Join a curious penguin as it waddles through the corridors of the National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland offers an exciting and educational journey for all ages, whether you’re here to delve into the nation’s history or marvel at the stunning architecture. Let’s embark on this fascinating journey together through the corridors, rooms, and galleries of one of the UK’s finest cultural institutions. The museum is perfect for a rainy day outside, as you can spend one day discovering it all. But even with sunshine outside, we recommend waddling and discovering it, seeing celebrities like Dolly the Sheep, and much more.
Before stepping inside, let’s take a moment to admire the beauty of the building itself. The National Museum of Scotland was established in 1861 and is housed in a magnificent structure combining Victorian and modernist elements. Its iconic design blends classical grandeur with a modern twist. The main building, known as the “Old Building,” features dramatic columns, arched windows, and intricate stonework. Meanwhile, the more contemporary “Glasshouse” provides a bright, airy contrast, with a spectacular glass roof that lets natural light flood the interior.
The breathtaking glass atrium is a highlight that makes any visit memorable. The fusion of old and new architectural styles makes the National Museum a must-see.
Opening Hours and Admission
The National Museum of Scotland is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in its galleries and exhibitions.
Admission is free, although donations are encouraged to help support the museum’s ongoing conservation efforts. A small fee may apply for special exhibits or events, but overall, it remains a highly affordable cultural experience for all.
How long does it take to go through the National Museum of Scotland?
There’s a lot to uncover and explore at the National Museum of Scotland, far more than most people expect. To truly enjoy the experience without rushing, you should set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to visit the main galleries and highlights. However, if you’re keen to dive deeper into the exhibits, explore every floor, and enjoy the rooftop views, you could easily spend a full day here.
Are the animals in the National Museum of Scotland real?
Yes, many of the animals on display at the National Museum of Scotland are real. The museum houses a vast natural sciences collection, including around 35,000 specimens such as skeletons, skulls, mounted animals, skins, and preserved “spirit” specimens. These represent a wide range of British mammals, from insectivores and bats to rodents, carnivores, deer, rabbits, and hares. In recent years, the museum has expanded its collection through collaborations with researchers, helping to document and preserve the diversity of wildlife found across the UK. These specimens play a vital role in scientific research and public education.
Facilities Inside the Museum: Everything You Need for a Comfortable Visit
The National Museum of Scotland has visitor amenities to ensure a smooth experience.
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- Cafés and Dining. There are several café areas within the museum, where you can grab a coffee, a light bite, or a full meal. The Museum Café and Terrace serve various Scottish-inspired dishes, while the more casual “Bistro” offers sandwiches and snacks.
- Shops. The gift shop contains unique Scottish souvenirs, from books and jewellery to stuffed animals (where you can buy a penguin) and bespoke Scottish crafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up a memento of your visit.
- Accessibility. The museum is fully accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility impairments. Elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible toilets are available throughout the building.
- Family Facilities. There are dedicated family-friendly spaces for families, including a hands-on activity zone for children to engage with the exhibits. This allows young visitors (and curious penguins) to interact with the displays, making learning even more fun.
- Guided Tours. If you want a deeper understanding of the exhibits, the museum offers guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. These tours provide fascinating insights into the objects on display.
- Bathrooms. You can find a bathroom on almost every floor if you need it.
- Lockers. There are lockers to leave your belongings, like backpacks, jackets, and securely lock them for a more pleasurable visit.
Our Waddle Across the Museum
The museum’s exhibitions are spread across four floors and cover various topics. Let’s look at some key highlights we were eager to discover.
The Natural World Gallery
The Natural World Gallery will knock your socks off. This is where you’ll find some of the museum’s most popular exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, taxidermy specimens, and a life-sized model of a blue whale. You will no doubt be intrigued by the variety of creatures from around the world, learning all about evolution, biodiversity, and the ecosystems that shape life on Earth. We even found a few penguins.
Must-See Exhibits: A life-size model of a giraffe, a complete dinosaur skeleton, and the impressive whale model suspended from the ceiling.
Scotland’s History Gallery.
This room tells the story of Scotland’s rich past, from prehistoric times to modern times. It’s an intriguing glimpse into the nation’s cultural evolution. The exhibits include medieval armor, Viking artifacts, and more modern relics like a 19th-century railway engine.
Must-See Exhibits: The Stone of Destiny (a symbol of Scottish kingship), the medieval armor collection, and the reconstructed Iron Age roundhouse.
The Kingdom of the Scots Gallery
A deeper dive into Scotland’s royal and political history, this exhibition explores the nation’s monarchy, royal treasures, and the cultural impact of Scotland’s kings and queens. Seeing how humans once ruled vast territories and shaped history is fascinating.
Must-See Exhibits: Mary, Queen of Scots’ silver thistle, King Charles I’s portrait, and the reconstructed throne room.
Science and Technology Gallery
This is the perfect spot for any scientifically minded individuals interested in how humans have shaped the world. The gallery showcases inventions and innovations from Scotland and beyond, including early steam engines, the first photographs, and even space exploration artifacts. It is as interactive as the rest of the museum, and you can try almost everything.
Must-See Exhibits: A 3D interactive display of the steam engine, James Watt’s first-ever working model, and a display dedicated to the development of flight.
Say Hello to Dolly the Sheep: A Scientific Icon
Dolly the Sheep is one of the museum’s most famous residents and a definite must-see. She’s the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell. Preserved and proudly displayed in the Science and Technology Gallery, Dolly stands as a symbol of one of the most groundbreaking scientific achievements of the 20th century. Seeing her up close is bothfascinating and surreal; it’s not every day you come face to face with a creature that changed the course of genetic science. For many, Dolly is a museum highlight, sparking curiosity and conversation about the ethics, possibilities, and future of cloning.
The World Cultures Gallery
This gallery is a passport to far-off lands, showcasing objects and artworks from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and beyond. For anyone looking to expand their horizons, this gallery is full of vibrant textiles, intricate jewellery, and fascinating cultural relics. It’s a perfect chance for anyone to learn about different cultures’ diverse traditions and practices.
Must-See Exhibits: A stunning collection of African masks, Japanese Samurai armor, and ancient Peruvian mummies.
The Art and Design Gallery
The keen beauty and craftsmanship in this gallery will provide ample inspiration. The National Museum of Scotland holds a fantastic collection of Scottish and European decorative arts, including fine glassware, pottery, and sculptures. It’s an ideal place to admire artistic talent, both old and new.
Must-See Exhibits: The collection of Scottish silver and contemporary Scottish art, as well as the decorative ceramics collection.
The Fashion and Textiles Gallery
We also explored fashion history, with collections spanning centuries of sartorial trends. You might be intrigued by the varied styles of human clothing, from medieval gowns to modern haute couture. The exhibition displays textiles from around the world, including tartan—of course!
Must-See Exhibits: Traditional Scottish kilts and modern fashion collections from designers like Vivienne Westwood.
Don’t Miss: The Rooftop Terrace
One of our favorite things is always to get a rooftop view, and the one at the top of the National Museum is one for the keepers. It is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. After exploring the wonders inside, take the elevator—or waddle the stairs—to the top floor, where a panoramic outdoor space awaits. This serene terrace offers stunning views across Edinburgh, including iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and Arthur’s Seat in the distance.
This breezy vantage point might feel closer to home—open skies, fresh air, and a sweeping view of the city below. It’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of the museum and the city surrounding it.
The terrace is accessible during museum opening hours and is free to visit, just like the rest of the museum. Whether you’re looking to snap a few memorable photos or simply rest your feet, this rooftop gem provides a moment of calm and perspective at the end of an inspiring journey through Scotland’s past and present.
Our Take On What We Loved and What We’d Do Differently
Visiting the National Museum of Scotland was an unforgettable experience that stands out among Edinburgh’s top attractions. We especially loved the beautiful light-filled Grand Gallery, with its soaring glass ceiling and elegant white ironwork; it feels like stepping into a cathedral of knowledge. The exhibitions are awe-inspiring, covering everything from natural history and science to world cultures and Scottish heritage. We also really enjoyed how interactive the museum is, with plenty of hands-on displays and multimedia elements that make learning fun for both kids and adults, and even penguins.
The gift shop is another highlight, packed with well-curated, high-quality items that go far beyond typical souvenirs—we found some genuinely lovely pieces there. And we were pleasantly surprised to see that you can bring your own food and have a picnic in one of the museum’s designated areas, including the Rooftop Terrace, which offers a peaceful space with jaw-dropping views over Edinburgh. The whole museum feels thoughtfully designed and genuinely made for the people.
If we had one regret, we didn’t reserve enough time to explore it properly. The museum is vast, much larger than it seems at first glance, and ideally deserves a full day or multiple visits. Also, having a detailed map or clearer signage would have made navigating the different galleries and levels easier. It’s easy to miss something incredible if you don’t know where to look. Next time, we’ll come prepared with more time and maybe even plan our route ahead of the visit.
Overall, we recommend the National Museum of Scotland to anyone visiting Edinburgh. Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a family looking for a fun and educational day out, this museum truly has something for everyone. It’s beautifully designed, thoughtfully curated, and completely free to enter. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore, because once you start wandering through its many fascinating galleries, you’ll quickly realize you could spend hours and still not see it all. It’s a place that invites you back, again and again.
Pack your bag and explore more!
