National
Museums Scotland listings
28 September - 9 November 2009
Highlights
Sir Jackie Stewart:
World Champion - 1969, 1971, 1973
National Museum of Scotland
>From Tue 8 September
Free
Proud Scots, motor-racing fans and sporting
enthusiasts can now speed into the National Museum of Scotland to see
the famous Formula One car belonging to three times Formula One World
Champion and Scottish sporting legend, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. To celebrate the
40th anniversary of his first World Drivers' Championship in 1969 and
Scotland's Year of Homecoming 2009,
Sir Jackie has loaned his 1971 World Championship-winning Tyrrell 003 car to
the Museum for up to three years. The car has won eight Grand
Prix races, more than any other individual car, and is displayed alongside Sir
Jackie's 1971 Monaco Grand Prix and German Grand Prix trophies, and his
famous tartan-rimmed helmet.
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.
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.
Garden Detectives
National Museum of Rural Life
Opens Fri 9 October
Free with museum admission
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.
Gifted
National Museum of Scotland
Opens Sat 7 November
Free
We've got Christmas covered! Gifted brings together new work from over
30 of Scotland's most talented craft makers with handmade,
limited-edition pieces to suit all tastes and budgets. If you're looking
for a one-off present for a loved one, escape the hustle and bustle of Princes Street and
shelter in our handmade haven. You might like to treat yourself while
you're there! This year's exhibition includes ceramics, jewellery,
textiles, books and more from makers such as Jaimie MacDonald, Hannah McAndrew,
Anna King and Astrid Weigel. Keep an eye on our website for an updated list of
our cutting-edge designers at www.nms.ac.uk/gifted.
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.
Curator's
Choice: Paper and Textile Conservation
National Museums Collection Centre,
Granton
Fri 30 October
14:00 (1 hr)
£5/£4/Members free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Lynn McClean, Head of Textile and Paper Conservation, reveals the process and
techniques involved in conserving objects for display as part of the Royal
Museum Project. Tickets for this event must be booked in advance.
Curator's
Choice - Scotland: A Changing Nation
Dunfermline Room
Fri 6 November
14:00 (1 hr)
£5/£4/Members free
Book now on 0131 225 7534
David Forsyth, Senior Curator of Scottish Social History and Diaspora, looks at
the story behind this major gallery redevelopment. He considers the challenge
of presenting the recent past in a museum context, and reveals some of the
fascinating stories behind the objects on display.
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.
In-Didge: An Australian Journey
Bute Room
Sun 25 October
12:45/13:45/14:45 (30 mins)
Free - limited availability
Book now on 0131 225 7534
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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
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.
Jann Pechan Show
Hawthornden Court
Sun 1
November
12:45/13:45 (25 mins)
Free
Come along and see this exciting music and dance showcase, created by members
of Sikh Sanjog girls' group, as part of a project exploring their
cultural traditions and heritage.
HLF Young Roots project in partnership
with National Museums Scotland.
Meet the Scientist at National Pathology
Week!
Hawthornden Court
Sun 8
November
11:00 - 16:00
Free (drop-in)
Learn all about how your heart works in events and workshops by
the Pathology Department at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Celebrate the
achievements of Nobel Prize-winning Sir James W Black, the Scottish scientist
who pioneered the lifesaving drug Beta Blockers.
Sunday Morning Music
Hawthornden Court,
Level 1
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
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.
Air
and Scare Halloween
Sat 31 October
10:00 - 17:00
Dress up in your scariest costume to look the part for creepy workshops and
themed events.
National Museum of Costume
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
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.
Halloween Party
Sat 31 October
15:00 - 17:00
Free admission from 15:00
Revel in apple dooking, scary stories, grisly games and creepy crafts at this Homecoming Scotland 2009 event. Adults can
enjoy John Burnett's talk on Robert Burns and the supernatural.
Sunday Craft Sessions
Sun 4 October, Sun 18 October, Sun 1 November
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 7 October, Wed 21 October, Wed 4 November
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
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.
Magnificent Machines: the transport event of the season. National Museum
of Flight, 26-27 September. www.nms.ac.uk/magnificentmachines
National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130
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