National Museums Scotland listings 6 July - 17 August 2009

National Museums Scotland listings

6 July - 17 August 2009

Highlights

Garden Detectives
National Museum of Scotland
Fri 26 June - Sun 27 September

What lurks at the bottom of your garden? See the natural world through the eyes of a detective. Delve into hedges, take a peek in our shed and unearth wonders from our flower beds and pond. Explore habitats, study food chains, track animals and discover what they get up to while you're asleep!

Inspired by the work of Charles Darwin on his 200th birthday, Garden Detectives turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Take a larger-than-life look at plants and flowers, learn fascinating facts about nature and experience all the sounds and smells of a real garden, without getting your hands dirty.

Darwin200 is a national programme of events celebrating Charles Darwin's scientific ideas and their impact on society.

Ballast: Bringing the Stones Home
National Museum of Scotland
Wed 5 August - Sun 8 November

John Edgar's stone sculptures tell the story of emigration - leaving the homeland, the voyage through unknown seas and the arrival in a new land. Using stone that he collected in 2005 from historic quarries in Scotland, the New Zealand artist has made sculptures based on the land and the flag, the compass, trig stations and survey markers. Mapping voyages, journeys, arrivals and departures, the stones are reunited with their homeland as part of the Year of Homecoming 2009. This exhibition celebrates in stone the strong culture that is common to Scotland and New Zealand.

Airshow 2009

National Museum of Flight
Sat 25 July
10:00 - 17:00

Set coordinates for East Fortune Airfield on Saturday 25 July for the National Museum of Flight's annual air display. It's a day filled with children's activity workshops, fairground rides, displays, demonstrations and more. Look to the skies in the afternoon for more than two hours of high-octane aerial displays, ranging from historic war birds to contemporary military jets.

Early bird savings are available until 13 July - www.nms.ac.uk/airshow or 0131 247 4302.

Fantastic Flight
National Museum of Flight
New permanent exhibition
Included in museum admission

Our three new hands-on galleries help you find out how aeroplanes fly, how they are built and the skills needed to fly them. Join in with over 25 activities to feel the force of lift, discover what planes are made of and test your own skills. Can you navigate your way around the world or land an aeroplane? Remember to try out the flight simulations - could you be a fighter pilot?

Get to grips with the mechanics of flight with buttons, dials, switches, propellers and wings. Look out for a Wright Brothers engine, the propeller from an aeroplane which flew over Everest and Sheila Scott's record-breaking Piper Comanche, which she flew solo around the world. Let your imagination soar!

Fortunes of War
National Museum of Flight
New permanent exhibition
Included in museum admission

What was it like to serve at East Fortune airfield at different times in its history? Uncover the vivid human story of service at this military airfield from RAF crew, photographs, film and rare artefacts. You can see wings from an East Fortune Sopwith Cuckoo, and the original painted gate from the Royal Naval Air Station. Watch out for objects from the R34, East Fortune's record-breaking airship, which flew to North America and back in the first-ever transatlantic crossing.

You can also discover how the airfield has changed with our interactive map, navigate an airship to find the enemy submarine and watch historic film footage. Models, aircraft parts, uniforms, and flying equipment combine to give you a very personal sense at what life was like at East Fortune.

Exhibitions

Helmand: Faces of Conflict

National War Museum

Until Sun 31 January 2010

Included in Edinburgh Castle admission

Helmand: Faces of Conflict at the National War Museum features the photography of Robert Wilson, war artist with Edinburgh's 52 Infantry Brigade. From the faces of weary men returning from three weeks on patrol to the dusty landscape of their surroundings, Wilson captures the lives of soldiers and civilians with an unflinching sense of intimacy.

Jean Muir: A Fashion Icon
National Museum of Costume
Until Sat 31 October 2009
Included in museum admission

Explore the work of an international fashion designer, and unravel the distinctive Jean Muir look. Jean Muir was an iconic figure in the world of fashion design, recognised internationally as ‘the jewel in the crown of British fashion'. Jean Muir: A Fashion Icon celebrates the life and work of this individual and revered dressmaker through a stunning display of garments, sketches, patterns, accessories, catwalk footage and fashion photography. The exhibition reflects the intimacy of Miss Muir's London premises - a white, pristine environment in which she chose to live and work. Highlights from the National Museums Scotland touring exhibition will be displayed, along with garments selected especially for the National Museum of Costume. On show for the first time will be a selection of jewellery from the archive.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year
National Museum of Rural Life
Until Sun 6 September
Included in museum admission

Discover the best of the best in wildlife photography in this popular exhibition from the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine. Held annually, the competition aims to find the most stunning and original wildlife pictures taken by photographers of all ages and abilities worldwide. Learn how achieving the perfect picture is down to a mixture of skill, vision, originality, knowledge of nature and luck. From animal behaviour to the underwater world, garden wildlife to wild places, this exhibition is not to be missed. Catch it while you can!

We will also be holding our very own competition for all budding nature photographers. There will be categories for over and under 16s and great prizes for the top three entries. For more information or an entry form call 0131 247 4369.

Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories

National Museum of Scotland
Until 2011
Free

This exhibition offers the chance to discover some of the most extraordinary treasures in the care of National Museums Scotland. Featuring over 300 objects drawn from the four corners of the globe and spanning across centuries, Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories celebrates the wonder and diversity of the National Museums' world-class collections. From a Sumatran tiger to a Victorian corset, Treasured is an eclectic mix of the spectacular, extraordinary, precious and personal. The exhibition provides a link to the Royal Museum collections during closure, casting new light on familiar objects and also giving a first glimpse of some of the objects which will feature in the redeveloped National Museum of Scotland when it re-opens in 2011.

Scotland: A Changing Nation

National Museum of Scotland
New permanent gallery

Free

Our major new gallery celebrates Scotland's great contributions to the world, as part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme. The gallery explores war, industry, daily life, social change and emigration, as well as Scottish achievement in sport, culture, medicine, science and technology. Reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of Scottish culture during the past century, Scotland: A Changing Nation creates a thought-provoking glimpse into Scottish social history.

Events/activities

National Museum of Scotland

Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust
Hawthornden Court
Sun 2 August
13:45/14:45 (30mins)
Free

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

Sunday Morning Music

Level 1 galleries

Sun 26 July

11:00 (1hr)
Free

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

In association with Live Music Now! Scotland.

A Slice of Life
Levels 1, 3, 4
Mon 20 - Fri 24 July
Mon 27 - Fri 31 July
11:00 - 13:00/14:00 - 16:00
Free (Drop-in)

Step back in time and encounter everyday characters from Scottish history. Meet a steam engine driver, an Edinburgh doctor or an unlucky lady in the stocks (two characters daily).

Highland Weaponry and Tactics
Hawthornden Court
Sun 12 July
12:45/13:45/14:45 (30mins)
Free

Join Paul McDonald and his talented swordsmen for an exciting trip back to the Highland battlefields of the 17th and 18th centuries. This includes live weapon demonstrations and a chance to try on the belted plaid.

Fly Right Dance Company
Hawthornden Court
Sun 19 July
12:45/13:45/14:45 (40mins)
Free

Step back in time with an afternoon dance class and pick up some popular 20th century social dances.

Traditional Games
Hawthornden Court
Sun 26 July
12:45/13:45/14:45/15:45 (30mins)
Free

Fancy a change from computer games? Join Ross and Lexi of The Big Top for games from a bygone age! Try out girds and cleeks, whips and peeries, diabolos and many more.

Fringe Music: Homecoming 2009
Hawthornden Court
Sun 9 - Sat 29 August
Daily performances - 12:45 (45mins)
Free

A three-week programme showcasing the very best of Scottish classical and traditional music. Liven up your lunch hour with Alba Brass quintet, Allie Robertson on clarsach or soprano Emma Harper, as part of Homecoming Scotland 2009. For our full list of Homecoming events please visit www.nms.ac.uk.

In partnership with Live Music Now Scotland!

Summer Science

A three-week science extravaganza! Enjoy our programme of science shows and drop-in activities - celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009, meet live animals or take part in a science show.

Meet the Mega Beasts

Connect gallery
Mon 20 - Fri 24 July
14:00 - 16:00
Free (Drop-in)
See www.nms.ac.uk for show times

Celebrate Darwin's discoveries with activities linked to our new exhibition, Garden Detectives. Meet some mega beasts like Khan the Boa Constrictor and Ziggy, the most popular Chinese Water dragon we know!

The Sky's the Limit
Connect gallery
Mon 27 - Fri 31 July
Free (Drop-in)
See www.nms.ac.uk for show times

The Royal Observatory brings us a week of events to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy. Make a rocket, handle a meteorite or have your photo taken with an infrared camera.

In partnership with Edinburgh Royal Observatory.

Super Science Shows
Connect gallery
Mon 3 - Fri 7 August
12:15/13:15/14:15/15:15 (20mins)
Age 5+
Free (Drop-in)

Come along to one of our popular Super Science Shows. Join Alex on her Amazing Adventures or launch a ping pong ball into space in Fantastic Forces. Science rules!

Connect Super Science Shows

Connect gallery

Every Saturday and Sunday 12:15/13:15/14:15/15:15 (20mins)
Age 5+

Free

Come along to our free events every weekend in Connect. Find out about science in the real world at our Meet the Scientist events or enjoy a Super Science Show!

Free Tours: Scottish Collections

Tours leave from the Hawthornden Court meeting point:

Highlights Tour (1hr)

Daily 11:30/13:30

Themed Tour (1hr)

Daily 14:30

Family Tour (15mins)

Sat 14:00

Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories Tour (1hr)

Tue 15:00/Fri 12:00

Information about topics for themed and family tours can be found on the museum's information screens and on our website www.nms.ac.uk/tours.

National Museum of Flight

Teddy Bears' Picnic
Sat 1 - Sun 2 August
11:30 - 16:00
Age 3+

If you go down to the Museum today you're sure of a big surprise! Bring along your favourite teddy bear and join in the fun and games.

Make and take

Flying Things
Every Sat and Sun until Sun 19 July
11:30 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 16:00 (20mins)
Age 3+

Make a toy that flies from recycled materials.

Creepers, speeders and rollers
Every Sat and Sun
Sat 8 August - Sun 20 September

11:30 - 13:00/14:00 - 16:00 (20mins)
Age 3+

Make a toy at moves from recycled materials.

National Museum of Costume

Inspired by Jean Muir: Adult Workshops

Eco-couture: Recycle Your Style
Sat 11 July
13:00 - 16:00
Adult £10, Conc £6

Join our designer and update old items from your wardrobe for the new season.

The Mad Hatter's Victorian Tea Party
Sun 26 July
11:00 - 16:00

Join Felicity Faichney, the Museum's own mad hatter to make your own paper hat before settling down for tea and cake!

Kids' Craft Workshops
Wed 8, Wed 15, Wed 22, Wed 29 July; Wed 5, Wed 12 August
10:00 - 12:00

Get creative at our ever-popular sessions for children. There are different activities each season - from mask-making and painting your own cup and saucer for a tea party to constructing your own hat, just like the Mad Hatter's! Find out more on www.nms.ac.uk/costume and book in advance on 0131 247 4030.

National Museum of Rural Life

Go Wild! Summer Programme
Daily from Mon 29 June - Fri 14 August
11:30/14:00 (2hrs)
Booking essential on 0131 247 4369

Make the most of the holidays with our new summer activities. Call us on 0131 247 4369 for more information on arts and crafts - including kite making and photography - as well as music sessions. You can also enjoy a short film in our theatre.

Heavy Horse Show
Sun 19 July
10:00 - 17:00
Adults £6, Conc £5, Children under 12 free
Book now on 0131 247 4369 or at www.nms.ac.uk/rural

Come and see Clydesdale horses, donkeys, and Highland and Shetland ponies at one of Scotland's biggest heavy horse shows. See nearly 200 of the country's largest and smallest horses. There will be show classes, displays, agility courses and tail-dressing workshops (not on real horses).

Evening Bat Walks
Tue 11, Tue 18 August
20:45 (2hrs)
Free
Booking essential on 0131 247 4369

Help us monitor wildlife at the farm. Learn from the experts and get a chance to encounter these fascinating creatures.

Wednesday Parent and Toddler Sessions

Wed 14 July, Wed 28 July, Wed 12 August

13:00 (1hr)

Parents with pre-school children are welcome to join us. Song time, story time or craft time - come along and see which session is on, or call us on 0131 247 4369.

National War Museum

The Black Watch - 1815
Sat 18 - Sun 19 July
10:00 - 16:00
Drop-in

Find out what British Army life was like in the 1800s with officers and soldiers from the 42nd Highland Regiment of Foot. See the arms and equipment and watch the musket drill.

Second World War Scottish Soldiers
Sat 1 - Sun 2 August
10:00 - 16:00

Drop-in

>From mountains to deserts, Scottish soldiers fought all over the world during the Second World War. See the war through a soldier's eyes in our re-enactment display.

Museum addresses:

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

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

National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian EH39 5LF

National Museum of Costume, Shambellie House, New Abbey, Dumfries, DG2 8HQ

National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0131 225 7534/www.nms.ac.uk

Please note that National Museums Scotland (no ‘of' or ‘the) is our corporate name. Our individual museums are called the National Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Flight, National Museum of Rural Life, National Museum of Costume and National War Museum.

Garden Detectives. Unearthing nature's little secrets. 26 Jun - 27 Sep. Admission free: www.nms.ac.uk/garden