About National Museums Scotland
National Museums Scotland is one of the UK's leading cultural organisations, bringing together world-class collections, specialist expertise and nationally significant visitor destinations. Through its stewardship of a diverse multidisciplinary collection, the organisation plays a vital role in preserving, interpreting and sharing the history of Scotland alongside the stories of other nations, cultures and the natural world.
With a strong commitment to accessibility, learning and public engagement, National Museums Scotland ensures these collections continue to inspire, educate and benefit communities across Scotland and beyond.
Beginnings
National Museums Scotland's origins can be traced to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, founded in 1780 to preserve and advance understanding of Scotland's archaeological heritage. Since its collections entered public ownership in 1851, they have grown into a nationally significant resource, underpinned by more than two centuries of scholarship, research and public stewardship, helping establish National Museums Scotland as one of the country's leading cultural institutions.
A New Home
National Museums Scotland was formed in 1985 through the merger of the National Museum of Antiquities and the Royal Scottish Museum, bringing together two institutions with deep roots in heritage, education and scientific discovery. Today, it is Scotland's largest multidisciplinary museum organisation, caring for more than 12 million objects and specimens and combining world-class collections with leading curatorial and conservation expertise to preserve, interpret and share Scotland's heritage with audiences from across the world.
National Museums Scotland
The opening of the Museum of Scotland in 1998 marked a major milestone in National Museums Scotland's evolution, creating a landmark destination that tells the story of Scotland from its earliest origins to the present day. Subsequent investment transformed the historic Chambers Street site into a modern, world-class museum, and the reunification of its collections and heritage in 2011 established the National Museum of Scotland as one of the country's leading cultural institutions and visitor attractions.
NMS Enterprises
NMS Enterprises is the commercial subsidiary of National Museums Scotland, generating revenue that supports the organisation's wider cultural and public mission. Operating across retail, hospitality and events, as well as image licensing and product development, it delivers customer-focused experiences that enhance visitor engagement, extend the reach of National Museums Scotland's collections and expertise, and help sustain the organisation's long-term impact.
Sharing Scotland's Story with the World
Inspired by National Museums Scotland ?
If you are inspired by the opportunity to preserve and share nationally significant collections, engage diverse audiences, and contribute to one of Scotland's leading cultural institutions, National Museums Scotland could be the place for you.
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