National
Museums Scotland listings
14 September - 26 October 2009
Highlights
Salt of the Earth
National Museum of Scotland
Fri 16 October 2009 - Sun 10 Jan 2010
Free
Explore emigration,
internationalism and the impact Scots have made on the world in Craig
Mackay's contemporary portraits. The contributions of these Scots are
helping shape the image of Scotland
and its culture. Though some faces are instantly recognisable as being
Scottish, others may come as a surprise! Salt
of the Earth captures playwright John Byrne, musicians Rosanne Cash
and Sharleen Spiteri, actors Brian Cox, Alan Cumming and Neve Campbell,
photographer Albert Watson and football manager Sir Alex Ferguson amongst
others. The dramatic results illustrate a connection to a Scottish past,
combined with an optimistic outlook to a new, emerging Scotland. A Pinch of Salt captures the photographic
process through film, with a soundtrack from up and coming Scottish rock band Shutter.
Ballast: Bringing
the Stones Home
National Museum of Scotland
Wed 5 August - Sun 8 November
Free
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.
Magnificent Machines
National Museum of Flight
Sat 26 - Sun 27 September
10:00 - 17:00
Adults £8.50, Conc £6.50, Children 12 and under free
A powerful, wonderful, mechanical weekend! See monster trucks, classic and
vintage cars, scooters, fire engines and traction steam engines at the
transport event of the season! Climb inside an aircraft cockpit and discover
what it might be like to fly your own magnificent machine. Have a go yourself
at quad bikes, go karts, fairground rides and much more.
Book your tickets now - www.nms.ac.uk/flight or 0131 225 7534.
Garden Detectives
National Museum of Scotland: Fri 26 June - Sun
27 September
National Museum of Rural
Life: Opens Fri 9 October
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.
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 are
displayed, along with garments selected especially for the National Museum of
Costume. On show for the first time is a selection of jewellery from the
archive.
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.
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
Talks and lectures
Wearing
the Colours: Suffragette Jewellery
Early People gallery
Wed 7 October
19:00 (1hr)
£5 / £4 / Members free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
To mark the centenary of the Women's Suffrage Movement
procession along Princes Street,
Dr Elizabeth Goring presents the remarkable story of Suffragette jewellery,
worn to declare the wearer's commitment to the cause of votes for women.
September rocks!
Join us for an exciting programme of
events to celebrate Scottish Archaeology
Month and the Scottish Geology
Festival.
Scottish
Archaeology Month: Myth Busters
Early People gallery, Level 0
Fri 11, 18, 25 September
14:30 (1hr)
Age 16+
Free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Limited spaces
We're marking Scottish Archaeology
Month 2009 by exploring, and exploding, some of the common myths
about Scotland's
early people. A series of gallery talks by curators from National
Museums Scotland
will reveal how the latest finds and research are changing our picture of Scotland's
past. Visit www.nms.ac.uk for further details.
A
Slice of Life: Geology Special
Beginnings, Level 0
Sat 5, 12, 19, 26
Sun 6, 13, 20, 27
Mon 21 September
11:00 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 16:00
Free (drop-in)
Celebrate Scottish Geology Festival at the Museum and meet our exciting new Slice of Life character! Discover the
secrets of Scotland's
ancient rocks and step back into ‘deep time' with our resident
expert and personal friend of James Hutton himself - the father of modern
time.
Meet
the Vikings!
Hawthornden Court
Sun 20 September
12:00 - 16:00
Free (drop-in)
>From weaving to warriors, this is a unique chance to visit a Viking encampment.
Play Viking games, watch silver jewellery being made, have a go at weaving
braid, watch The Arming of the Thane, find out about Viking weapons and
warfare. See life as it was a thousand years ago!
Fossil
Roadshow
Hawthornden Court
Mon 21 September
11:00 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 16:00
Free (drop-in)
Ever made an interesting fossil find? Want to know what rocks reveal about the
past? Bring your discoveries along and let our panel of experts enlighten you.
There's also a chance to handle the Museum's own fossil collection!
Dino-mania!
Connect gallery
Mon 21 September
10:30 - 16:30
Free (drop-in)
Take part in Scottish Geology Festival by making your own model dino-world. All materials provided in this fun,
fossil-filled workshop!
Roman
Fun-shop
Hawthornden Court
Sun 27 September
12:00 - 16:00
Free (drop-in)
Join us for a Roman art and craft fun-shop - your chance to adorn yourself
as a Roman, complete with homemade laurel wreath and shield!
The Archaeology of Traprain Law
Sun 27 September
Walk: 10:00 - 12:00
Museum visit: 15:00 - 17:00
Age 16+
Free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Limited spaces
Explore the archaeology of Scotland's
most important hill fort with Dr Fraser Hunter.
The tour will be followed by a visit to the National Museum of Scotland to see
some of the finds from the site. Tour involves a strenuous climb. Solid boots
and waterproofs required. Details of meeting place will be sent out with
tickets.
Doors Open Day 2009
Doors
Open Day at the National Museums Collection Centre
Tower entrance
Sat 26 September
11:00 and 14:00 (2hrs including travel)
Free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Limited spaces
Go behind the scenes at the National
Museums Collection Centre at Granton. See conservation in action and discover
some of the amazing objects in our collections. Includes free return shuttle
service from the National Museum of Scotland.
Special events
Knits and Pieces!
Hawthornden Court
Fri 9, Sat 10 October
Fri 12:00 - 17:00
Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Free (drop-in)
It's the Year of
Natural Fibres and we're asking you to get crafty.
There's a knitting and crochet circle, expert tips for beginners, woolly family
art activities, items from our collections on show as well as talks and
demonstrations from experts in the field of fabric!
Ways of Seeing the
Suffragettes
Dunfermline Room
Sun 11 October
12:45/13:45/14:45 (15 mins)
Free
Celebrate the centenary of the Women's Suffrage
Movement Procession in Edinburgh.
Come and see this short film, exploring the changing role of women since 1909,
by local group Ways of Seeing.
With support from City of Edinburgh Council,
Community Learning and Development.
Big Draw
Homecoming Soap Sculptures
Hawthornden Court
Sun 11
October
10:30 - 16:30
Free (drop-in)
Draw inspiration from our striking Ballast sculptures and other stone
carvings in the Museum to make your own 3D design out of soap! Take it away to
treasure or lather up and see your artwork slowly wash away. Materials
provided.
Fly on the Wall - Roman Fort
Bute Room, Level 3
Sat 17, 24 October
Romans: 12:00 (45 mins)
Suitable for ages 8 - 12
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Visit the frontier of Roman Britain and find out about the
sounds, smells and textures of everyday Roman life. Discover what life was like
for Roman soldiers, their wives and children on Hadrian's
Wall and volunteer your services!
Fly on the Wall
- Viking Longship
Bute Room, Level 3
Sat 17, 24 October
Vikings: 14:00 (45 mins)
Suitable for ages 8 - 12
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Learn all about the Viking way of life as we sail with
Uggla, Grim and their grizzly crew. Listen to stories about the Norse gods,
watch the Viking craftsmen at work, capture some monks and attend a warrior's
funeral!
My Face in Space!
Hawthornden Court
Sun 18
October
10:30 - 16:30
Free (drop-in)
Celebrate the National
Year of Astronomy and the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing
in this fun workshop. Check out our spaceman in the Connect gallery and then
picture yourself in his place, in space. What will you encounter out there?
October half-term
A Slice of Life
Levels 0, 1, 3, 4
Mon 19 - Sun 25 October
11:00 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 16:00
Drop-in (free)
Step back in time and encounter everyday characters from
Scottish history all with a story to tell. From a steam engine driver to
an unlucky lady in the stocks - who will you meet today?
Brand New Super Science Show!
Connect gallery
Mon 19 - Fri 23 October
12:15 / 13:15 / 14:15 / 15:15 (20 mins)
Age 5+
Free (drop-in)
Join us on an exciting journey of innovation and exploration
and learn about some of Scotland's
coolest inventions.
Weekend events
Meet the Clansmen!
Hawthornden Court
Sun 4 October
12:45/13:45/14:45 (20 - 30 mins)
Free
Come along and meet the highland clansmen and learn all
about their weapons, costumes and traditions.
In-Didge: An Australian Journey
Bute Room
Sun 25 October
12:45/13:45/14:45 (30 mins)
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Free but limited availability
Book now on 0131 225 7534
What does traditional mean to you? Come along and let Australia's
most dynamic aboriginal ambassador Sean Choolburra immerse you in his native
culture. Be drawn in by stories and objects and enlightened by music and dance
in this energetic performance workshop!
Part of the Scottish International
Storytelling Festival - www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk.
Sunday Morning Music
Hawthornden Court,
Level 1
Sun 27 September, Sun 25
October
10:45 (1hr)
Free
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning stroll through the galleries to the soothing
sounds of talented young musicians.
In partnership with
Live Music Now Scotland.
Connect
Super Science Shows
Connect gallery
Every Sat and Sun
12:15/13:15/14:15/15:15 (20mins)
Age 5+
Limited space (seating for 20)
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
Make and take
Creepers,
speeders and rollers
Every Sat and Sun
Until Sun 20 September
11:30 - 13:00/14:00 -
16:00 (20mins)
Age 3+
Make a toy that moves from recycled materials.
Big
Draw
Sat 17 October
11:30 - 13:00/14:00 - 16:00 (20mins)
Age 3+
Come and join in our artist-led workshop, part of the nationwide Big Draw
event.
Fantastic
Fabricators
Sun 18 - Sun 25 October
11:30 - 13:00/14:00 - 16:00 (20mins)
Age 3+
Do you have what it takes to build
an aeroplane? Look at the Design and Build section of our new Fantastic Flight
exhibition before having a go yourself.
National Museum of Costume
Doors Open Day
Sun 27 September
11:00 - 16:00
Free
Come along and enjoy all that the museum has to offer - for free! Join in
a variety of arts and crafts activities as we celebrate national Doors Open
Day.
A Halloween
Happening
Sat 24 October
17:00 - 18:00/18:00 - 19:00
Adult £2, Child £1
Ages 5 - 12
Feeling brave? Meet ghosts and ghouls and join our spooky storyteller on a tour
of the house. Book for the 17:00 or 18:00 tour. Call 0131 247 4030 (10:00
- 17:00).
Kids' Craft
Workshops
Mon 19, Wed 21, Fri 23 October
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!
National Museum of Rural Life
Evening Bat Walks
Tue 15 September 19:45
Tue 22 September 19:30
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.
Harvest Festival
Sun 13 September
10:00 - 17:00
Enjoy crafts, stock judging, blacksmith demonstrations, a steam engine and a
children's baking and gardening show.
Archaeology Field Walking and Geophysics
Days
Sun 27 September
13:00 - 16:00
Booking essential on 0131 247 4369
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Discover clues to the past with our archaeologists.
Darwin Day
Sun 11 October
11:00 - 14:00
Come along to the launch of our Garden
Detectives exhibition, inspired by Darwin200.
Meet some giant creepy crawlies or make an animal mask in our craft workshop.
Adults can forage for fungi around the farm with our experts.
The Big Draw
Mon 12, Tue 13, Wed 14 October
14:00 - 16:00 (drop-in)
This nationwide art fest is back by popular demand!
Stargazing
Wed 21 October
19:30 - 21:30
Free
Booking essential on 0131 247 4369
Try your hand at astronomy (weather permitting) and see what the autumn skies
have to offer.
Sunday Craft Sessions
Sun 20 September, Sun 4 October, Sun 18 October
14:00 - 16:00 (Drop-in)
Get crafty at one of our regular sessions and make something to take away with
you.
Wednesday Parent and Toddler Sessions
Wed 23 September, Wed 7 October, Wed 21 October
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
Big Draw
Sat 17 - Sun 18 October
10:00 - 15:00
Drop-in
Make your own armour. Take inspiration from our collection
of protective clothing and armour then join our artist to design your own.
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
Magnificent Machines: the transport event of the season. National Museum
of Flight, 26-27 September. www.nms.ac.uk/magnificentmachines
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