The National Museums Scotland's Listings Until July 27 Include MING: THE GOLDEN EMPIRE, COMMON CAUSE, and More
By: BWW News Desk Jun. 04, 2014
The National Museums Scotland's listings until July 27th are below. They include exhibits such as Ming: The Golden Empire, Common Cause: Commonwealth Scots and the Great War, and much more. There are also activities and events for families and many daily tours available.
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
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.
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.
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
Saturday Showcase: Commemorating Bannockburn at Home and Abroad
21 June, 13:30 - 16:00
£10/£8 (Members and Concessions)
The Battle of Bannockburn, which took place 700 years ago in June 1314, is one of the most famous moments in Scottish history, with King Robert the Bruce winning a decisive victory over Edward II of England on the approach to Stirling. In a timely examination of the battle and its wider legacy, historians Dr. David Caldwell and Dr. Tanja Bueltmann discuss the battle and the way in which it has resonated throughout the Scottish diaspora. In association with Northumbria University.
Ghosts in the Gallery
29 June, 15 & 29 July, 14:15-14:45
Free, drop-in
Join us for a pop-up performance by a soprano, tenor and pianist in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery. Featuring some of the most poignant and beautiful songs from Western classical music, Ghosts in the Gallery explores love in the face of the sacrifices and challenges endured during the First World War. Presented by the Edinburgh International Festival.
Spotlight on Ming: The Golden Empire
3 July, 14:00 - 15:00
Free, booking required
Kevin McLoughlin, Principal Curator of East & Central Asia, introduces our special exhibition and explores its wider historical context.
Spotlight on: Common Cause
17 July, 14:00 - 15:00
Free, booking required
David Forsyth, co-curator of Common Cause, explores the experience of individuals and regiments from the Scottish diaspora who joined the war effort in 1914-18, and analyses their often complex national identities.
A Passion for Knitting
19 July, 14:30 - 15:30
Free, booking required
Leading knitwear designers including Steinunn Sigurd (Iceland), knitting duo Arne and Carlos (Norway) and Brora (Scotland) discuss their passion for knitting and their inspiration.
Nordic Knitathon
19 & 20 July, 11:00 - 16:00
Free, drop-in
Bring your own knitting (and needles), get a preview of new knitwear designs and knit your own bit of a giant woolly artwork. Arranged by the Danish Cultural Institute in association with Edinburgh International Fashion Festival.
For Families
Father's Day Takeover!
15 June, 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 from www.nms.ac.uk/families. In partnership with Dads Rock free playgroups www.dadsrock.org.uk
Museum Holiday Mash-Up
30 June - 3 August
Free, drop-in
School's out, kids in! Join us for five weeks of daily drop-in summer fun inspired by some of our favourite collections from Scotland and around the world. There's a different theme and activity each week so check back here for times and details.
Celebrate Summer in Scotland
30 June - 6 July, 12:00 - 16:00
Learning Centre, Level 4
Free, drop-in
We all like a fun occasion to celebrate summer and so did some of the people living in Scotland in the past. Dress for a Roman feast, prepare for a medieval jousting tournament or a Victorian trip to the seaside!
Macastory presents: Bannockbunkum!
30 June - 6 July, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 (40 mins)
Hawthornden Court, Level 1
Free, drop-in
So you think you know the true tales of Bruce and Wallace? We'll send you homeward to think again! Macastory's historical research team have uncovered the startling truth behind the exploits of Scotland's two great heroes... Hear untold stories of how the Wars of Independence were fought and won while joining in with sing-a-long songs and battle re-enactments.
Explore Ancient Egypt
7 - 13 July, 12:00 - 16:00
Learning Centre, Level 4
Free, drop-in
Explore mummification and burial, or charms and the weighing of the heart ceremony through make and take crafts.
Ask about Amulets
7, 9 & 11 July, 14:00 - 15:00
Grand Gallery Level 1
Free, drop-in
Join Assistant Curator, Ross Irving, to discover and handle some of the museum's fascinating Ancient Egypt amulet collection.
Summer Science
14 - 20 July, 12:00 - 16:00
Learning Centre Level 4
Free, drop-in
Enjoy simple science making activities inspired by our collections.
Watch out for some pick-a-pocket mini science around the galleries too!
Ming for families
21 - 27 July, 12:00 - 16:00
Grand Gallery, Level 1 and Learning Centre, Level 4
Free, drop-in
Discover more about Ming: the Golden Empire and Chinese culture at that time through taster sessions with our friends from the Confucius Institute for Scotland. Write your name in Chinese characters, learn special knot-tying, practice beautiful pottery patterns and more.
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
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.
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 seriesof home defence airfields. East Fortune was chosen due to its proximity to the North Sea.
Scotland's National Airshow 2014
26 July, 10:00 - 17:00
Booking: Early bird tickets available until Friday 11 July - Pre-booked tickets: Adult £17/£15.50, Child £8.50 (under 5 free), Family (2 adults, 2 children) £42.50. On the day: Adult £20/£18, Child £10 (under 5 free), Family (2 adults, 2 children) £50.
Go to www.nms.ac.uk/airshow to see how to book
Scotland's National Airshow is a spectacular day out for all the family. See aircraft old and new take to the skies for an afternoon of breathtaking aerial displays, including the return of the Red Arrows to East Fortune. Back on the ground you can meet the pilots and explore our hangars. Then take part in children's activities, fairground rides and pick up a tasty snack.
National Museum of Rural Life
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR
Heavy Horse Show
20 July, 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.
Get up close to nearly 200 horses at one of Scotland's biggest heavy horse shows. From Shetlands to Clydesdales, watch the horses compete in a range of classes. Children can take a pony ride or make a hobby horse in our kids' craft session.
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