https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is the best place to learn more about Scottish history. From tartans to royalty, the museum tells the story of this craggy country in an accessible way.
History
The National Museum of Scotland is two museums in one – a museum with historical artifacts dating from prehistoric times mixed with a museum dedicated to science and technology. It is the result of a merger between two museums in 1996 and is housed in a building that represents the dichotomy with a modern side and a Victorian side with a cast iron grand hall.
The historical displays tell the history of Scotland from the Vikings to the Jacobites to its modern relationship with England. The natural and mechanical science displays celebrate technology and progress in Scotland and around the world.
Visit
The National Museum of Scotland is a must-see on any trip to Edinburgh. It’s free and located a few blocks off the Royal Mile near the popular Greyfriars’ Bobby statue and the places that inspired Harry Potter. It’s worth popping into even for just a quick visit!
The building is a little confusing so be sure to pick up a map at the entrance (or study this map before your visit). There are six floors and so much to see but I’ll hit the main historical highlights below. Be sure to follow the Rick Steves’ tour plan to make the most of your visit.
You’ll enter into the main entrance hall and take the stairs or elevator up one floor to the Grand Gallery. Its beautiful cast iron ceiling is a wonder that will amaze even kids!
This hall houses many cool science and technology exhibits that kids might want to see. One thing you definitely don’t want to miss is Dolly the sheep – the stuffed animal that was the world’s first cloned mammal!
Head to the far right end (under the clock) to enter the Scottish history wing. For anyone who is familiar with Scottish history, this is where you want to spend the majority of your visit!
Enter the Kingdom of the Scots room, and you’ll immediately see a quote from the Declaration of Arbroath from 1320. “As long as only one hundred of us remain alive we will never on any conditions be brought under English rule.”
Thus began the Scottish fight for independence that some would say is still going on today!
These rooms are full of important Scottish history artifacts from the 900s-late 1600s. There’s a whole exhibit dedicated to Robert the Bruce and a display has his sword along with William Wallace’s sword.
My favorite part was getting to the Stuarts royal line with Mary Queen of Scots and her son, James who became the ruler of not only Scotland but England as well. You can see his baby cradle and a copy of her tomb.
Continue the tour up to level 3 where Outlander fans will rejoice. This exhibit, Scotland Transformed, focuses on the 1700s and the Jacobite rebellions. There is so much to see here about how the Scottish people lived, including a thatched roof hut.
My favorite part of this exhibit was the Jacobite rebellion artifacts, including important pieces from the pivotal Battle of Culloden. I kept imagining Jamie Fraser using these weapons or Bonnie Prince Charlie eating from the silverware!
There are more exhibits to see upstairs about Scotland through the modern era. Or you can head over into the natural sciences wing to see artifacts ranging from Ancient Egypt through modern science. The basement houses prehistoric relics and artifacts from the Viking and Roman times.
While you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to walk across the street to the famous Greyfriars Bobby statue that honors a real dog who slept on his master’s grave at the nearby cemetery for 14 years. It was even in a Disney movie!
The Greyfriars Cemetery is a must-visit for any Harry Potter fans as JK Rowling would wander its paths while writing the books, stumbling across names like McGonagall. The Elephant House restaurant (currently closed) along the main road leading to the Royal Mile was Rowling’s main writing spot.
While in Edinburgh, take some time to visit the National Museum of Scotland to learn more about this fiercely independent and loyal people who made such a large impact on history. It’s a fun museum that is perfect especially on a rainy Scottish day!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: Free
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 1 hour
- Gift shop located onsite or online
- Transportation: The museum is a short 2-block walk from the Royal Mile. It’s also accessible via Edinburgh’s bus or tram systems.
- Dining options: There are two cafes in the museum. You can also eat at the famous Greyfriars Bobby Bar which is a traditional pub with amazing pies. There are many restaurants lining the main street and you’re close to the Royal Mile (see my Edinburgh guide for recommendations).
- Nearby hotels: The Royal Mile is dotted with hotels, including my recommended hotel, Cheval Old Town Chambers. We absolutely loved our townhouse rooms!
- Nearby attractions include: Greyfriars Bobby statue, Greyfriars Kirk (Church) and Cemetery, National Library of Scotland, Victoria Street with its charming shops and restaurants, Grassmarket with lots of restaurants, and the heart of the Royal Mile with St. Giles’ Cathedral and The Real Mary King’s Close
Books to Read:
I’ve listed just a few books below about Scottish history. For a more complete list, see my Edinburgh guide or my Bookshop.org Scotland book list. (All links are affiliate links)
Adult/Young Adult
- Scotland: The Story of a Nation
- How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe’s Poorest Nation Created Our World & Everything in It
- Mary Queen of Scots
- Outlander (for mature audiences only)
Middle Grade
- City of Ghosts (older middle grade)
- The Dangerous Lives of the Jacobites: Fact-tastic Stories from Scotland’s History
- Horrible Histories Special: Scotland
- Horrible Histories Gruesome Guides: Edinburgh
Picture Books
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