National Museums Scotland listings

15 Sept to 27 Oct 2008

Highlights

Magnificent Machines

Sat 27 - Sun 28 September
10:00 - 17:00

Cost: Adults £6, Conc £5, Children 12 and under and National Museums Scotland Members free! Parking £4
Concorde boarding pass: Adults £3, Conc and children 12 and under £2, National Museums Scotland Members Free!

Discover the size and destructive power of Europe's biggest monster trucks at the transport event of the season!

Visitors will be able to see these awesome machines up close as they demonstrate their 'crushing' skill in a breathtaking performance.

There'll be classic and vintage cars, modern-day sports cars and the most sought after motorbikes. There will be magnificent machines for the whole family to enjoy with quad bikes, go karts and a variety of aircraft cockpits for children to climb into and pretend to be a pilot.

To round off the day in true supersonic style, there's always the opportunity to take a trip on board Concorde. Boarding passes will be available on the day, although places will be limited.

Harvest Home

Sun 14 September

10:00-17:00

Did you know harvest time is one of the oldest known festivals? Saxon farmers offered the first sheaf of corn to their gods to safeguard next year's crops.

With stock judging, a blacksmith demonstration and craft workshops, it's a jam-packed fun-filled day. Children will have the chance to flaunt their gardening skills or baking prowess at our Junior Make, Bake and Grow show. They can also bring their pets to enter in the pet show (advance booking required)!

New gallery

Scotland: A Changing Nation

National Museum of Scotland

Level 6

Free

Discover the political, industrial and cultural influences that have helped shaped today's Scotland.

A major new permanent gallery has opened at the National Museum of Scotland. From the First World War to the present day, Scotland: A Changing Nation traces the varied experiences of people living and working in Scotland. Through first-hand accounts, significant objects and film, you can examine how Scotland has been shaped into the nation it is today.

Scotland: A Changing Nation explores five major themes affecting life in Scotland, including war, industry and economics and social change. The final part of the journey celebrates Scottish achievement in sport, culture, medicine, science and technology.

Exhibits range from traditional to contemporary, including everything from furniture to food and technology to textiles.

Reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of Scottish culture during the past century, this gallery brings together many fascinating objects and perspectives from all over Scotland - creating a thought-provoking glimpse into Scottish social history.

Exhibitions

Print on film

From This Place Words Fly

National Museum of Scotland

Sat 20 September - Sun 7 December

Free

Artists Kenny Munro and Edward O'Donnelly celebrate Scotland's printing history in this evocative film. Consider the future of the printed word in an increasingly global culture.

In partnership with The National Trust for Scotland.

Call to Arms

National War Museum

Until 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.

Extremes: Life in Subarctic Canada

National Museum of Scotland

Until Sun 19 October

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?

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+.

Understanding Technology
How does an aircraft wing work?

British Physicists versus German Engineers 1909-1926 with David Bloor, Edinburgh University
Thu 18 Sept

15:00
Free - Book your place on 0131 247 4274

Cleanse the Causeway

Sun 21 Sept

Hawthornden Court

12:45 / 13:45 / 14:45 (20-30 mins)
Free
Join Living History Scotland as they present an interpretation of the weaponry and clothing used during Cleanse the Causeway - a bloody street battle that took place in Edinburgh in 1520 between the Douglas and Hamilton followers.

Have We Got History For You

Thu 25 Sept

Hawthornden Court

19:00 (1.5 hours)

£7 / £6 students /£3 members (includes The Stand Comedy Club members)

Book now on 0131 225 7534

Join us to celebrate the opening of our new gallery, Scotland: A Changing Nation, with the quiz of the century! Novelist A L Kennedy and comedians Vladimir McTavish and Susan Morrison take a light-hearted look at the 20th and 21st centuries.

Curator's Choice

Collecting the Uncollectible

Fri 26 Sept

Dunfermline Room

14:00 (1 hr)

£5 / £4 / Members free

Book now on 0131 225 7534

How do you collect a cast iron bridge or a 100 metre wind turbine? Discover highlights of our Civil Engineering collection with Rowan Brown, Senior Curator of Technology.

Academic Symposium: Scotland: A Changing Nation

Sat 27 Sept

Off site at Playfair Library, University of Edinburgh

10:00-17:00 (with lunch break)

£25 / Members £20 / Concessions £10

Book now on 0131 225 7534

Explore themes in the new Scotland: A Changing Nation exhibition. Speakers include historians and academics Professor Tom Devine, Dr Ewen A. Cameron, Dr Catriona Macdonald and Trevor Royle.

Extremes event: Curator Talk: Living from the Land

Special exhibitions gallery, level 3

Sat 27 Sept

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.

Take the King's Shilling

Sun 28 Sept

Hawthornden Court

12:45 / 13:45 / 14:45 (20-30 mins)

Free

Come along and meet the Redcoat soldiers and find out what life was like in King George's army in 1748. Will you be the next recruit?

Sunday Morning Music

Hawthornden Court

Sun 28 September, Sun 26 October

11:00 (1 hr)

Free

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

Traprain Law Guided Walk
Sunday 28 September

Traprain Law
10:30
Guided tour of the archaeology of Traprain Law, led by Fraser Hunter, Principal Curator of Prehistoric and Roman collections, followed by a tour of National Museum of Scotland to see some of the finds. Stiff climb: solid boots and waterproofs required! Numbers are limited so pre-booking is essential on 0131 247 4050.

Part of Scottish Archaeology Month

Big Draw 2008
Hawthornden Court

Sat 11, Sun 12 October
10:00 - 16:00 (drop-in)

Free

Big, bold...and bling! Help us recreate some very special treasure boxes from our inspiring collections. Step inside a Monymusk Reliquary or add your own treasure to the Darien Chest. All materials are provided as we take part once again in the UK's biggest free art event. In partnership with Alchemy Arts: www.alchemyarts.org

Curator's Choice: The Wool Industry in Scotland

Dunfermline Room

Fri 17 October

14:00 (1 hr)

£5/£4 Members free

Book now on 0131 225 7534

Duncan Dornan, General Manager of the National Museum of Rural Life, explores how the industrialisation of Scottish agriculture has affected Scotland's wool industry.

Half-term Fun!
Sat 18 - Sat 25 October
Free

Visit www.nms.ac.uk for full details

Let us entertain you! Join us for a week of exciting activities guaranteed to brighten up your half-term holiday. Art, science, history, storytelling, live animals - we've got it covered!

The Alba Puppet Show
Sun 19 October
Hawthornden Court
12:45/13:45/14:45 (20 mins)

Free
Scottish history the fun way! Learn the story of the Black Douglas, meet Hamish the Highlander and hear the tale of the last bear in Scotland.

A Slice of Life
Mon 20 -Fri 24 October
Levels 1, 3, 4
Mon - Thu 11:00-13:00 (Drop-in)

Fri 11:00-13:00 (Drop-in)
Free
Step back in time and encounter everyday characters from Scottish history, all with a story to tell! Meet a steam-engine driver, hear what life was like for an Edinburgh doctor in the 1800s and watch out for an unlucky lady by the stocks awaiting her gruesome punishment!

Printed Wishes - 500 Years of Printing in Scotland
Tues 21-Thu 23 October

Hawthornden Court

10:30-12:30/13:30-16:00 (Drop-in)
Free

Ages 5+

Celebrate 500 years of printing in Scotland by making your own beautifully printed postcard to send to a friend or a loved one. Use the stamps provided to design your own message then post it from the museum.

The Antonine Guard
Sun 26 October
Hawthornden Court
11:45/12:45/14:45 (20 - 30 mins)
Free
They came, they saw, they went away again...or did they? Join Scotland's last Roman legion, Legio VI for an exciting demonstration of weapons, equipment and drill.

National Museum of Rural Life

Evening Bat Walks

Tue 16 Sept

20:30 -22:30

Book now on 0131 237 4377

Harvest Home

Sun 14 September

11:00-16:00

Workshop activities

Archaeology Fieldwalking Day

Sun 28 September

13:00 - 16:00

Book Now - Call 0131 247 4377

Fungal Foray
Sun 5 October

11:00 - 14:00
Book Now - Call 0131 247 4377

Big Draw: Heavens Above!

Sun 12, Tue 14 October
14:00 - 16:00

Free

This nationwide annual art fest is back by popular demand! This year help us with an astronomical artwork. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Stargazing
Wed 15 October
19:30 - 21:30
Join members of the Clydesdale Astronomical Society and see what the autumnal heavens have to offer.

Scary Scarecrows and Tiny Terrors

Sun 26 October

11:00-13:00/14:00-16:00

Make a scary scarecrow in our morning sessions or join us to make a terrifying peg doll in the afternoon.

National Museum of Costume

Doors Open Day
Sun 28 September
11:00-16:00
Free
The theme of Doors Open Day this year is water, so the children will be kept busy looking at how the Victorians kept their clothes clean and the clever ways they kept dry in the rain before the era of plastics.  There will be plenty of fun for all the family: help us to make bubbles & bomb (bath bomb, that is) in the laundry and join in crafts, races and games.

Adult Craft Workshop: Knitting with Colour
Sat 11 October
10:00-16:00
Adult £25/ Conc £20
Booking: Reserve your place today on 01387 850375
Paint with yarn! Enjoy a brief introduction to colour theory and combining from Janet Harvey and then use your inspiration to get creative with yarn. No experience needed.

Children's Creative Craft Workshops
Mon 20, Wed 22, Fri 24 October
10:00 - 12:00
£2
Book in advance on 01387 850375.
Get creative at our ever-popular sessions for children. There are different activities at every workshop during the holidays

Monday 20th October
Pumpkins Rock!  Make your own pumpkin lantern from mod roc, add a torch and you're all set for Halloween!

Wednesday 22nd October
Witch will you make:  make your own Halloween costume and wear it to the museum torchlight tour.

Friday 24th October

Totally felt-tastic 2:  Join us at this years last craft workshop, to make felt Christmas decorations or maybe a Christmas stocking.

National Museum of Flight

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 our members. Book with PDG Helicopters on 0870 607 9000.

Big Draw 2008
Sat 11 October
11:30-13:00/14:00-16:00

Free with admission to museum.

Scrapheap Challenge
Sun 12 - Sun 19 October
11:30-13:00/14:00-16:00

Search through the scrap, build something that flies, then see how far you can make it go!

Free with admission to museum.

National War Museum

Regimental Redcoats

Sat 4, Sun 5 October

Free with admission
Meet our resident redcoats for marching and musket drills in Scotland's most famous regimental home.

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

Made in Scotland, from stories. Scotland: A Changing Nation. Opens 11 July
www.nms.ac.uk/changingnation <http://www.nms.ac.uk/changingnation> 

National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130