National Museums of Scotland Release Schedule for June 2016, and Beyond

National Museum of Scotland

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

Fossil Hunters: Unearthing the Mystery of Life on Land

19 Feb - 14 Aug 2016

Free

Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3

Discover how life on earth moved from water onto land 360-345 million years ago through ground-breaking discoveries made in Scotland. See fossils unearthed as recently as summer 2015, meet the people who uncovered these remarkable finds, discover the scientific techniques used to extract and identify them, and glimpse what life was like before the dinosaurs.

This exhibition is informed by the findings of the TW:eed research project.

Kindly supported by the National Environment Research Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Celts

10 Mar - 25 Sep 2016

Adult £10, concession £8, child (12-15) £6.50. Members and under 12s go free.

Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3

This major exhibition, organised in partnership with the British Museum, unravels the complex story of the different groups who have used or been given the name 'Celts' through the extraordinary art objects they made and used. Spanning more than 2,500 years, the exhibition explores history through these powerful decorated objects and examines how art styles have changed considerably over time, often flourishing during periods when different cultures came into contact.

Sponsored by Baillie Gifford.

Reflecting Telescopes

25 Mar - 28 Aug 2016

Three display cases, Grand Gallery, Level 1

Free

This small display reveals the work of pioneering Scots in the development of the reflective telescope, highlighting the work of James Gregory (1638?75), a contemporary of Isaac Newton and Professor of Mathematics at St Andrews then Edinburgh University. Gregory published an innovative design for a 'reflecting' telescope in 1663. A predecessor of the modern telescope, Gregory's device used mirrors, rather than glass lenses, to create a more compact instrument and sharper images. The display will also touch upon astronomy in Edinburgh, a city that has remained at the forefront of astronomical research and discovery for more than four centuries.

National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle, EH1 2NG

Open 09:45-17:45 daily

Life Support: Stories from The Royal Regiment of Scotland

25 Apr 2016 - 29 Jan 2017

Free with admission to Edinburgh Castle

Marking The Royal Regiment of Scotland's first decade of operations, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the combat and peacekeeping work of Scotland's infantry soldiers as well as the people, military and civilian, who make up their vital support network at home and on the frontline.

Life Support: Stories from The Royal Regiment of Scotland is created in association with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Events/Activities

National Museum of Scotland

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

Open 10:00-17:00 daily

For everyone

Museum Socials

20 May - 16 Sep 2016

10:30-12:00

Free, call 0300 123 6789 to book your place

A series of monthly relaxed and informal sessions offering anyone living with Dementia, along with their relatives, friends and supporters, an opportunity to explore a different part of the museum each month with our learning staff. Sessions are free and include a cup of tea.

Panjab Connections

12 Feb - 3 Jun 2016

10:00-17:00

Learning Centre Foyer, Level 4

Free (drop-in)

See films, photographs and jewellery created through the Panjab Connections project, a National Museums Scotland Community Engagement partnership project with Young Sikh Leaders Network with funding from Heritage Lottery Fund.

For families

Magic Carpet

13 Apr - 29 Jun 2016

Every Wednesday 10:30-10:55, 11:30-11:55

Free. Limited spaces available, sign up on the day at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall. Suitable for ages 2-4 (and accompanying adult).

Take a trip on the Magic Carpet to explore the fantastic things in the National Museum of Scotland through stories, songs and activities.

Supported by players of the Peoples Postcode Lottery.

Magic Carpet Minis

14 Apr - 30 Jun 2016

Every Thursday 10:30-10:50, 11:30-11:50

Free. Limited spaces available, book online at http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/magic-carpet-minis/. Suitable for ages 0-2 (and accompanying adult).

Take a trip on the Magic Carpet, especially for very little ones, to explore the fantastic things in the National Museum of Scotland through stories, songs and activities.

Supported by players of the Peoples Postcode Lottery.

Magic Carpet Weekenders

21 May - 22 May 2016

Monthly, 11:00-11:25

Free. Limited spaces available, sign up and meet at the green fountain, Grand Gallery, Level 1.

Join us for our monthly special weekend story activity sessions as we explore different objects on the Magic Carpet through stories, songs and activities.

Supported by players of the Peoples Postcode Lottery.

Imaginate Festival Fringe Weekend

28 May - 29 May 2016

10:00-17:00

Free (drop-in)

This year, the Imaginate Festival opens with a special weekend of magic at the National Museum of Scotland. Start the festival with a bang and enjoy storytelling, live music, pop-up performances and hands-on art activities.

Part of the Imaginate Festival 2016, the full Festival programme is available at www.imaginate.org.uk

For adults

Spotlight On: Native American Jewellery

5 May 2016

14:00-15:00 (doors open 13:45)

Auditorium, Level 1

Free. Age 14+, book online, www.nms.ac.uk/scotland, or call 0300 123 6789.

Join Santa Fe metalsmith, Keri Ataumbi, in conversation with National Museums Scotland's Keeper of World Cultures, Henrietta Lidchi as they discuss how jewellery can be both adornment and sculpture.

Architects' Conversations: Neil Gillespie in conversation with Tony Fretton

10 May 2016

18:45-20:15 (doors open 18:00, this event includes a drinks reception from 18:00)

Cost: £6/£5. Age 14+. Book online, www.nms.ac.uk/scotland, or call 0300 123 6789.

Auditorium, National Museum of Scotland. Entry via Lothian Street.

Join Neil Gillespie, RSA and Tony Fretton as they discuss Abstraction and Familiarity. This event is part of the Architects' Conversations series, leading Scottish architects in conversation with their peers, discussing their own practice, themes and inspirations. Architects' Conversations is part of the Festival of Architecture 2016, which will celebrate Scotland's fantastic built environment, as a key part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design celebrations. #IAD2016

Museum Late: Celts

13 May 2016

19:00-22:00

Cost: Late plus exhibition entry £20, £18, Members & Conc; Late only £12, £10, Members and Conc. Book online at www.nms.ac.uk/scotland.

Idlewild will headline an evening of Celtic entertainment including fiery performances from the Beltane Fire Society, dancing with a difference at the silent ceilidh, hands-on archaeology, temporary tattoos and so much more. With pop-up bars, food and the rare opportunity to explore the museum galleries by night, this is a not-to-be-missed event.

Spotlight On: Archaeology of Early Steam Locomotives

14 May 2016

14:00-15:30 (doors open 13:45)

Auditorium, Level 1

Free. Age 14+, book online or call 0300 123 6789.

Dr Michael Bailey explores the archaeology of early steam locomotives and how the findings provide new knowledge on their construction. He will discuss underwater archaeology projects he has been involved with, uncovering new information on locomotives lost at sea during delivery runs.

In association with The Newcomen Society and The Stephenson Locomotive Society

Architects' Conversations: Robin Webster in conversation with Sheila O'Donnell & John Tuomey

17 May 2016

18:45-20:15 (doors open 18:00, this event includes a drinks reception from 18:00)

Cost: £6/£5. Age 14+. Book online , www.nms.ac.uk/scotland, or call 0300 123 6789.

Auditorium, National Museum of Scotland. Entry via Lothian Street.

Join Robin Webster RSA, Sheila O'Donnell and John Tuomey in a talk entitled 'context is everything that accumulates around us'. This event is part of the Architects' Conversations series, leading Scottish architects in conversation with their peers, discussing their own practice, themes and inspirations.

Architects' Conversations is part of the Festival of Architecture 2016, which will celebrate Scotland's fantastic built environment, as a key part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Designcelebrations. #IAD2016

Architects' Conversations: Hoskins Architects in conversation with Neil Porter

24 May 2016

18:45-20:15 (doors open 18:00, this event includes a drinks reception from 18:00)

Cost: £6/£5. Age 14+. Book online, www.nms.ac.uk/scotland, or call 0300 123 6789.

Auditorium, National Museum of Scotland. Entry via Lothian Street.

Join Clare Kemsley, Thomas Bernatzky and Nick van Jonker of Hoskins Architects in a conversation with Neil Porter discussing the theme 'INSIDE OUTSIDE - How do we create a Gesamtkunstwerk'? This event is part of the Architects' Conversations series, leading Scottish architects in conversation with their peers, discussing their own practice, themes and inspirations.

Architects' Conversations is part of the Festival of Architecture 2016, which will celebrate Scotland's fantastic built environment, as a key part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Designcelebrations. #IAD2016

Design for Communication in the Iron Age

4 Jun 2016

17:15-18:15 (doors open 17:00)

Free. Age 18+, book online, www.nms.ac.uk/scotland.

Auditorium, Level 1. Entry via Lothian Street

Leading expert Professor Peter Wells from the University of Minnesota, explores the ways in which societies of Iron Age Europe used design to share information. From pottery to monuments, Peter examines what they tell us about social relationships, political systems, and connections between humans and the natural and supernatural.

The Prehistoric Society Europa Lecture

Daily tours

Join one of our free daily tours and spend an hour exploring some of the highlights of the National Museum of Scotland.

Themed Tours

Daily at 15:00 (1 hr), free.

Venue: Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0

Free

Our free guided themed tours at National Museum of Scotland explore everything from Scotland's history to the supernatural.

Discover the National Museum

Daily at 11:00 (1 hr)

Venue: Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0

Free

From stunning Victorian architecture to the Lewis Chessmen, this tour will give you a flavour of all the National Museum of Scotland has to offer.

Scottish Galleries Highlights Tour

Daily at 13:00 (1 hr)

Free

Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0

Follow the story of Scotland through fascinating objects on this highlights tour.

National Museum of Flight

East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF

Wartime Experience

5 Jun 2016

10:00-17:00

Cost, Adult £14/£12, Child £9, Family (2 adults , 2 children) £37. Members and under 5s go free.

Discover what life was like during the First and Second World Wars and experience the sights and sounds of the front line with our history re-enactment groups. Watch a vintage swing troupe in action and learn some 1940s dance moves. There's lots for the whole family with mini ride-on aeroplanes, cookery and crafts.

National Museum of Rural Life

Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR

Farm matters

30 Mar - 31 Dec 2016

10:00 onwards

Free with museum admission

Discover the everyday activities on the Wester Kittochside farm at National Museum of Rural Life and join us for seasonal agricultural demonstrations with the animals and crops. See this year's lambs and calves and visit our 1950s byre to see how the experts milk our Ayrshire dairy cows.

Fabulous 50s

8 May 2016

10:00-17:00

Cost: Adult £10/£9, family (2 adults, 2 children) £27, child £6. Members and under 5s go free.

Book online at www.nms.ac.uk/rural

Come along to Fabulous 50s for a day full of fashion, food and family friendly fun! Enjoy live music and sweet treats in the vintage tea and cake marquee, get hands on with traditional games and crafts, get a 50's makeover and so much more, this is a not-to-be-missed event.

Woolly Weekend

11 Jun - 12 Jun 2016

10:00-17:00

Free with museum admission

Watch our sheep shearer at work on the farm and learn about what their fleeces are used for when you meet our spinners and knitters. Say hello to our friendly alpacas and listen to Emily Mackenzie read her new book Stanley the Knitting Cat.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!