National Museums Scotland Listings Feature SCOTLAND CREATES, MING: THE GOLDEN EMPIRE and More
The National Museums Scotland's listings until May 25th are below. They include exhibits such as Scotland Creates: A Sense of Place, Ming: The Golden Empire and much more. There are also many activities and events for families and for adults.
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
17 March - 1 June 2014
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free
Through the lens of wildlife photography this exhibition captures the intrigue and beauty of our planet. These awe-inspiring images, selected from 43,000 entries by amateur and professional photographers in 96 countries, give us a glimpse of the natural world as it has never been seen before. From charismatic animal portraits to dramatic landscapes and provocative photojournalism, this year's breathtaking exhibition raises the bar of wildlife photography once more, exciting loyal fans and new audiences alike. The 100 award-winning images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013 competition are beautifully displayed on back-lit installations, with each image accompanied by its photographer's story and technical details.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is co-owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide.
Power of Ten: Inventing Logarithms
28 March - 6 July 2014
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free
Four hundred years ago, John Napier's pioneering work on logarithms enabled more calculations to be completed in an hour than had previously been managed in an entire day. From the introduction of the decimal point to the development of slide rules, explore how Napier's revolutionary innovations advanced and influenced mathematics from the 17th century to the present day.
Scotland Creates: A Sense of Place
9 May - 31 August 2014
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free
How do we express our Sense of Place? Since 2012, young people from across Scotland have worked with staff at National Museums Scotland and at four partner museums, to explore what they felt was important about where they come from. They chose objects from the National Museum of Scotland and their local museums, for exhibitions in 2013. This final exhibition, the culmination of their project, showcases their choices and ideas, expressed through art, music, dance and films. Find out more about the Scotland Creates project here.
Ming: The Golden Empire
27 June - 19 October 2014
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Cost: Adults £10/£8; Child (age 12-15) £6.50; Under 12s free; National Museums Scotland Members free; National Art Pass holders 50% discount
A collection of original artefacts from the Nanjing Museum, including Chinese National Treasures, introduce key aspects of the Ming dynasty, focusing on the remarkable cultural, technological and economic achievements of the period. Exquisite luxury items and rare objects reveal the wealth and opulence of the Ming imperial court, including the iconic blue and white porcelain with which the period is synonymous, sumptuous silk textiles, gold and jades, and rare examples of elaborately enamelled cloisonné. This will be the only UK showing of this internationally significant exhibition, which has been produced by Nomad Exhibitions in association with Nanjing Museum.
Sponsored by Baille Gifford Investment Managers.
National War Museum
Edinburgh Castle, EH1 2NG
Next of Kin
18 April 2014 - March 2015
Free with admission to Edinburgh Castle
1914 brought war to Scotland on an unprecedented scale. How did families cope with the absence and loss of their loved ones? Through a selection of family treasures, this exhibition reveals the profound personal experiences of Scottish families during the First World War, and the methods used to remember those they loved.
Next of Kin will tour eight venues around Scotland until 2018 and will be accompanied by digital and learning resources. Each venue will develop additional content related to their local areas which will be captured and preserved in an online resource. Find out more at www.nms.ac.uk/centenary
Supported by the Culture Division, Scottish Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Events/Activities
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
For Adults
Museum Lates: Retro-future
16 May, 19:00-22:30
Grand Gallery
Cost: Lates only £12/£10 Members and Concessions. Book tickets online, in person at the museum or call 0300 123 6789. Over 18s only.
Step back and forward in time as we take you on a steam-powered journey through our collections, from iconic designs of the past to cutting edge technology of the future. Hosted by Radio 1's Vic Galloway, the main stage sees DJ Lord Holyrude drop some vintage beats from the 1920s, 30s and 40s, spinning original shellac recordings on his twin gramophones, before headliner Withered Hand brings us soaring back into the 21st century with his unique blend of uplifting folk-pop-rock.
For something more seductive, the Edinburgh International Festival's Love in a... Museum adds an element of romance to the line-up, whilst eminent psychologist and magician Richard Wiseman uncovers the power of the sleeping mind in his Night School. Not forgetting all the Museum Lates' usual suspects - Silent Disco, face-painting and art installations - and of course, whether you're living it up on the dance-floor or following a trail through our night-time galleries, don't forget to dress to impress in vintage/futuristic style.
This event will be filmed for broadcast by the BBC.
Spotlight On: Power of Ten
1 May, 14:00-15:00
Seminar Room, Learning Centre, Level 4
Free, book in advance. Book online or call 0300 123 6789
In 1614 the Scottish scholar John Napier published his ground-breaking work on logarithms. Dr Tacye Phillipson, curator of the Power of Ten exhibition, explores the late Renaissance context in which these innovations were made, and their relevance today.
What really makes buildings safer?
13 May
15:00
Seminar Room, Learning Centre, Level 4
Free. To book your place please call Maureen Kerr on 0131 247 4274 or email m.kerr@nms.ac.uk
There is a lot of public discussion about safety, especially in buildings. We try and protect ourselves from fires, from crime, from hazards of all types. However, does this really make us safer? Join Paul Stollard, formerly Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Standards Agency and Regional Director for Scotland and Northern England with the Health and Safety Executive to discuss how real improvements in safety can be achieved without sacrificing our quality of life.
In cooperation with the Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation, University of Edinburgh. Part of Understanding Technology, a series of public lectures presenting leading international research and ideas in history, philosophy, politics and sociology of technology.
Challenges and Opportunities in Future Cities
27 May
18:00
The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ
Cost: £5. Book tickets through the Usher Hall Box Office, Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2AE (Monday-Friday 10am-5.30pm), by calling 0131 228 1155 or online at the Usher Hall website.
Future Cities face diverse challenges: mass-urbanisation, the need for resource efficiency and the aging demography. However, they also offer opportunities for economic and societal growth. Join Prof Jeremy Watson as he discusses what a 'smart future city' might look like.
This is a joint event with National Museums Scotland and The Royal Society of Edinburgh and is part of The Edinburgh Lectures 2014.
For Families
Wildlife Photographer of the Year Family Fun
3-5 and 17-19 May, 12:00-16:00
Free, drop in
Enjoy holiday weekend activities, including crafts, stories and object handling inspired by incredible images of the natural world from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Father's Day Takeover!
15 Jun
11:00-16:00
Free (some activities require sign up on the day)
We've let Dads Rock and friends take over the Museum for some free Father's Day fun for all the family. There's something for everyone, with music workshops and performances, dance, crafts, storytelling, baby classes, a Super Hero treasure trail and more! Why not come dressed as your favourite Super Hero? Full programme available soon fromwww.nms.ac.uk/families. In partnership with Dads Rock free playgroups www.dadsrock.org.uk
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.
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.
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 and Dolly the sheep, 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 Museum of Flight
East Fortune, EH39 5LF
Open Saturdays and Sundays only until end of March.
Wartime Experience
11 May, 10:00-17:00
Cost: includes museum admission: Adult £11/£9, Child £6 (under 5 free); Family (2 adults, 2 children) £29; National Museums Scotland Members free
Watch battle re-enactments and see cavalry horses in action. Then get your hair done, learn to dance to the hits of the Blitz and find out about everyday life in wartime Britain.
Robots Live!
15 June, 10:00-17:00
Cost: includes museum admission: Adult £11/£9, Child £6 (under 5 free); Family (2 adults, 2 children) £29; National Museums Scotland Members free
See sparks fly as competitors from Robot Wars battle it out in the arena. Discover new innovations in robotics with the University of Edinburgh, solder your own electronic device and meet the engineers shaping our future.
National Museum of Rural Life
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR
Back to the 50s
4 May, 10:00-17:00
Cost: includes museum admission: Adult £8/£7, Child £4.50 (under 5 free); Family (2 adults, 2 children) £23.00; National Museums Scotland Members free
Shake, rattle and roll to 50s music, try out retro glamour in our vintage salon, admire our period vehicles and tractors, enjoy family crafts and keep an eye out for costumed characters.
Woolly Weekend
24 and 25 May 2014, 10:00-17:00
Cost: included in museum admission: Adult £6.50/£5.50, Child £3 (under 5 free); Family (2 adults, 2 children) £17.00; National Museums Scotland Members free
Join the National Museum of Rural Life for its first-ever Woolly Weekend. Watch sheep shearing, enjoy woolly craft activities and have a go at spinning, felting and knitting.
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