National Museums Scotland listings

12 May to 23 June 2008

Highlights

Food, Farming and Nature Day at the Museum of Rural Life

Sun 1 June

10:00 –17:00

Cost included in museum admission

Get green-fingered with wildlife walks and tours of our farm: hear about the wonders of bio-fuels and plant your very own sunflower seed. Our expert Walter Gilmour will even have some handy hints and tips for making the most of your own garden plot.

Flower Festival at the National Museum of Costume

Sun 25, Mon 26 May

11:00 –16:00

Experience an explosion of colour with this positive feast of flowers and floral art displays. Stroll through the grounds, admire the views and enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the Walled Garden.

Exhibitions

Extremes: Life in Subarctic Canada

National Museum of Scotland

Fri 16 May–Sun 19 Oct

Free

Experience the lives of one of Canada’s indigenous communities and discover some of Scotland and Canada’s shared history. In the 1850s and 60s Scottish fur traders collected beautifully-crafted objects from the Dene peoples living in the Canadian subarctic. Now part of National Museums Scotland’s collection, these objects provide a fascinating insight into a living community.

Extremes: Life in Subarctic Canada is the result of a new relationship National Museums Scotland has built with the descendents of the people who traded with the Scots, in particular the Dogrib Dene, or Tlicho, in their own language. The objects are returning to Scotland from Canada where they have been on display, along with contemporary material purchased from the Dene people for our collections.

Find out how the objects came to the museum. Admire their beauty, skill and workmanship. Experience personal stories from the community. Discover the extremes of the subarctic environment. What was it like to live here 150 years ago and how is it different today?

Call to Arms

National War Museum

Fri 23 May – Sun 1 Feb 2009

Included in Castle admission

Explore the history, tactics and weapons of Scottish infantry over the centuries.

From 14th-century ‘Galloglass’ mercenaries and 17th-century highland warriors to today’s modern soldiers, Scottish soldiers have always had a fearsome reputation on the battlefield.

While technology has changed the way warfare has been fought over the centuries, one thing remains constant: the importance of infantry. Call to Arms explores the unwavering need for ‘boots on the ground’ by charting the development of Scottish foot soldiers since the 14th century.

Examine the clothing, protection, weapons and tactics employed by soldiers and uncover some of the motivations behind the fighting Scotsman.

See examples of modern infantry weapons used by the British Army and get to grips with replica swords and armour in the hands-on section.

Hip Knits

National Museum of Costume

Until Fri 31 October

Included in museum admission

After you have journeyed through a century of style in our room settings, look out for this stylish showcase that’s bang up to date!

From Fair Isle sweaters, to cutting-edge creations, Scotland has an international reputation for its beautifully designed knitwear.

This new exhibition puts the spotlight on ‘hip knits’ from Scotland. Explore the enduring popularity of luxury Scottish knitwear and check out some of the latest catwalk designs. See knitwear by Queene and Belle, Pringle of Scotland, Ingrid Tait (of Tait & Style), James Millar, Vivienne Westwood and other leading international fashion firms.

Events/activities

National Museum of Scotland

Connect Super Science Shows

Connect gallery

Every Sat & Sun

12:15/13:15/14:15/15:15 (20 mins)

Free/drop-in

Come along to our free events every weekend in Connect. Find out about science in the real world at our Meet the Scientist event or enjoy a free SuperScience show. Age 5+.

Hands on History

Hawthornden Court

Saturdays 17, 24 May

11:00–13:00/14:00–16:00

Free/drop-in

Can you unlock the key to the past? Explore real and replica objects from our themed handling collections. What will you discover today?

Sunday Afternoon Fun: Antonine Guard

Hawthornden Court

Sun 18 May

11:45/12:45/14:45 (30mins)

Free

Sunday Morning Music

Sun 25 May

11:00 (1hr)

Free/drop-in

Enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning stroll through the galleries to soothing sounds from talented young musicians.

Sunday Afternoon Fun: Alba Puppet Show

Hawthornden Court

Sun 25 May

12:45/13:45/14:45 (30mins)

Free

Extremes event: Curator Talk: Living from the Land

Special Exhibitions gallery, Level 3

Fri 30 May, Sat 21 June

14:00 (1hr)

Free

Book now on 0131 225 7534

The Tlicho people of North-western Canada live in one of the most extreme climates on earth. Their lives are shaped by the seasons and how they use the resources from their land. Curator Chantal Knowles explores Tlicho crafts and techniques, with an opportunity to handle some tools and materials.

Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust - Edinburgh Early Dancers

Hawthornden Court

Sun 1 June

13:45/14:45 (30mins)

Free/drop-in

Get your toes tapping to the sounds and spectacle of Scottish traditional dance with a variety of performers, dance styles and music!

Traditional Games

Hawthornden Court

Sun 8 June

12:45/13:45/14:45/15:45 (30mins)

Free

Fancy a change from computer games? Join Big Top Glasgow for games from a bygone age! Try out ‘girds’ and ‘cleeks’, whips and ‘peeries’, ‘diabolos’ and many more.

Extremes event: Worn Out? Worn Art!

Hawthornden Court

Sat 14 June

10:30 –16:00

Free/drop-in

A fabulous art workshop inspired by how the Tlicho people make use of the resources all around them. Join artist Trina O’Hara to help design and make a fun outfit from recyclable materials. Ages 5+

Extremes event: Tales from the Subarctic

Special Exhibitions gallery, Level 3

Sun 15 June

11:15/13:15/14:15 (30 mins)

Free

Storyteller and harper Heather Yule weaves stories and music inspired by the beautiful objects in our special exhibition. Ages 5+

The Art of Bell Ringing

Hawthornden Court

Sun 15 June

12:45/13:45/14:45 (30mins)

Free

Join hand-bell soloist Heather McLean to learn about the art of bell ringing. Enjoy a fascinating demonstration then have a go yourself!

The Sights and Smells of Old Edinburgh

Hawthornden Court

Sat 21-Sun 22 June

12:45/13:45/14:45 (30mins)

Free

Join us for a comical, musical and theatrical trip down the Old Town streets of 18th-century ‘Auld Reekie’ – all from the comfort of the museum! You never know who you might meet!

Part of Edinburgh Old Town Festival 16 – 29 June. Find out more at www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

National Museum of Rural Life

Adult skills: Willow weaving
Sat 17 May

10:00–16:00
Cost included in museum admission

More information about this workshop will be available online shortly. For more information or to book online, telephone 0131 247 4377.

Adult skills: Dry Stone Dyking
Sun 18 May

10:00–16:00
Cost included in museum admission

More information about this workshop will be available online shortly. For more information or to book online, telephone 0131 247 4377.

Adult skills: Herbal Preparations
Sun 25 May

10:00–16:00
Cost included in museum admission

More information about this workshop will be available online shortly. For more information or to book online, telephone 0131 247 4377.

Food, Farming and Nature Day

Sun 1 June

10:00 –17:00

Cost included in museum admission

Get green-fingered with wildlife walks and tours of our farm: hear about the wonders of bio-fuels and plant your very own sunflower seed. Our expert Walter Gilmour will even have some handy hints and tips for making the most of your own garden plot.

Sunflower Planting Workshop

Sun 1 June

14:00 –16:00

More information about this workshop will be available online shortly. For more information or to book online, telephone 0131 247 4377.

Father’s Day

Sun 15 June

10:00 –17:00

Dads go free! Dads can unwind and sample some locally produced beer from Craighill Brewery while the kids get crafty in our workshops.

National Museum of Costume

Flower Festival

National Museum of Costume

Sun 25, Mon 26 May

11:00 –16:00

Experience an explosion of colour with this positive feast of flowers and floral art displays. Stroll through the grounds, admire the views and enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the Walled Garden.

Adult Craft Workshops

Sat 14 June

10:00–16:00

Adult £25/Conc £20

Pattern and colour
Join Suzanne Stuart Davies for a brief look at British knitting traditions: what, why and how! Then learn how to create your own design and start knitting. Basic knitting skills required.

Inspired by our showcase of designer Scottish knitwear in Hip Knits? Then unleash your creativity at our themed workshops for those aged 16+. Whether you want to learn new skills, try out new techniques or just have fun, there’s something for everyone.

National Museum of Flight

Workshop: Make and Take

Sundays

11:30–13:00/14:00–16:00 (20mins)

Drop-in

Bring the kids along to a Make and Take workshop where they can have fun making toys, using everyday objects, from cotton-reel tanks and paper planes to camouflage bandanas. Age 3+.

Radar Room

Until Friday 31 October

Wednesdays 10:00–12:00/13:00–16:00

See vintage radio, radar and avionics equipment.

Scenic Helicopter Tours

Until Friday 31 October

10:00–17:00

Castles and Harbours around East Lothian and Edinburgh City. Free admission to the museum for tour members. Book with PDG Helicopters on 0870 607 9000.

Behind The Hangar Door

Mon 19 May

11:00/12:00/14:00/15:00/16:00

Go behind the scenes with the curators on these free guided tours.

Museums on the Air

Sat 14–Sun 15 June

10:00–17:00

Learn how to broadcast messages over the airwaves, and speak with other museums from around the world by radio.

Father’s Day

Sun 15 June

10:00–17:00

Dads go free!

National War Museum

Medieval Mercenaries

Hospital Square

Sat 24–Sun 25 May

12:00-15:00, (20 mins) 12:30, 13:10, 14:00, 15:00

Included in Castle admission

Did 14th-century soldiers really have blue faces and wear kilts? Get the real experience of these formidable medieval warriors, from mercenaries to knights in armour. Get up close and personal with our battle demonstrations and hands-on medieval workshops.

Clan Warriors

Hospital Square

Sat 14–Sun 15 June

12:00-15:00, (20 mins) 12:30, 13:10, 14:00, 15:00

Included in Castle admission

Could you face down the might of a Highland charge? Maestro Paul MacDonald takes you into the world of the 18th-century clan warrior. See swordsmanship displays and learn about 18th-century weapons and fighting kit.

Museum addresses:

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers St, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

National Museum of Costume, Shambellie House, New Abbey, Dumfriesshire,

DG2 8HQ.

National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian. For updated opening times see: http://www.nms.ac.uk/mf_openingtimes_ticketprices.aspx

National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Rd (off Stewartfield Way), East Kilbride, G76 9HR

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0131 247 4422/www.nms.ac.uk

For more on what’s on at the Museums throughout 2008, please see:

http://www.nms.ac.uk/pressrelease_year_ahead_2008.aspx