open throughout the year.

Plan a trip to see National Museum of Scotland

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Reviews of National Museum of Scotland

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
343
" "5 - Excellent 68.7374749498998%
4 - Good
133
" "4 - Good 26.65330661322645%
3 - Okay
21
" "3 - Okay 4.208416833667335%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.40080160320641284%
1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 31, 2020

A huge museum, with lots of fun activities for children, free entrance.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 4, 2019

Loved this jewel. Old story and contemporary. Great location.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 23, 2019

Wild Scotland was great.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 7, 2019

Great fun for all ages! The Scottish history section was our primary reason to visit, but we saw activities and exhibits that would interest every member of our family from our three year old grandson up!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 26, 2019

We spent only an hour, but should have doubled that easily

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 19, 2019

Free admission to this vast, diverse Museum. Concentrated on the large areas related to Scotland's history and culture. Very enjoyable.

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