Museum · Edinburgh
National Museum of Scotland: free entry days, tickets & hours
Independent guide, not the official National Museum of Scotland website. Official links are under Sources.
National Museum of Scotland is free to enter.
- Open today 10:00–17:00.
- Also free: Roman Scotland exhibition free for under-5s; Roman Scotland exhibition free for essential carers.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- Roman Scotland exhibition free for under-5s: Add the free under-5 ticket to your booking.
- Book Roman Scotland in advance - advance prices are lower than on the day.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeFree entry for everyone; some special exhibitions charged | everyone | Paid special exhibitions are separate (e.g. Roman Scotland from 14 Nov 2026). | No |
| Free forRoman Scotland exhibition free for under-5s | children under 5 | Paid exhibition 'Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire', Exhibition Gallery 1. | Yes |
| Free forRoman Scotland exhibition free for essential carers | carers of visitors with disabilities | — | No |
| Free with passNational Museums Scotland members get free exhibition entry | members | Membership from £45 per year. | No |
Official prices
National Museum of Scotland ticket prices
| Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire, adult advance (14 Nov 2026 - 18 Apr 2027) — Major exhibition on Scotland and the Roman world; 10% family discount. | £13.50 |
Prices from the official website, checked Oct 2026. Free options are listed above.
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: National Museum of Scotland
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 10:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–17:00 |
Daily 10:00-17:00. Closed 25 December; 26 December and 1 January 12:00-17:00.
Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
FAQ
National Museum of Scotland: common questions
Is National Museum of Scotland free?
Yes — National Museum of Scotland is free to enter. Also free: Roman Scotland exhibition free for under-5s; Roman Scotland exhibition free for essential carers.
Who gets free entry to National Museum of Scotland?
Children under 5 — paid exhibition 'Roman Scotland: Life on the Edge of Empire', Exhibition Gallery 1.. Carers of visitors with disabilities.
Do I need to book for free entry to National Museum of Scotland?
Add the free under-5 ticket to your booking.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about National Museum of Scotland
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Sources
Where this comes from
- nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland · checked Saturday, 24 October 2026
- nms.ac.uk/exhibitions/roman-scotland-life-on-the-edge-of-empire · checked Saturday, 24 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.