National Museums Scotland

This is an archive of the NMS website

School visits at the National Museum of Scotland

Scotland - past, present and future.

What impact has Scotland had on the world, and the world on Scotland?  Explore Scotland's rich and colourful history through our extensive collections and hands-on exhibits.

  • See treasures from the edges of history and trace Scotland's story from Pictish stones to the Industrial Revolution.
  • Explore Scotland: A Changing Nation and examine how Scotland has been shaped into the nation it is today.
  • Visit Connect - our interactive science gallery.  From robots to Dolly the Sheep, locomotion to space travel, let your class discover the inventions that have changed our lives!
  • See history come alive - find out what happened when Campie Primary School met the Romans here.
  • Edinburgh International Science FestivalGet up close and personal with Ancient Egypt this Spring! Visit our special exhibition Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories to see amazing Egyptian exhibits then join us for Unwrapping the Mummy and help us discover how this mummy died! See Primary Schools Programme 09-10 for details.

What do we offer schools at the National Museum of Scotland?

  • Free admission for all pre-booked school groups
  • Free teacher-led object handling sessions - explore the past using real and replica objects
  • Workshops and live interpretation sessions led by experienced facilitator
  • Events for teachers
  • Seminars, workshops and debates led by experts for older students. You can see the results of our 2009 Salt of the Earth photography workshop here. 
  • An interactive look at science and innovation in our Connect gallery
  • Free teachers' packs and online resources
  • Bookable lunch area, toilets and museum shop

How to book - it couldn't be easier!

Your school visit should be booked in advance. Telephone 0131 247 4041 or email schools@nms.ac.uk

Cost

Admission to all our museums is free for all pre-booked school groups. The cost for workshops and activities is £2 per pupil, unless otherwise stated.

Maximum group size

Sessions are for one class (33 pupils) unless otherwise stated.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel please give as much notice as possible. We may have to charge an administration fee if you cancel within three weeks of your planned visit.

What we need to know

  • Name and address of school
  • School telephone number
  • Name of group leader
  • Number and age of pupils
  • Number of adults (ratio 1 adult: 10 children)
  • Preferred date and time for your visit
  • Packed lunch requirements