5 of the best Scottish museums to visit now

Next month, countries around the world celebrate their unique history on International Museum Day (18 May).

Scotland has a rich heritage and a wealth of incredible museums and attractions to explore, covering everything from ancient Egypt to maritime history and the science of tomorrow. Across the country, you’ll find world-renowned artworks, iconic aircraft, and fun days out for the whole family.

Here’s a rundown of just five top museums to visit now.

1. National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Scotland’s National Museum received more than 2 million visitors in 2023. With so much to see, plus free entry, its popularity is no surprise.

Open 10 am to 5 pm daily, you’ll need plenty of time to explore the museum's range of galleries, from the natural world (where you’ll be welcomed by a giant T-Rex skeleton) to science and space, and Scottish history and archaeology.

Standouts include Alexander Graham Bell’s box telephone, the 800,000-year-old Muonionalusta meteorite, and a giant copper accelerator cavity from CERN’s Large Electron-Proton collider.

A great day out for all ages, there’s something for everyone and you’re sure to discover something new each time you visit.

2. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Another free-to-visit attraction, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum features artwork, exhibitions, and a daily organ recital.

Highlights include works by the Scottish colourist painter FCB Cadell, Guiseppe Baldan, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. You’ll also find the Sarcophagus of Pa-ba-sa (an Egyptian noble and chief steward from around 650BC), a 1944 Spitfire that flew with the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron, and “Sir Roger”, the Asian Elephant.

One of the museum's most impressive pieces is Salvador Dali’s ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’. Sadly, the striking work is currently on loan. If you want to see it, you’ll need to wait until it returns in late July.

3. National Museum of Flight, North Berwick

The National Museum of Flight is now operating its summer opening times and will do so until the end of October. It’s currently open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Adult prices peak at £14.50 but multiple concessions are available and children under five go free.

Located just outside of North Berwick, in East Lothian, the museum is dedicated to the world of aviation, from the history of flight to fascinating stories of planes in wartime. Throughout its vast hangars, you’ll also find plenty of examples of the aircraft themselves.

From the Hawker Siddeley Harrier (known as the “jump jet”) to de Havillands and Messerschmitts, the aviation hangar follows aerial combat from 1914 to the present day. The civil aviation hangar, meanwhile, contains light aircraft, hang gliders, and autogyros.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Scottish Concorde, one of British Airways’ fleet of seven, which are now housed all over the world.

Step aboard and see what it was like to travel on this iconic aircraft.

4. Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen

From land, we travel to the sea, with a visit to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

Between 1790 and 1989, around 3,000 ships were built in Aberdeen, while its bustling harbour remains the oldest existing business in Britain, with a history dating back 900 years.

Follow the story of Aberdeen’s long and complicated links to the sea, from its role in trade to fishing and shipbuilding, and its more recent role in the offshore energy industry.

On display, you’ll find a complete lighthouse lens assembly, the recovered figurehead of the Star of Tasmania, and a propeller from the steam yacht Fox, which set sail for the Northwest Passage in 1857.

The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday and 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays. Admission is free and no advanced booking is required.

5. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

At number five on our list (and number five in TripAdvisor’s rundown of Top Scottish Attractions), is the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.

Located on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, its historic building houses more than 100 interactive exhibits on the themes of light and illusion, technology, science, and photography.

With so much to see and do – and a truly hands-on experience – the attraction is a must for kids during spring half-term or the summer holidays.

Part pinhole camera, part periscope, the Camera Obscura experience will take you on a live tour of the city, while 360-degree views are available from the rooftop terrace.

Light shows, illusions, a magical mirror maze, and detailed automata will round out your experience over five floors.

You’ll need to book in advance and adult tickets will set you back around £20, although some concessions (including early bird discounts) do apply.