Edinburgh's premier museum covering Scottish history, nature, science, and technology. Highlights include Mary Queen of Scots relics, the Monymusk Reliquary, and Dolly the cloned sheep.
The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street in Edinburgh is the country's premier museum and its most visited cultural institution, attracting over two million visitors in a typical year. It is housed in two conjoined buildings: a Victorian Scots Renaissance structure designed by Francis Fowke, completed in 1888, and a modern extension by Benson and Forsyth, opened in 1998 and recognised for its architectural quality. The permanent collection spans Scottish history, natural world, science and technology, world cultures, and art and design, and entry to all permanent galleries is free.
The Scottish history galleries on the first and second floors trace the nation's story from the Mesolithic period to the 20th century. Among the most significant objects is the Monymusk Reliquary, a small cedarwood portable shrine of around 750 CE believed to have carried relics of St Columba and to have been present on the Scottish side at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. An extensive collection of Jacobite material includes objects associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the 1745 Rising, while the personal effects and death mask of Mary Queen of Scots form one of the most affecting displays in the building. The museum holds a portion of the Lewis Chessmen alongside those in the British Museum, allowing for direct comparison of the medieval ivory pieces.
The natural world galleries contain extensive geological, fossil, and zoological specimens, including a 22-million-year-old Pelorosaurus skeleton and taxidermied examples of Scottish wildlife. In the science and technology galleries, Dolly the sheep — the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, who lived at the Roslin Institute near Edinburgh and died in 2003 — is preserved and on permanent display, representing one of the most significant scientific objects in any British museum. The decorative art and design galleries cover Scottish silver, ceramics, textiles, and craft across seven centuries.
The museum's rooftop terrace, accessible from the modern extension on the upper floors, provides a free panoramic view across Edinburgh's Old Town skyline including the Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the spires of the medieval city. The museum runs an active programme of temporary exhibitions and evening events throughout the year.
Highlights
- Monymusk Reliquary (c. 750 CE): portable cedarwood shrine believed present at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314
- Dolly the sheep: the world's first mammal cloned from an adult cell, on permanent display in the science galleries
- Mary Queen of Scots collection: personal effects, death mask, and extensive Jacobite material
- Lewis Chessmen: the National Museum of Scotland's holding of the famous 12th-century medieval ivory pieces
- Free rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Edinburgh's Old Town and Castle
Tips for visiting
- Entry is entirely free with no ticket or pre-booking required for the permanent collection
- Begin with the Scottish History galleries on the upper floors and work downward for chronological flow
- The rooftop terrace is free and open during museum hours — one of the best free viewpoints in Edinburgh
- Temporary exhibitions on the ground floor may carry a separate charge; check the website before visiting
- The museum cafe in the Victorian main hall fills quickly at lunchtime; arrive before noon or after 2pm
- A free floor map is available at the Welcome desk — the two-building layout can be confusing on a first visit
- The museum is a 10-minute walk from Waverley railway station and directly accessible from the Grassmarket
Accessibility
The museum is fully step-free throughout, with accessible entrances on Chambers Street, lifts to all floors, accessible toilets on every level, a hearing loop in major galleries, and wheelchairs available to borrow at the Welcome desk.
Frequently asked questions
Is the National Museum of Scotland free?
Yes, entry to the permanent collection is entirely free with no pre-booking required. Some temporary exhibitions carry a separate charge.
How long does a visit take?
A focused visit to the Scottish history galleries and the science highlights takes about 2 hours. Covering the full museum including natural world, technology, and decorative arts comfortably fills a full day.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
The museum is fully accessible, with step-free entrances on Chambers Street, lifts to all gallery floors, accessible toilets on every level, and a hearing loop in the main galleries. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Can visitors see Dolly the sheep?
Yes, Dolly is on permanent display in the science and technology galleries. The exhibit explains the cloning process, the significance of the Roslin Institute research, and the wider implications for genetics.