National
Museums Scotland listings
22 June - 3 August 2009
Highlights
Garden Detectives
National Museum of Scotland
Opening 26 June
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.
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 5 July, 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.
The Sights and Smells of Old
Edinburgh
Hawthornden Court
Sun 28 June
12:45/13:45/14:45
(30mins)
Free
A
comic, musical, theatrical trip through the streets of 18th century ‘Auld
Reekie' - all from the comfort of the museum! Part of the Edinburgh
Old Town Festival, 15-28 June - www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
Sunday Morning Music
Level 1 galleries
Sun 28 June, 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.
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.
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
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).
Wednesday parent
and toddler sessions
Wed 30 June, Wed 14 July, Wed 28
July
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
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