National Museum of Scotland — Attraction in City of Edinburgh

The National Museum of Scotland, located in the heart of Edinburgh, is an extraordinary institution that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and science. Housed in a striking building that combines Victorian and modern architectural elements, the museum is one of the most popular attractions in Scotland, drawing visitors from all over the world.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the Grand Gallery, a breathtaking atrium that sets the tone for the rest of the museum. The Grand Gallery is filled with natural light and features an impressive array of exhibits that span various disciplines. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that this museum is dedicated to offering an immersive and educational experience.

The museum's collections are vast and diverse, covering everything from natural history to world cultures, science, technology, and Scottish history. One of the standout exhibits is the "Scotland Transformed" gallery, which delves into the nation's social, economic, and cultural evolution from the 18th century to the present day. This gallery offers fascinating insights into how Scotland has shaped and been shaped by global events.

The natural history section is another highlight, featuring a life-sized cast of a T. rex skeleton, among other prehistoric wonders. The "Window on the World" display, one of the largest single museum installations in the UK, showcases over 800 objects, providing a snapshot of the museum's extensive and eclectic collections.

For those interested in science and technology, the "Enlightenment" gallery is a treasure trove of innovations and discoveries that highlight Scotland's contributions to these fields. The gallery features a variety of artifacts, including James Watt's early steam engine and Alexander Graham Bell's telephone, illustrating the nation’s pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution and beyond.

The museum also excels in its interactive elements, making it particularly engaging for younger visitors. The science and technology galleries feature numerous hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to explore scientific principles and historical inventions in a fun and educational manner.

In addition to its permanent collections, the National Museum of Scotland hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events, ensuring that there is always something new to discover. The museum also offers excellent facilities, including a well-stocked gift shop, a café with stunning views of the city, and ample spaces for relaxation and contemplation.

The staff at the National Museum of Scotland are knowledgeable and passionate, contributing significantly to the overall visitor experience. Their expertise and enthusiasm help bring the exhibits to life, providing deeper insights and enriching the educational value of the museum.

In summary, the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage and the broader world. Its comprehensive collections, engaging exhibits, and beautiful setting make it a standout institution that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for an enjoyable day out, the National Museum of Scotland promises a memorable and...

This museum is in a beautiful building and contains an exciting assortment of cultural, scientific, and historic exhibitions, but too many displays lack necessary context. I was particularly disappointed about the minimal discussion of climate, colonialism, and race issues, as well as the active perpetuation of anti-semetic and racist stereotypes. Energy/science sections were outright sponsored by oil & gas companies (see an example in attached image) and the one section on climate change and environmental destruction was tucked away in a back corner on the top floor, away from the family-accessible exhibitions where such issues (poaching, human-caused climate change, habitat destruction) were relevant. Discussions of human caused extinction did not mention insects at all (by some estimates 80% of insect populations alive 20 years ago are dead now), despite the insect die-off being arguably the most relevant issue to the general public. Perhaps being in the pocket of Oil/Gas is the norm in science/natural history museums these days, but I am most concerned about racist and colonial exhibitions that are not displayed with the context this age demands. Specific examples include but are not limited to:

The Millennium Clock Tower, which seems to have a number of caricatures of Jewish people, with long noses and tails, as well as the front and center African Art caricature, displayed in the form of an ape (see image). This art piece is displayed without any mention of these harmful stereotypes and instead only praises the White European artists and engineers who created the piece. Unqualified praise of Scottish colonisers who did indeed make many advancements for Scotland and the “West” but were incredibly violent and culturally destructive towards indigenous communities. A display about Scottish immigrants in the USA wrote that they forged westwards into “a nation rich in land and natural resources and ripe for settlement,” a statement which erases the genocide of Native Americans. There is no mention of Native Americans in this display. In the fossil fuel energy section, there is a large display looping a video of a deep sea oil platform with nostalgic music in the background, which is announced to be “with thanks to Maersk Drilling” at the conclusion of the video. This is propagandist and the small mention of climate impacts in this section is tucked between two large displays praising both oil and coal as revolutionary energy sources.

This museum’s overall lack of nuance strikes me as particularly harmful when I consider that this museum is geared towards the younger generation, and hosts many visitors who do not have a base-level understanding of climate change, decolonialisation, or anti-racism. There are a few displays tucked away in corners that make a small effort to address these issues, but it is absolutely essential that in this day and age they are integrated into the displays and interactive activities that visitors actually brush against. I will be contacting the museum with this feedback and will add a post-script to my review if...

The National Museum of Scotland is the kind of place that makes you wish for Hermione Granger’s time-turner—there’s just no way to see everything in one visit unless you can bend time. The museum is enormous, housing a treasure trove of exhibits spread across countless halls, covering everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge technology. It’s also completely free, which makes it feel like you’ve stumbled onto the world’s best bargain. However, you’ll need a strategy to navigate it, as the sheer scale of the place and the bustling crowds can make it feel like a marathon rather than a leisurely stroll.

We arrived with high hopes and about an hour and a half before closing, a rookie mistake given the museum’s vastness. The place was packed, and maneuvering through the exhibits felt a bit like being part of a human pinball machine. If you’re expecting a quiet moment to contemplate the wonders of history, good luck—it’s more like trying to appreciate the Mona Lisa at peak tourist hour. Despite the crowds, the museum’s charm shone through. For kids and adults alike, it’s a wonderland of discovery, from towering dinosaur skeletons that make you feel like an extra in Jurassic Park to Victorian-era inventions that make you thankful for Wi-Fi.

One of the highlights was the Grand Gallery, a breathtaking atrium with soaring ceilings and an eclectic mix of exhibits that include everything from an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus to a giant lighthouse lens. Fun fact: the building itself is a work of art, a mix of Victorian architecture and modern design, and it’s just as much an exhibit as anything inside it. We tried to take in as much as we could, darting from one hall to the next, but the museum’s labyrinthine layout meant we probably missed half of what it had to offer.

The kids were particularly enchanted by the Natural World galleries, where they could gawk at a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex and marvel at taxidermied animals from every corner of the globe. Meanwhile, the Science and Technology section was a playground for the curious, filled with interactive exhibits that let you tinker with physics, marvel at space exploration, and feel smarter than you actually are for a brief moment.

Despite its many wonders, the museum isn’t without its quirks. The crowds were a bit of a buzzkill, and the lack of clear signage meant we spent more time than we’d like trying to figure out where we were. Pro tip: grab a map at the entrance or risk wandering around like you’re in the world’s most educational maze. Still, these minor gripes pale in comparison to the sheer joy of discovering a place where you can see everything from medieval swords to futuristic robots under one roof.

The National Museum of Scotland is a gem, a free-for-all of knowledge, history, and fun. Whether you’re an ancient history buff, a science geek, or someone just looking for a way to kill a few hours, this place has something for everyone. Just don’t make the same mistake we did—give yourself plenty of time to explore, and maybe pack a snack for...