Overview
Opened in 1866, Scotland's flagship museum combines a Victorian Grand Gallery with a modern sandstone wing, housing about 36,000 objects across six themes: Scottish history, world cultures, natural history, science and technology, art, and design. Its most famous exhibit is the taxidermied Dolly the Sheep — the world's first cloned mammal, created at the University of Edinburgh in 1996 — letting visitors stand face to face with a milestone in scientific history. The free rooftop terrace also offers panoramic Edinburgh views, making this exceptional value for free. Free entry (special exhibitions extra). 5-minute walk from the Royal Mile.
Opening Hours
10:00-17:00 (open daily; closed Dec 25)
Travel Tips
The perfect rainy-day refuge. Don't miss the free city view from the rooftop terrace.
Hotels near National Museum of Scotland
Hotels and guesthouses in Edinburgh, Old Town, Edinburgh
Other attractions in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
An imposing fortress perched on volcanic rock and home to Scotland's Crown Jewels.
Royal Mile
Edinburgh's historic main street linking Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh — 360-degree views of the city and sea from the 251m summit.
Calton Hill
A Greek-styled monument hill in the New Town — Edinburgh's most photogenic viewpoint.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The British monarch's official Scottish residence — site of Mary, Queen of Scots' tragic story.
Grassmarket & Victoria Street
The curving, brightly-painted street said to have inspired Harry Potter's Diagon Alley.
Dean Village
A fairytale 19th-century former milling village along the Water of Leith.