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National Museum of Scotland
🎨MuseumClosed · Opens tomorrow 10:00 AMFree

National Museum of Scotland

4.8 ·

Start your Edinburgh day at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. Wander from industrial relics to natural history displays and world cultures, all free to enter, with a cafe for a mid-visit break.

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Full description

The National Museum of Scotland sits on Chambers Street in the Old Town and covers an unusually broad range, from Scottish industrial history and natural history to world cultures and science. Entry to the permanent collections is free, and special exhibitions are ticketed separately.

The bright, modern interior makes it easy to navigate, and reviewers single out the variety of exhibits as the main draw. Families get as much out of it as culture seekers, and a cafe on site makes a break easy.

Two and a half hours is a sensible allowance, though keen visitors can stay far longer.

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Address

Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK
Website
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Hours

🎫

Booking

Walk-in

Duration

2h30

Best time

morning, lunchtime or afternoon

Intensity

Moderate walking

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Good to know

  • Arrive at opening at 10:00 to enjoy the main halls before the crowds
  • permanent collections are free, so only pay for special exhibitions you want
  • pick two or three galleries to prioritise rather than trying to see everything.
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Reviews

The National Museum of Scotland is absolutely wonderful! Best of all, it’s free to visit. The exhibits are fascinating, beautifully presented, and suitable for visitors of all ages. From history to science and technology, there’s something to captivate everyone. A truly engaging museum and one of the highlights of…

L

Loredana Mastrandrea

4/5

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City

Edinburgh

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