National Museums Scotland listings 26 May to 7 July 2008
National Museums Scotland listings
26 May to 7 July 2008
Highlights
Food,
Farming and Nature Day
National 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
National Museum of Costume
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 5 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+.
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
The Killing Times
Hawthornden Court
Sun 29 June
12:45/13:45/14:45 (30mins)
Free
Living History Scotland takes you back to 1680s Scotland, a period often known as ‘The Killing Times' or ‘The Glorious Revolution'. Enjoy a demonstration of soldiers' uniforms, weapons and tactics. Find out exactly what a ‘flash in the pan' is and how to ‘bite the bullet'.
Sunday Morning Music - Sax Ecosse
Sun 29 June
11:00 (1hr)
Free
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning stroll through the galleries to the soothing sounds of talented young musicians.
Live Music Now! Scotland brings some of the very best young musical talent to the museum.
Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust - Edinburgh Tattoo Highland Ceilidh Dancers
Hawthornden Court
Sun 6 July
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!
National Museum of Rural Life
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.
Summer Evening Herb Walk
Wed 25 June
19:00 -21:00
Book now
Beasties and Bugs Day
Sun 29 June
10:00-13:00/14:00-16:00
Book now
Activity Wednesday
Wed 2 July
11:30-13:30/14:00-16:00
Book now
National Museum of Costume
Adult Craft Workshops
Sat 14 June
10:00-16:00
Adult £25/Conc £20
Book now
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. This workshop is on 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.
Kids' Craft Workshops
Mon 7 July
10:00 (2 hours)
£2
Book in advance on 01387 850 375
Get creative at our ever-popular sessions for children. There are different activities at every workshop in the holidays - Easter, summer and October - with everything from outdoor art to kite making and flying, willow sculpture making to animal tracking and a whole series of art and craft workshops. Try your hand at felt making and fabric dyeing or join us in trying to knit a record-breaking scarf.
New for 2008 - come along to Storycraft with our resident storyteller, then take part in a craft activity relating to the tale.
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.
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
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.
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 images or any further information please contact the press office on 0131 247 4391 or email media@nms.ac.uk
Barbara Lyon
Marketing and Communications Assistant
National Museums Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh EH1 1JF
Tel +44 (0) 131 247 4391
Fax +44 (0) 131 247 4307
email b.lyon@nms.ac.uk
The National Museum of Scotland is currently undergoing a £46 million transformation. For more information visit: http://www.nms.ac.uk/royal_museum_project.aspx <http://www.nms.ac.uk/royal_museum_project.aspx>