National Museum of Scotland Reviews Summary

Exhibit Organization and Layout

Pros:

• "You will never get bored or lost simply because the exhibits are perfectly placed and explained!"
• "The layout is a bit confusing but keep track of what you’ve seen and what you want to see and wander and you should be fine."

Cons:

• "One think I didn't like (hence the 4 stars) was the arrangement of the exhibitions."
• "The layout is a bit confusing but keep track of what you’ve seen and what you want to see and wander and you should be fine."
• "It was VERY busy (Saturday) and cost £16 for a child's lunch box (sandwich crisps drink biscuit) an adult sandwich, cake and coffee, which I thought was reasonably priced with excellent service from the staff. Managed to get a table but it needed a clean."
• "The only thing I could say is that some of the interactive pieces weren't working."

Interactive and Educational Value

Pros:

• "The interactive games were fun and the exhibits were nice."
• "Has a bit of everything for all ages and likes with interactive displays, videos and explanations."
• "So many interactive exhibits and things to do for kids!!!"
• "Great for all ages. The Scottish history section is a must-visit and there’s a lot of gorgeous Phoebe Traquair pieces in the design section."

Cons:

• "Unfortunately didn't have the time to see everything (e.g. Lewis Chessmen/ Scottish history) but would love to go back."
• "Some people have complained about the layout, but I think that’s the joy of the place, as you move from one space to another you get to truly enjoy the shift."

Facilities and Amenities

Pros:

• "The museum is quite large, and you will definitely need to schedule a full day if you want to see everything there (maybe more than a day)."
• "The museum has a restaurant and gift shop on the ground floor."
• "There are a few cafes / restaurants and the museum is close to the Royal Mile."

Cons:

• "Lockers seemed expensive. Ended up carrying my rucksack rather than pay £5."
• "The museum counter, cafe & gift shop staff were each lovely, helpful & welcoming."

Exhibit Variety and Quality

Pros:

• "The museum is huge with lots to see. They have exhibitions on animals, energy, physics, engineering, space, tradition, geography, culture, geology etc."
• "From the moment we stepped inside, it was a captivating journey through time and knowledge, perfectly catering to both adventurous kids and curious adults."
• "The museum contains artifacts from various areas involving Geology, Archaeology, Natural History, Science, Technology and Art."

Cons:

• "Very busy with a lot of tourists, some staff seemed to be quite agitated with the tourists though as if tourists aren't expected to be at a Scottish attraction?"

Accessibility and Cost

Pros:

• "Entrance is free. The museum is very clean and well maintained. It’s the nicest museum that I’ve been to."
• "Wandered into The National Museum of Scotland – a must-visit gem in Edinburgh. The entrance fee is Free!"
• "Amazing amazing amazing. A beautiful museum filled with a wide selection of installations. It's also free - which is a crime, would definitely pay."

Cons:

• "There is no cloakroom, and lockers range from £4 for a small to £7 for an extra large. A big golf umbrella just about fit in the extra large."