Bronze Age shield returns to Scotland for first time in over 200 years
Six Bronze Age shields have been brought together for the first time ahead of a new exhibition opening at the National Museum of Scotland this summer. Dating from 3300 to 3500 years ago, the shields include the only intact examples to survive from Scotland.
Cloned sheep that paved the way for Dolly the sheep goes on show at the National Museum of Rural Life
Morag the sheep – an important cloned predecessor to the world-famous Dolly the sheep - has gone on permanent display at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride as part of a new section exploring the role of science in agriculture, Scotland’s Farming Future.
Rare scientific instrument in National Museums Scotland’s collection marks its 1000th anniversary
One of the rarest scientific instruments in the collections of National Museums Scotland marks a major milestone this year as it turns 1000 years old.
Rare Roman altars acquired for the nation will go on display in the autumn
Two spectacular stone altars from a Roman fort near Edinburgh have been acquired for the National Collection ahead of a major exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland. The rare carvings are among the finest examples of sculpture from Roman Britain and will go on display for the first time in Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire (14 November 2026 – 28 April 2027).
Giant exhibition opens in Edinburgh this weekend
Giants
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
31 January – 14 September 2026
Latest news
Historic tartan archive gifted to the nation will transform understanding of Scotland’s textile heritage
An archive of almost 800 historic tartan samples has been donated to National Museums Scotland. The textiles were produced by J&D Paton, one of the largest tartan manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries, and have been gifted to the nation by Stuart Paton, the great great grandson of the firm’s founder.
Families to flock to the National Museum of Scotland for Woolly Weekend
Woolly Weekend will return to the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride this month. The popular family event celebrates the wonderful world of wool, running on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May.
Dig up some fun this half term at the National Museum of Rural Life
Spring has arrived at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride this half term. Dig into soil themed storytelling sessions and craft activities, and visit the new-born lambs during Spring Explorers, running from 14-17 April.
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