The treasures of Scotland are nowhere better displayed than in the national museum in Edinburgh. Centrally located in Chambers Street, close to the Royal Mile, the revamped building’s modern appearance belies the age of some of the antiquities it houses. Though palaeolithic Scottish artifacts are just the tip of the iceberg with this museum.
You’ll need to set aside at least three hours if you want to fully appreciate the variety of exhibits on offer in the eight main galleries of the National Museum of Scotland. Apart from an extraordinary collection of archaeological and medieval items pertaining to Scotland’s past, other galleries include world cultures, science and technology, art and design, and the natural world.
flickr/Tom Parnell
The natural World Gallery
Some of the crowd pullers include Dolly the Sheep, the first ever successfully cloned mammal; a 12 metre long, life-sized skeleton of a T. Rex; and a notable collection of Ancient Egyptian finds. Many of the exhibits, especially in the science and technology galleries, are interactive creating an enjoyable hands-on experience for children and adults alike.
flickr/Phil Masters
A skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex
An architectural highlight of the museum is the Victorian inspired Grand Gallery, a light-filled atrium with soaring white pillars and two floors of balconied terraces. This great open space is used to display large items to best effect, such as plaster casts of larger mammals such as a giraffe, hippopotamus, whale skeletons and of course the T. Rex.
flickr/Mike Smith
The Grand Gallery
The Grand Gallery also makes a natural stopping point, to observe, reflect and perhaps have some refreshments. The Balcony Café on level three serves tea and coffee, sandwiches and snacks. For more of a sit-down restaurant meal the Museum Brasserie is near the Entrance Hall. Another place to catch your breath is the outdoor rooftop area which has panoramic views of Edinburgh.
flickr/Bob Watt
View from the roof of the National Museum of Scotland
Despite the national museum’s numerous exhibits, their logical arrangement and often surprising presentation keeps boredom at bay. Large plasma screens and a free map also make it easy to find your way around, and regular free tours are also held throughout the day. In a country notorious for charging exorbitant entry prices, a pleasing fact is that all the permanent exhibitions in the National Museum of Scotland are absolutely free to visit.
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