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6 reviews for Museum Of Scotland
All Reviews
Museum Of Scotland
15/7/2010
3 photos
The Museum of Scotland is one half of the National Museum of Scotland, the other half being the Royal Museum. The latter, a once fantastic Victorian Museum full of world and natural history, is currently being redeveloped and won't reopen until 2011, probably ruined like the Kelvingrove in Glasgow was (full of contemporary "storytelling methods" that have replaced the apparently outdated traditional method of organising a museum by topic and/or by chronology and full of hip cool interactivity). So for now we are left with just one half.
Unlike its sister museum, the Museum of Scotland focuses one particular history (clue is in the name). All aspect of Scottish History are covered, from prehistory to 20th century, from social history to military history. In this the Museum does a fantastic job. There are certainly some great objects in the Museum worth coming in just to see, such as Queen Mary's Harp or the now very dead but still preserved Dolly the Sheep.
The Museum is ordered roughly chronologically, with the exhibition on the formation of Scotland a zillion years ago being at the lowest level, and 20th century history being at the top. My particular favourite section is the "Early People" in which you can see some truly breathtaking pre-Christian to early Christian stonework and metalwork and some truly incredible Celtic art. The only section that I think could do with some serious reordering is the "Kingdom of the Scots" which deals with medieval-17th century Scotland. Unfortunately I find this section a bit of a maze and every time I go in I need to keep referring to the map. I would also prefer a little extra information on the panels sometimes, but I understand this is not for everybody, and what they do have is adequate and if nothing else it makes you more curious about a subject and encourages you to go home and research (i.e. wikipedia).
All in all there is lots and lots to see, more than a days worth in all likelihood. There are regular free tours of the Museum as well as activities organised for children and adults (check their website or call up for details). There is also a nice but pricey cafe and a reasonable gift shop were you can find postcards, books and the usual souvenirs as well as some more child oriented gifts (though you might want to save buying that dress-up knights costume until after the museum visit, no one likes a screaming Teutonic warrior running through the gallery while their trying to read!)
As far as getting to know Scotland is concerned, tourists and locals alike could do worse than visit this museum. It is certainly a lot more honest and professional that some of the other historical tourist attractions.
Overall the Museum manages to satisfy those looking for a more modern approach to history whilst remaining, for the most part, faithful to traditionalist museum goers. Lets just hope the new Royal Museum manages the same!
Museum Of Scotland
13/7/2010
1 photo
As museums go this is not one of the most spectacular in terms of having a range of items, but this is mostly because it stays loyal to being a museum for Scotland.
The items on show range all the way from the decorative to the interesting featuring both ornamental and practical items that have played their role over time.
One criticism that could be had of this museum is that although it offers a wealth of displays it doesn't offer much insight into Scottish life through the ages. It's focus rests more on the artefact's side of things which is alright enough, but I do think it could do more to bring these displays alive.
It might have got 4 stars, but being used to London's museums I fail to see why Edinburghs aren't able to match what I'm used to. As a capital city that has been such a centre for knowledge it should do better.
Museum Of Scotland
12/6/2010
2 photos
The good old Museum of Scotland. I'm always super keen for a bit of museum banter, as it's cool to look at artefacts and such like and think how weird and head boggling it is that the world has been around for so long. Then I start thinking about what would happen if you could time travel back to a thousand years ago, and how random that would be, and actually, could time travel ever be possible? I'm sure most people think this while staring at a ceramic pot in a museum...don't they?
Anyway, it's good to know about your country's history, and seeing as Edinburgh has masses of awesome history, this is a good place to learn about it all. It would take a very long time to go through all of the important items you can see here, but there is a brilliant amount of exhibits, including the Lewis Chessmen and the much famed Dolly the Sheep, which give a thorough explanation of the story of Scotland, and I strongly suggest a visit here whether you're on holiday in Scotland or you're a local, although it'll probably take more than one visit to take everything in properly.
Museum Of Scotland
21/4/2010
1 photo
Despite this building's eccentric architecture compared to its more older-looking neighbours this Museum is a true gem to Scottish History, Modern and Old.
Firstly, if you are visiting Scotland for a short while, I would suggest you check out their website for the various free tours they offer throughout the day- a good way to keep kids and adults occupied whilst you are taken around this fun museum, through Scottish time.
And where to start from?
Well this really depends on what you want to see. From a big activity room for the little and big kids in your company to play in(ahem the room I have spent most time in), seeing Dolly the sheep to taking a walk through Scottish history from Neolithic times to the most recent, as a whole array of worldwide treasures, this museum really has it all, and in the meantime take your time to admire (or hate ) the interesting architecture of the building.
Temporary exhibitions are also quite interesting to check out( see their website for more details); and then there is the Tower restaurant as well as the Terrace which in good weather will give you amazing views of the surrounding Edinburgh City. Sadly the older part of this museum is under development at the moment, but even the section that is open is well worth a visit!adly the older part of this museum is under development at the moment, but even the section that is open is well worth a visit!
Museum Of Scotland
2/4/2010
I have spent many a rainy afternoon wandering around this museum. Its free to get in, so its a great way to kill some time or spend the day.
The museum basically tells the story of Scotland, right from the very beginning until the present day. The museum is so well laid out that you start at the bottom and work your way up. Its a very interesting way to learn about Scotland and see the way the society and the landscape has changed. I enjoy the Early People exhibit which includes clothes, pottery, jewelery, weapons etc that are often over a thousand years old! The Industrial exhibit is quite interesting as it relays Scotland vast industrial history and it really puts into perspective the way things have changed in Scotland.
There is a lot of interactive exhibits which are great for kids (young and old) to play with. The Connect Gallery is great fun as you can test your reaction times, control a robot and drive an F1 Simulator.
Its a great museum with so much to see and do its impossible for me to write it all down. You really need a whole day or a couple of afternoons to see everything. If your not visiting with kids, the best time is during the week in the afternoon when it is not so busy with school trips. There is also a fantastic viewing area on the roof. The views of Edinburgh are amazing, especially if you get a clear day. It is worth a visit even if you aren't doing the whole museum.
In my opinion, the best part of the museum is next door at the Royal Museum. Unfortunately it is closed for refurbishment until 2011.
Museum Of Scotland
3/11/2009
A must see half day visit for tourists and locals.Despite current redevelopment more than enough to interest adults and children.For a family on tour it's free entry is an added bonus.
