National Museums Scotland listings 13 Oct to 24 Nov 2008

National
Museums
Scotland listings

13 Oct to 24 Nov 2008

Highlights

Jean Muir : A Fashion
Icon
National Museum of Scotland
Fri 7 November - Sun 15 March
Free

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. Highlights from her inspiring collection, donated to National Museums Scotland, will be on display for
the very first time.

The British designer held a unique place in the
international fashion scene, from her emergence in the swinging 1960s to her
death in 1995. In Paris, she was ‘the new
queen of the dress' and in New
York, ‘the jewel in the crown of British
fashion'. To her customers she was ‘addictive' and in her own
words, ‘evolutionary not revolutionary'.

Jean Muir: A Fashion
Icon
celebrates the life and
workings of this individual and revered dressmaker. Find out why she obtained
such accolades through a stunning display of garments, sketches, patterns,
accessories, catwalk footage and fashion photography.

Sponsored by Pagan Osborne.

Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing
Stories

National Museum of Scotland
Opens 14 November
Free

Discover
the highlights of our inspiring collections.

While the Royal Museum
building is closed for refurbishment, visit some old favourites and take a rare
glimpse at some hidden treasures in our fascinating new exhibition.

Explore the spectacular, extraordinary, precious
and personal as you travel through the centuries. We bring together over 300
pieces, from sacred objects, royal possessions, natural wonders and inventions
that changed the world.

Why not admire precious items from ancient
civilisations, examine fossils, come face to face with a Sumatran tiger and her
cub and marvel at a Martian meteorite!

Enjoy the highlights of the National Museum of
Scotland's collections; from its earliest beginnings to our plans for the
future.

Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing
Stories
will be on display during the refurbishment of the Royal Museum
building. These treasures, and more, will be moved into new galleries when the
building reopens in 2011.

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.

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

LAST
CHANCE TO SEE

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.

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.

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!

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.

Gifted
National Museum of Scotland
Fri 7 November - Sun 11 January
Free
Making a welcome return in plenty
of time for Christmas, Gifted is
a beautiful exhibition of contemporary Scottish crafts - all available to
buy.

Now in its fourth year, this popular exhibition
gives you the chance to see and buy innovative new work from some of Scotland's
most talented craft makers. Ceramics, glass, jewellery and textiles will be on
display, offering hand-made, limited-edition gifts for all tastes and budgets.

Why not escape the hustle and bustle of Princes Street and
enjoy the relaxed surroundings of the museum? We promise Gifted will give your
Christmas gifts the edge this year!

For further information on the crafts people
exhibiting, visit our website www.nms.ac.uk/gifted

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+.

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.

Sunday Morning Music

Hawthornden Court

Sun 26 October, Sun 30 November

11:00 (1 hr)

Free

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

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.

Scottish Traditions of Dance Trust
Sun 2 November
Hawthornden Court
13:45/14:45 (30 mins)
Free
Get your toes tapping to the sounds and spectacle of Scottish traditional dance
with a variety of performers, dance styles and music!

Curator's Choice

Call to Arms

Fri 7 November

Dunfermline Room

14:00 (1 hr)

£5 / £4 / Members free

Book now on 0131 225 7534

Curator Jonathan Ferguson
reveals the stories of four different Scottish warriors who feature in the Call to Arms exhibition at the National War Museum.

Medieval Harp Maestro
Sun 9 November
Level 1

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

Free
Join accomplished musician Simon Chadwick for a practical and historical
workshop on this fascinating instrument and then have a go yourself.

Understanding Technology
Thu 13 November
Dunfermline Room

15:00 (1 hr)

Free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Geoff Swinney, National Museums Scotland,
discusses Professor Wilson's Map of
Technology.

In association with the Institute of the Study of Science,
Technology and Innovation, University
of Edinburgh.

Ye Jacobite by Name
Sun 16 November
Hawthornden Court
12:45/13:45/14:45 (20 - 30 mins)
Free
Join Living History Scotland
for gripping tales of the Jacobite army's occupation of Edinburgh in 1745. Learn how the clansmen
dressed and fought and hear from a corporal of the Redcoat army who faced them
on the field of war.

Forty Years of Fashion Photography
Fri 21 November

Special Exhibitions gallery, Level 3
14:00 (1hr)
Free

Book on 0131 225 7534
Robin Gillanders, photographer and lecturer at Napier University,
discusses four decades of fashion photography in relation to the Jean Muir exhibition.

Sponsored by Pagan Osborne.

The Kingdom of the Scots: 10 Years
On

Fri 21 November

Hawthornden
Court
19:00
(1hr)
£5/£4 Members free.

Book on 0131 225 7534
Dr David Caldwell, National Museums
Scotland,
reflects on the opening of the Kingdom of the Scots galleries in 1998. Ten
years on, have these galleries stood the test of time?

Bruce and Bannockburn
Sun 23 November
Hawthornden Court
12:45/13:45/14:45 (20 - 30 mins)
Free
Prepare for battle with Alba Adventures! Hear the story of Robert the Bruce and
find out how King Edward II of England
was defeated at Bannockburn
in 1314.

National Museum of Rural Life

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.

Halloween Party

Fri 31 October

17:00-19:00

Venture along after dark and enjoy apple dooking, scary
stories, grisly games and creepy crafts.

National Museum of Costume

A Halloween Happening
Sat 25 October
16:00 - 17:30
Feeling brave? Dress up and join us for some spooky goings on. There are
scary stories, grisly games and a terrifying tour. Guaranteed to be a thriller!

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

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

Friday 24 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.

Air and Scare Halloween Party

Fri 31 October

18:30-20:00

Wear your costume and take part in creepy workshops in our
haunted hangar.

National War Museum

Regimental Redcoats

Sat 4, Sun 5 October
12:30/13:10/14:00/15:00 (20mins)

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 EH39 5LF

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