National Museums of Scotland Presents Exhibitions, Through 11/10
By: Rosie Hertzman Sep. 25, 2013
Exhibitions
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Ilana Halperin: The Library
24 May - 29 September 2013
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free
Artist Ilana Halperin explores notions of time in The Library, a contemporary art exhibition that presents rocks, minerals and geological artefacts in a new and remarkable light. The Library will introduce visitors to the alphabet of geology through agates that share the artist's birthday, minerals that record the collision of Earth and outer space, artworks slowly formed in caves and geothermal springs and her most ambitious project to date, a 1.3 ton stone library featuring books of the mineral mica.
Mary, Queen of Scots
28 June - 17 November 2013
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3
Cost: Adult £9, Concession £7.50, Child (12-15) £6, Under 12s free, National Museums Scotland Members free, National Art Pass holders receive 50% discount.
Arguably one of the most enigmatic figures in Scottish history, the story of Mary, Queen of Scots can still arouse strong emotions: was she betrayed by those she trusted, condemned to die a Catholic martyr, or a murdering adulteress with her husband's blood on her hands? This major exhibition, only showing in Edinburgh, provides a unique opportunity to re-evaluate much that has been written and speculated about this charismatic monarch, drawing together surviving relics intimately connected with Mary and wider Renaissance material, such as documents, portraits, jewellery, furniture and textiles.
Hunting the Higgs Boson
27 September 2013 - 16 February 2014
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free
This small exhibition explores the journey and continuing quest to discover the fundamental structure of the universe, and includes objects from CERN as well personal artefacts from Professor Peter Higgs.
Kabuki: Japanese Theatre Prints
4 October 2013 - 2 February 2014
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free
Come face to face with Kabuki theatre's most famous warriors, villains, heroes and heroines through 61 of the finest Japanese woodblock prints from the Museums' collection. The striking designs present vivid depictions of Kabuki, the popular form of traditional, all-male, Japanese theatre which combines drama, music, dance and acrobatics in convoluted plots concerning dramatic emotional conflicts and feats of derring-do. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view these beautiful images and to learn more about a fascinating cultural and social period in Japanese history.
Creative Spirit: Revealing Early Medieval Scotland
25 October 2013 - 23 February 2014
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free
The Glenmorangie Early Medieval Research Project casts new light on iconic objects from the time of the Picts and the Gaels. This small exhibition presents re-creations which bring back to life objects that did not survive or are badly preserved, made using traditional craft skills and innovative technology.
National War Museum
Edinburgh Castle, EH1 2NG
Arctic Convoys 1941-45
24 May 2013 - March 2014
Free with admission to Edinburgh Castle
Sailing from Scotland, Iceland and North America to ports in northern Russian, the Arctic convoys carried vital supplies to the Russian allies. As well as facing the constant possibility of attack from German U boats, the men who sailed on these ships faced some of the toughest conditions of the war: freezing cold, storms and treacherous fog. Thousands of British merchant and naval seamen lost their lives in this operation. Through photographs, letters, interviews and personal possessions, this exhibition tells the story of the courage and determination of these wartime heroes.
Events/Activities
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
For Adults
Mary, Queen of Scots lectures for groups
Cost: £5 per head (45 mins). Please note this does not include entry to the exhibition.
Enhance your group visit to our Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition with an illuminating introductory talk by a museum expert. Available for adult groups (minimum 20, maximum 60) on specified weekdays only. Information and booking on 0131 247 4041 or tours@nms.ac.uk
Spotlight On: Amber Inclusions - Trapped in Time
26 September, 14:00 - 15:00
Auditorium, Level 1
Free - book in advance. To book call 0300 123 6789
Amber inclusions can reveal new details about life on Earth millions of years ago. Exhibition curator Dr Andrew Ross discusses his own research into this natural time capsule, shares some fascinating stories and reveals his role in uncovering a significant hoax.
Evening Lecture: Mary's Downfall SOLD OUT
26 September, 18:30 - 19:00
Auditorium, Level 1 (enter via Lothian Street entrance)
Mary's rule triggered some of the most dramatic events in British history. Did she self-destruct in a murderous sex scandal? Did the English frame her? John Guy, author of the Whitbread-prize-winning 'My Heart is My Own', The Life of Mary Queen of Scots, examines the evidence.
Spotlight On: Kabuki: Japanese Theatre Prints
10 October, 14:00 - 15:00
Seminar Room, Learning Centre, Level 4
Free - book in advance. To book call 0300 123 6789
Exhibition curator Dr Rosina Buckland reveals the wealth of information about both actors and plays contained within these vivid depictions of 19th century popular theatre in Japan.
Kabuki: Japanese Theatre on Film
7 November, 18:30 - 20:00
Auditorium, Level 1
This fascinating documentary about contemporary Kabuki actor Kamejiro Ichikawa II explores the family traditions, staging and costume of this unique theatrical genre. Screening followed by a discussion with the film's director Yoshitaro Saito. In Japanese with subtitles.
RBS Museum Lates: Mary, Queen of Scots
8 November, 19:00 - 22:30
Cost: £18/£16 (entry to Lates and Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition), £10/£8 (entry to Lates only). 18+ only. To book call 0300 123 6789
Don't miss the latest in our award-winning series of late night extravaganzas with a last chance to see our spectacular Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition and an exciting programme of live music, entertainment, culture, bars and surprises, including Silent Disco, face-painting, animal handling and a headline performance from upbeat Glaswegian indie pop sensations Blood Relatives.
Scotland's Living Reefs
9 November, 14:00 - 15:00
Free - book in advance. To book call 0300 123 6789
Flame shells mussels and fan worms build diverse and vibrant living reefs in Scottish coastal waters. Dan Harries, marine ecologist at Heriot-Watt University, explores their fragile habitats.
Daily tours
New Galleries taster tour
11:00 (1 hr)
Free
Suitable for: Adults
Venue: Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0.
Join one of our New Galleries Taster guided tours and discover some of the highlights in the new galleries.
Themed tours
13:00 (1 hr)
Free
Suitable for: Adults
Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0.
Join us for our exciting programme of in-depth tours with a different theme every day. You can see the schedule at www.nms.ac.uk/tours
Scotland highlight tours
15:00 (1 hr)
Free
Suitable for: Adults
Tours leave from the Meeting Point, Entrance Hall, Level 0.
Join one of our daily guided tours and discover some of the highlights in the Scotland galleries.
For Families
Queens, Kings and Wild Things
12 - 20 October, 12:00 - 16:00
Free, drop-in (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Drop-in for daily holiday fun with costumes, crafts stories and shows inspired by the Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland. Dn;t forget children under 12 get free entry to the Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition.
Once Upon a Journey
19 October, 12:00 - 16:00
Free, drop-in (children must be accompanied by an adult)
It's the Scottish International Storytelling Festival and the Museum is alive with storytellers and workshops. Find out more at www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
Big Draw: Future Fictions Weekend
26 - 27 October, 12:00 - 16:00
Free, drop-in (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Robots, hover boards, flying cars - how did people in the past picture the future? Take part in a fun weekend of future-themed art, demonstrations and performances. Part of www.familyartsfestival.com
Visible Fictions: Friends Electric
26 - 27 October, 12:30 and 14:30 (30 min)
Suitable for ages 7+ (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: £3, booking available soon from www.nms.ac.uk
A heart-warming new theatre show for families - and robots! A magical story about a spark of connection between a human (you) and a robot (like you?).
Makerbot - 3D Printer
26 - 27 October, 12:00 - 16:00
Free, drop-in (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Drop by to see a demonstration and find out more about the potentials and pitfalls in 3D printing.
Robots that Interact
27 October, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00
Free, drop-in (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Advanced robots that can demonstrate interactive capabilities such as detecting and kicking balls, responding to gestures and dancing in a coordinated manner are some of the mini humanoids that will be on show. You can also play a game of Connect4 with a robot arm or try on a prosthetic hand! Highlighting some of the cutting edge robotics research out of the University of Edinburgh's School of Informatics, this event is presented by Prof Sethu Vijayakumar FRSE and Dr Ram Ramamoorthy and researchers from the School of Informatics.
Magic Carpet
Wednesday during term time
10:30 and 11:30 (25 mins)
Suitable for ages 2-4 (+ their adult)
Free - sign up on day at Info Desk, Entrance Hall, Level 0, as places are limited
The National Museum of Scotland's magic carpet introduces little ones to some of the fantastic things in the museum through 20 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery or theme every week. Look out for special guests too!
Magic Carpet Minis
Thursdays during term time
10:30 and 11:30 (20 mins)
Suitable for ages 0-2 (+ their adult)
Free - sign up on day at Info Desk, Entrance Hall, Level 0, as places are limited
Join the National Museum of Scotland for magic carpet sessions for really little ones and their adults. Go along for songs, stories, rhymes and objects in the unique museum setting.
Friday Afternoon Fun
Fridays during term time
13:30 - 16:30
Free, drop-in
Let out of school early? Make the most of your half-day Friday and come and have some fun with the National Museum of Scotland! Drop by for free activities such as Gallery Safaris, make-and-take and object handling. Check out information screens on the day for details.
National Museum of Rural Life
Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR
Go Wild in Autumn
12 - 20 October, 11:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 16:00
Cost included in museum admission. To book call 0300 123 6789 or enquire at the Information Desk on arrival
A different country-themed activity every day, offering kids the chance to try something new, from puppet, badge or mask making to Enviro-art. You can also pick up a trail at the Information Desk on arrival for a self-guided tour and find out about the history of the countryside in Scotland, farming machinery, the Wester Kittochside flora and fauna and the animals on the 1950s working farm.
National Museum of Flight
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF
What did you do in the War, Great-Grandad?
12 - 20 October, 12:00 - 16:00
Cost included in museum admission
Find out what your Great-Grandad might have done during the World Wars this October half-term. Learn how to research your family's military history then make your own family history scrapbook to take home.
Air and Scare Halloween
26 - 27 October, 10:00 - 17:00
Cost included in museum admission
Come and see the scary sights! Hear the spooky tales and join in our scary activities... if you're brave enough.
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National Museum of Scotland
National War Museum
National Museum of Rural Life
National Museum of Flight
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 Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789/www.nms.ac.uk
National Museums Scotland looks after museum collections of national and international importance and provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.
Our exclusive summer exhibition is now on! Discover the epic tale of Mary, Queen of Scots until 17 November 2013. www.nms.ac.uk/mary
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