The National Museum's Scotland Listings Until October 5th Include DANIE MELLOR'S PRIMORDIAL, NEXT OF KIN, and More

Please find below National Museums Scotland listings to 5 October 2014. For further information please visit http://www.nms.ac.uk/.

Exhibitions & Displays

National Museum of Scotland

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

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 Baillie Gifford Investment Managers.

Common Cause: Commonwealth Scots and the Great War

11 July - 12 October 2014
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3

Free

Explore the stories of the Scottish diaspora and the war experiences of Commonwealth nations during the First World War. Through poignant objects from five key Commonwealth nations (Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand and South Africa) as well as newsreel footage, photography and the words of participants, discover how the war was experienced and commemorated in different parts of the British Empire. Then find out how military service was related to other expressions of Scottish identity and culture, such as Caledonian societies, Presbyterianism and piping.

This exhibition is supported by the International Division, Scottish Government and is part of the Year of Homecoming 2014.

Danie Mellor's Primordial: SuperNaturalBayiMinyjirral

1 August - 23 November 2014

Grand Gallery, Level 1

Free

Inspired by objects from National Museums Scotland's World Cultures Collection, acclaimed contemporary Australian artist Danie Mellor presents sculpture and work on paper that explores his own indigenous and European heritage. With works focusing on fauna, Aboriginal life and landscape, and science and exploration, alongside technical references to European art, Mellor's work is uniquely relevant to the breadth of National Museums Scotland's collections.

Presented by National Museums Scotland and the Edinburgh International Festival. With the support of Michael Reid, Sydney, Australia.

National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle, EH1 2NG

Open 09:45-17:45 daily

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

Open 10:00-17:00 daily

For Adults

Museum After Hours

8, 15 & 22 August, 19:30-22:30
Cost: £16, £14 Members and Concessions, age 18+, includes admission to Ming: The Golden Empire exhibition. Book online or call 0300 123 6789

Enjoy a unique flavour of the Fringe and explore our galleries after hours across three exhilarating nights, each with hand-picked performers, music, bars and our spectacular exhibition, Ming: The Golden Empire. For more information and full line-up go towww.nms.ac.uk/afterhours

Open Studies Summer Course: Scottish Textiles THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

11 August, 10:30-17:30

Using our displays as inspiration, this day course explores the history of Scottish textiles, from the 19th century to the present day.

Open Studies Summer Course: Ming China and its Material Legacy THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

19 & 20 August, 10:30-16:30

Led by tutor Stephen McDowall, this two day course offers an introduction to the history of Ming dynasty China (1368-1644), with a particular focus on the objects and images the people of the Ming left behind. Includes exhibition entry.

Zombies in the Museum

28 August, 19:00-22:00

Cost: £5, Age 14+, soft drinks served only. To book call 0300 123 6789

Edinburgh is on lock down following the outbreak of an infectious disease. We are calling for brave survivors to join a citizen force to help us in our mission. We have established a base at National Museum of Scotland, from here you will be trained to survive a Zombie attack and locate the source of infection.

Zombies in the Museum is part of Scotland Creates, a national project working with partner museums, young adults and creative partners. This event has been devised by young adults, for young adults.

Supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Creative Scotland.

Evening Lecture: As Precious as a Ming Vase?

10 September, 18:30-19:30
Auditorium, Level 1
Cost: £6/£5 Members and Concessions, booking required. Book online or call 0300 123 6789

Who, what and when were the Ming? And why has their porcelain become shorthand for something rare and precious? Broadcaster, ceramics historian and China enthusiast Lars Tharp explores the story of China's most famous luxury export and reveals some of his own Ming discoveries.

Evening Lecture: The First World War - 100 years on

25 September, 18:30-19:30
Auditorium, Level 1
Cost: £6/£5 Members and Concessions, booking required. Book online or call 0300 123 6789

Academic, writer and broadcaster Professor Sir Hew Strachan analyses how the fundamental transformation in how wars are fought has influenced how we commemorate conflict.

Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

28 September, 10:30-13:00, 14:00-16:30

Learning Centre, Level 4

Discover the tools and techniques of this ancient art form in an introductory session led by Chi Zhang, calligraphy artist.

Saturday Showcase: Ming, The Golden Empire

4 October, 13:30-16:00

Auditorium, Level 1

Cost: £10/£8 Members and Concessions, includes refreshments. Booking required. Book online or call 0300 123 6789

Join our panel as they discuss the wider historical context of Ming: The Golden Empire at the National Museum of Scotland.

Principal Curator Dr Kevin McLoughlin will look at the growth in book culture during the late Ming, Dr Yupin Chung from Glasgow Museums explores the quest for fine tea in Ming times and Dr Julian Ward from the University of Edinburgh discusses late Ming journeys to China's Sacred Mountains. Dr Stephen McDowall, from the University of Edinburgh, will chair a panel discussion and audience questions.

For Everyone

Free Fringe Music

2 - 24 August, 14:00-14:40

Free, drop in

From bold brass to fabulous fiddlers, soprano soloists to singer/songwriters, enjoy daily live music performances, showcasing the best contemporary talents from Scotland and further afield. See www.nms.ac.uk/fringe for full programme.

In partnership with Live Music Now.

For Families

Zombies in the Museum

28 August, 19:00-22:00

Cost: £5, Age 14+, soft drinks served only. To book call 0300 123 6789

Edinburgh is on lock down following the outbreak of an infectious disease. We are calling for brave survivors to join a citizen force to help us in our mission. We have established a base at National Museum of Scotland, from here you will be trained to survive a Zombie attack and locate the source of infection.

Zombies in the Museum is part of Scotland Creates, a national project working with partner museums, young adults and creative partners. This event has been devised by young adults, for young adults.

Supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Creative Scotland.

There's Treasure Everywhere

13 - 15 September, 12:00-16:00
Free, drop-in

Take part in a range of activities to explore treasures found in Scotland. From silver hoards to grave secrets, discover what was buried and why.

Part of Scottish Archaeology Month.

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 10:00-17:00 daily

Holiday History: The First World War

7 July - 14 August (Mon-Thu only)

Cost: Included in museum admission.

Discover the role East Fortune airfield played in the First World War this summer. With the outbreak of the First World War, the British Admiralty was tasked with establishing a series of home defence airfields. East Fortune was chosen due to its proximity to the North Sea.

Kite Festival

13 & 14 September, 10:00-17:00

Cost: Included in museum admission.

Join us for spectacular weekend in celebration of kites at National Museum of Flight this September. See a multitude of inflatable kite creatures, stunt kite displays and kites from all over the world. Highlights include Chinese dragon flights and multiline kite fliers. Bring your teddy or soft toy and have it parachuted from a kite, and it will get a certificate of bravery! There will also be a kite trader in attendance who will give advice on kites.

The Wheels and Wings Show

21 September, 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.

Join us for a thrilling display of gravity-defying stunts with the amazing White Helmets motorcycle display team. See classic cars and working vehicles then have a go on a Segway, test your mountain bike skills, and hear talks from engineers and transport experts.

National Museum of Rural Life

Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR

Go Wild in Summer

28 July - 12 August, 10:00-17:00

Cost included in Museum admission

Enjoy our Go Wild programme during the school holidays this summer with everything from bug hunts to fairy trails to old fashioned games and magic carpet rides. See the full Go Wild programme here.

Country Fair

31 August, 10:00-17:00

Cost (includes museum admission): Adult £8/£7, Child £4.50 (under 5 free), Family (2 adults and 2 children) £23. National Museums Scotland Members free.

Join us for a celebration of all things rural. Meet farmyard creatures in our animal marquee, have a ride on our toy tractors and experience country skills and traditional crafts. Watch the sheepdog trials and have a go at stock judging.

Magic Carpet

20 August - 8 October, 10:30-10:55

Cost included in Museum admission

Discover life on the farm and in the countryside with 25 minutes of stories, songs and activities each Wednesday during term-time.