National Museum of Scotland Releases Schedule of Events for Summer 2015

Masters of Japanese Porcelain

Until 30 August 2015

Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1

Free

In the late 19th century, new markets and technologies inspired innovation in the Japanese ceramic industry. The finest potters of this period achieved recognition as Imperial Household Artists. This small exhibition focuses on four such individuals; Seif? Yohei III (1851-1914), Miyagawa K?zan (1842-1916), It? T?zan I (1846-1920) and Suwa Sozan I (1851-1922).

Fully Fashioned: The Pringle of Scotland Story

Until 16 August 2015

Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3

Free

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Pringle of Scotland at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition explores the central role the company has played in the production and design of knitwear, not only in Scotland but around the world. Using rare pieces of early knitwear, iconic fashion garments, archival records and film footage, the exhibition traces Pringle's evolution from hosiery manufacturer to cutting-edge fashion brand.

Waterloo: After the Battle

15 May-27 September 2015

Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1

Free

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, find out more about the impact of the battle within Scotland, from public celebrations to political unrest, the celebrity of veterans and the birth of battlefield tourism.

Photography: A Victorian Sensation

19 June-22 November 2015

Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3

Cost: Adult £10/£8; Child £6.50; Under 12s free; Museums Scotland Members free; National Art Pass holders 50% discount

Meet the pioneers of photography and discover how the Victorian craze for the photograph transformed the way we capture images today and mirrors our own modern-day fascination for recording the world around us. Follow the cross-channel competition between photographic trailblazers Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot, enter the world of the 1851 Great Exhibition and see some of the world's first stereophotographs. Then get swept up in the collecting craze of the carte-de-visite and discover the fascinating stories of the people behind the pictures, including Hill and Adamson's beautiful images of Victorian Edinburgh.

National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle, EH1 2NG

Open 09:45-17:45 daily

Helmand Return

27 February 2015-March 2016

Free with admission to Edinburgh Castle

Five years after his poignant exhibition Helmand: Faces of Conflict, renowned photographer Robert Wilson revisited Afghanistan as an official war artist to record the British troops' final tour of duty. The photographs allow a rare insight into the process of withdrawing from a war zone; capturing the essence of the human and logistical challenges faced during the transfer of responsibility and withdrawal.

Helmand Return is created by Robert Wilson, curated by Catherine Collins and Rhiannon Adam, and loaned by Gallery One and a Half.

Events/Activities

National Museum of Scotland

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

Open 10:00-17:00 daily

For Adults

Gold Study Afternoon

5 May

13:00-16:50

Auditorium, Level 1

£25/£20 Concessions and Members

Join speakers from National Museums Scotland, Royal Collection Trust and the University of the Arts London for a fascinating afternoon exploring the many meanings of the most prestigious of metals, gold. Find out how its symbolic value functions in the realm of the arts and architecture and what its material value means for the Treasure Trove Unit who deal with archaeological discoveries by the public. End the day with a wine reception and private view of the Gold exhibition at The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Spotlight On: Waterloo

14 May

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

Auditorium, Level 1

Free, booking required

200 years on from the Battle of Waterloo, Principal Curator Dr Stuart Allan discusses the impact of the battle in Scotland.

Spotlight On: Pringle of Scotland

28 May

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

Auditorium, Level 1

Free, booking required

Join our experts as they discuss Pringle of Scotland's evolution from hosiery manufacturer to cutting-edge fashion brand.

For families

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!

Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

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.

Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Feely Fridays

Fridays during term time

13:30-16:30

Free, drop-in

Feely Fridays gives you the chance to explore our fascinating handling collections - from meteorites to mammals and Vikings to Victorians! Check out information screens on the day for details.

Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

May Magic Carpet Weekenders

Saturdays and Sundays in May

11:00-11:25

Free - sign up on day at Info Desk, Entrance Hall, Level 0, as places are limited

Meet at the Lighthouse Lens, Grand Gallery, Level 1

Join us for special weekend editions of the museum's Magic Carpet for stories, songs and activities inspired by our fascinating collections.

Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Daily tours

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

NEW! 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.

Themed Tour

Daily at 15:00 (1 hr)

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

Free

Looking for a more in-depth experience? We offer a wide range of themed tours. Ask at the information desk or check our website for forthcoming tour titles www.nms.ac.uk/tours

National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle, EH1 2NG

Open 09:45-17:45 daily

National Museum of Flight

East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF

Wartime Experience

10 May

10:00-17:00

Cost: Adults £11/£9; Child £6; Under 5s free; Museums Scotland Members free

Experience what life was like during the First and Second World Wars this May at the National Museum of Flight with re-enactors, music, fashion and food.

National Museum of Rural Life

Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR

Fabulous 50s

24 May

10:00-17:00

Cost: Adults £8/£7; Child £4.50; Under 5s free; Family £23; Museums Scotland Members free; Concession entry for National Trust for Scotland Members

Get into the swing of things at our 1950s inspired event at National Museum of Rural Life. Browse around our vintage vehicle show, get to grips with retro glamour in our hair salon, dance to 50s music and enjoy family crafts and costumed characters.

Woolly Weekend

13-14 June

10:00-17:00

Cost: Included in museum admission

Join us for our annual Woolly Weekend at National Museum of Rural Life. Watch sheep shearing, enjoy woolly craft activities and have a go at spinning, felting and knitting.