The National Museums Scotland's Exhibitions List Until 12/22
By: BWW News Desk Oct. 30, 2013
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Mary, Queen of Scots
28 June - 17 November 2013
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Cost: Adult £9, Concession £7.50, Child (12-15) £6, Under 12s free, National Museums Scotland Members free, National Art Pass holders receive 50% discount.
Arguably one of the most enigmatic figures in Scottish history, the story of Mary, Queen of Scots can still arouse strong emotions: was she betrayed by those she trusted, condemned to die a Catholic martyr, or a murdering adulteress with her husband's blood on her hands? This major exhibition, only showing in Edinburgh, provides a unique opportunity to re-evaluate much that has been written and speculated about this charismatic monarch, drawing together surviving relics intimately connected with Mary and wider Renaissance material, such as documents, portraits, jewellery, furniture and textiles.
Hunting the Higgs Boson
27 September 2013 - 16 February 2014
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free
This small exhibition explores the journey and continuing quest to discover the fundamental structure of the universe, and includes objects from CERN as well personal artefacts from Professor Peter Higgs.
Kabuki: Japanese Theatre Prints
4 October 2013 - 2 February 2014
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free
Come face to face with Kabuki theatre's most famous warriors, villains, heroes and heroines through 61 of the finest Japanese woodblock prints from the Museums' collection. The striking designs present vivid depictions of Kabuki, the popular form of traditional, all-male, Japanese theatre which combines drama, music, dance and acrobatics in convoluted plots concerning dramatic emotional conflicts and feats of derring-do. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view these beautiful images and to learn more about a fascinating cultural and social period in Japanese history.
Creative Spirit: Revealing Early Medieval Scotland
25 October 2013 - 23 February 2014
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free
The Glenmorangie Early Medieval Research Project casts new light on iconic objects from the time of the Picts and the Gaels. This small exhibition presents re-creations which bring back to life objects that did not survive or are badly preserved, made using traditional craft skills and innovative technology.
National War Museum
Edinburgh Castle, EH1 2NG
Arctic Convoys 1941-45
24 May 2013 - March 2014
Free with admission to Edinburgh Castle
Sailing from Scotland, Iceland and North America to ports in northern Russian, the Arctic convoys carried vital supplies to the Russian allies. As well as facing the constant possibility of attack from German U boats, the men who sailed on these ships faced some of the toughest conditions of the war: freezing cold, storms and treacherous fog. Thousands of British merchant and naval seamen lost their lives in this operation. Through photographs, letters, interviews and personal possessions, this exhibition tells the story of the courage and determination of these wartime heroes.
Events/Activities
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
For Everyone
Champagne Flutes Trio
14 December, 15:15 - 16:00
Grand Gallery
Champagne Flutes is a trio comprising of flute students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, their repertoire ranges from the early baroque period to works by modern day composers. Come and enjoy them play in the magnificent setting of the Museum's Grand Gallery
Christmas Choirs
15 December, 13:30 - 16:00
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free, drop-in
Get in the festive spirit with concerts from local choirs.
For Adults
Mary, Queen of Scots lectures for groups
Cost: £5 per head (45 mins). Please note this does not include entry to the exhibition.
Enhance your group visit to our Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition with an illuminating introductory talk by a museum expert. Available for adult groups (minimum 20, maximum 60) on specified weekdays only. Information and booking on 0131 247 4041 or tours@nms.ac.uk
Spotlight On: Creative Spirit
31 October, 14:00 - 15:00
Seminar Room, Learning Centre, Level 4
Free - book in advance. To book call 0300 123 6789
Curator Martin Goldberg and Glenmorangie Research officer Mhairi Maxwell introduce highlights of our exhibition showcasing the work of an award-winning research partnership which is bringing ancient objects to life through contemporary craftwork and digital technology.
Kabuku: Japanese Theatre on Film
7 November, 18:30 - 20:00
Auditorium, Level 1
Cost: Adults £6, Members and concessions £5
This fascinating documentary about contemporary Kabuki actor Kamejiro Ichikawa II explores the family traditions, staging and costume of this unique theatrical genre. Screening followed by a discussion with the film's director Yoshitaro Saito. In Japanese with subtitles.
RBS Museum Lates: Mary, Queen of Scots
8 November, 19:00 - 22:30
Cost: £18/£16 (entry to Lates and Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition), £10/£8 (entry to Lates only). 18+ only. To book call 0300 123 6789
Don't miss the latest in our award-winning series of late night extravaganzas with a last chance to see our spectacular Mary, Queen of Scotsexhibition and an exciting programme of live music, entertainment, culture, bars and surprises, including Silent Disco, face-painting, animal handling and a headline performance from upbeat Glaswegian indie pop sensations Blood Relatives.
Scotland's Living Reefs FULLY BOOKED
9 November, 14:00 - 15:00
Flame shells, mussels and fan worms build diverse and vibrant living reefs in Scottish coastal waters. Dan Harries, marine ecologist at Heriot-Watt University, explores their fragile habitats. Found a shell and want to find out what it is? Bring it along at 12:30 and our experts will identify it.
The talk is part of the Regional Meeting of the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Spotlight On: Ballad of the Five Marys FULLY BOOKED
14 November, 14:00 - 15:00
Seminar Room, Learning Centre, Level 4
Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, presents his contemporary fiction exploring the central issues of Mary Queen of Scots' reign as seen through the eyes of others.
Saturday Showcase: Iconic Queens
16 November, 13:30 - 16:00
Auditorium, Level 1
Cost: Adults £10, Concessions and Members £8. To book call 0300 123 6789
From 16th century portraits to modern reconstructions, visual representations of Mary, Queen of Scots and her cousin Elizabeth have taken many forms. Discover more with our expert panel, including Tarnya Cooper from the National Portrait Gallery, London. Refreshments included.
Spotlight On: Hunting the Higgs Boson
21 November, 14:00 - 15:00
Auditorium, Level 1
Free - book in advance. To book call 0300 123 6789
Exhibition curator Tacye Phillipson is joined by Dr Victoria Martin from the University of Edinburgh, part of the ATLAS team who found the Higgs boson at CERN in 2012. Together they explore the hunt for this elusive particle, which culminated in the recent award of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics to François Englert and Peter Higgs.
Annual Open Evening
21 November, 18:00
Free, booking essential - to book tickets email events@nms.ac.uk
National Museums Scotland has seen another year of record-breaking visitor numbers, hosted major international exhibitions and award-winning events. Join us for an evening of behind-the-scenes insight to our success and hear from our experts how we build our world-class exhibitions, develop national and international links and our plans to further develop the National Museum of Flight. The event will be hosted by our Chairman Bruce Minto and our Director Dr Gordon Rintoul. Tea and coffee will be available on arrival.
Moku Hanga: Introduction to Japanese Woodblock Printing
22 November, 12:30 - 15:30
Cost: £5. To book call 0300 123 6789
Take inspiration from our exhibition, Kabuki: Japanese Theatre Prints, to make your own woodblock print with artist and printmaker, Elspeth Lamb. Moku Hanga is the unique Japanese art-form of printing blocks with water-based pigments, known for its intense application of colour. One of the beauties of this technique is that it does not require solvents or a printing press - so the technique can be applied at home without expensive equipment. All materials will be supplied but please bring along a simple line drawing to work from.
Creative Spirit: Meet the Makers
7 December, 12:00 - 16:00
Learning Centre, Level 4
Free, drop-in
From making Medieval shoes to re-creating Early Medieval treasures using digital technology, join us for demonstrations, talks and workshops, and meet some of the makers involved in this unique project to find out more about their creative processes. Further details available soon.
Creative Spirit: Jewellery Workshop
7 December, 13:30 - 16:30
Learning Centre, Level 4
Cost: Adults £25, Members and Concessions £22. To book call 0300 123 6789
Join artist-jeweller Dorothy Hogg and be inspired by the silver pieces in Creative Spirit to make a unique pendant.
Daily tours
New Galleries taster tour
11:00 (1 hr)
Free
Suitable for: Adults
Venue: Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0.
Join one of our New Galleries Taster guided tours and discover some of the highlights in the new galleries.
Themed tours
13:00 (1 hr)
Free
Suitable for: Adults
Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0.
Join us for our exciting programme of in-depth tours with a different theme every day. You can see the schedule at www.nms.ac.uk/tours
Scotland highlight tours
15:00 (1 hr)
Free
Suitable for: Adults
Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0.
Join one of our daily guided tours and discover some of the highlights in the Scotland galleries.
For Families
Kabuki Kids
16 - 17 November, 12:00 - 16:00
Grand Gallery
Free, drop-in (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Inspired by Kabuki: Japanese Theatre Prints exhibition, create a Japanese paper or peg figure and get your face painted Kabuki-style! There will also be traditional Koto and Shamisen music between 12:00 - 14:00 each day.
Museum Takeover Day
28 November
Young people take over the Museum's events programme for the day - stop by to see what they have in store!
St Andrew's 'Shorts'
30 November, 11:00 and 14:00 (2 hr)
Hawthornden Court, Level 1
Free, drop-in
Bite-sized interactive snippets of Scottish history! Step back in time and encounter everyday characters from Scottish history, all with a story to tell. There's a steam engine driver, an alewife, an Edinburgh doctor, and a punishment wifie in the stocks! Who will you meet today?
Christmas Crafternoons
14 - 15 December, 12:00 - 16:00
Free, drop-in
Make a festive decoration inspired by our collections.
Magic Carpet
Wednesday during term time
10:30 and 11:30 (25 mins)
Suitable for ages 2-4 (+ their adult)
Free - sign up on day at Info Desk, Entrance Hall, Level 0, as places are limited
The National Museum of Scotland's magic carpet introduces little ones to some of the fantastic things in the museum through 20 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery or theme every week. Look out for special guests too!
Magic Carpet Minis
Thursdays during term time
10:30 and 11:30 (20 mins)
Suitable for ages 0-2 (+ their adult)
Free - sign up on day at Info Desk, Entrance Hall, Level 0, as places are limited
Join the National Museum of Scotland for magic carpet sessions for really little ones and their adults. Go along for songs, stories, rhymes and objects in the unique museum setting.
Friday Afternoon Fun
Fridays during term time
13:30 - 16:30
Free, drop-in
Let out of school early? Make the most of your half-day Friday and come and have some fun with the National Museum of Scotland! Drop by for free activities such as Gallery Safaris, make-and-take and object handling. Check out information screens on the day for details.
National War Museum
Edinburgh Castle, EH1 2NG
Soldiers at War: Second World War Soldier
10 November, 10:00 - 16:00
Hospital Square, National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle
Cost included in Edinburgh Castle admission
Learn about the experiences of Scottish soldiers from the Second World War this special re-enactment Remembrance Sunday event.
Military Ancestors Workshop
12 & 19 November, 14:00 - 16:00
Free, booking essential. 18+ only. To book call 0300 123 6789
The National War Museum's library has resources that may help you to research your military ancestors. These include army lists going back to 1740, through which brief details of an officer's career may be traced, including rolls of honour, medal rolls, casualty lists and regimental histories. Join Information Services staff in a workshop on how to use these resources and other sources of information.
Soldiers at War: The Crimean War
24 November, 10:00 - 16:00
Hospital Square, National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle
Cost included in Edinburgh Castle admission
Meet Crimean War re-enactor and bestselling children's author Allan Burnett whose uniform was inspired from the National War Museum's collections, and made by a costumier who worked on the Sharpe series.
National Museum of Rural Life
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR
Halloween in the Country
31 October, 17:00 - 19:00 (normal museum opening hours 10:00 - 17:00)
Free, no need to book. Children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult
Join in the spooky fun on this, the scariest night of the year! Take part in apple-dooking, scary trails and lots of spirited activities.
Autumn Stargazing
13 November, 19:00 - 21:00 (normal museum opening hours 10:00 - 17:00)
Free, no need to book. Children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult
Try your eye for astronomy with the Clydesdale Astronomical Society (weather permitting) and find out what the heavens have to offer this autumn.
National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
Home Front Christmas
7 - 8 December, 10:00 - 16:00
Cost included in Museum admission
Enjoy a weekend of wartime festivities and meet Santa on board our Boeing 707. Explore the hangars, Nissen huts, blast shelters and historic buildings and investigate the aircraft, from the Comet and Concorde to the Spitfire and Sea Hawk. The Aviator Café is open all day with a full range of homemade delights and the shop is also open to purchase those essential Christmas goodies.
Listings are now available as RSS feeds:
National Museum of Scotland
National War Museum
National Museum of Rural Life
National Museum of Flight
Museum addresses:
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian EH39 5LF
National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789/www.nms.ac.uk
For images or any further information please contact the press office on 0131 247 4391 or email media@nms.ac.uk
Notes for Editors: National Museums Scotland looks after museum collections of national and international importance and provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.
Esme Haigh
Marketing & Communications Assistant
National Museums Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1JF
Tel: +44 (0) 131 247 4391
Email: e.haigh@nms.ac.uk
Our exclusive summer exhibition is now on! Discover the epic tale of Mary, Queen of Scots until 17 November 2013.
www.nms.ac.uk/mary
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