National Museum of Scotland

Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF


0300 123 6789


nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland


@NtlMuseumsScot






The museum is one of Edinburgh's must-see attractions but if you are limited for time, make sure you see:






Ballachulish Figure (Early People, Level -1) - the mysterious life-sized female figure was carved from a single piece of alder with with pebbles for eyes. It was found under deep peat during building work in November 1880 near Loch Leven. Carbon-dating shows it to be over 2,500 years old.






Group Space (Entrance Hall, Level 0) - Eating at the Museum is pricey but packed lunches can be eaten in the Group Room if it has not been reserved for a group visit. Alternatively, head across the road to the Sheriff Court cafe.






Millennium Clock Tower (Entrance to Discoveries, Level 1) - a 10m high kinetic sculpture in wood, metal and glass With it's themes of death and swinging pendulum mirror, it is quite unsettling to see it chime on the hour.






The Connect and Communicate galleries are some of the most interactive and family-friendly spaces. However, their respective locations are subject to change as new galleries, showcasing decorative art, design, fashion, science and technology exhibits open in 2016.






Arthur's Seat Coffins (Level 4, Scotland galleries) - In June 1836, some boys, hunting for rabbits on on Arthur's Seat, spotted some thin sheets of slate, which, when they pulled out, revealed 17 tiny (95mm in length) coffins hidden inside a gap in the rocks. Their purpose remains a mystery and caught the imagination of Ian Rankin who mentions them in “The Falls”.






Rooftop Terrace (level 7) – take the lift all the way to the top floor for a truly unforgettable view of Edinburgh's skyline.






Alternatively, take a free 'Highlights' tour which lasts an hour and leaves from the Tour Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0