After-hours events and hot-ticket debates aimed at young people and young adults will be programmed at the transformed National Museum of Scotland in its opening year thanks to a major new partnership with RBS.
The £46.4 million transformation of the National Museum of Scotland is nearing completion and will re-open to the public on 29 July. National Museums Scotland and RBS will work together to bring collections and exhibitions to the public in new and innovative ways.
The programme will include the RBS Museum Lates – a series of evening openings with live performances, one-off displays and installations, special guests, cutting-edge fashion and design, music and extended exhibition hours. Debates and speaker-led events with internationally renowned names that will be a draw for young people will also be programmed and extended to a much wider audience through digital programmes and social media.
Gordon Rintoul, Director of National Museums Scotland said, “We are delighted to announce this innovative programme of events for young people and young adults in partnership with RBS. The spectacular redevelopment of the museum provides an opportunity to expand the range of events we offer alongside dramatic new displays. This is the first in a series of innovative programmes which will inspire and engage new audiences.
“Our collections celebrate huge achievements in the arts, culture, business and science worldwide and the legacy of Scots who were driven by a passion for exploration, discovery and invention. Through these new informal event programmes, we aim to inspire young people today to develop a greater understanding of the world around them.”
The revitalised museum will present Scotland’s great collections to a national and international audience, underlining the role which Scots have played across the world and reflecting the confidence of a modern and ambitious Scotland.
Sir Philip Hampton, Chairman of the RBS Group said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with the National Museums of Scotland. RBS has a Scottish heritage going back almost 300 years so it is natural that we should be supporting this great institution. We have changed the way we do sponsorship and are working much more in partnership with organisations to ensure maximum community benefit. Through this collaboration with the National Museums of Scotland we are aiming to encourage people of all ages to learn about Scotland’s history and Scotland’s contribution to the world. The redevelopment of the Museum will transform this wonderful Scottish asset into one of the world’s great museums and RBS is very proud to be a partner.”
When the museum re-opens, a radical transformation will be unveiled – returning one of the UK’s finest Victorian buildings to its former glory, and displaying fascinating collections presented in dramatic and engaging ways.
Sixteen new galleries will reveal over 8,000 objects, 80% of which will be displayed for the first time in generations. There will also be two hands-on discovery centres, a major gallery to host international blockbuster exhibitions and a three storey learning centre which will be a focal point for a wide range of programmes for visitors of all ages.
Fundraising for the project was completed last month, exceeding its goal by almost £1 million. The announcement of the RBS partnership continues this investment in support of the Museum’s ongoing success and development.