Scotland’s museums and galleries hold an eclectic mix of inspirational cultural events from Aberdeen to Ayrshire and Dundee to Skye and Stirling, and this year there are almost 90 events confirmed.
From 18-20 May 2012, Festival of Museums will celebrate Scotland’s wealth of culture with exciting and innovative day and night events in museums and galleries throughout the country. Many of the workshops, talks, concerts and exhibitions are FREE. The Festival, organised by Museums Galleries Scotland, coincides with other Europe-wide celebrations of the many eclectic cultural experiences offered to visitors by museums and galleries, including Museums at Night.
There are many events in Edinburgh, and you can have a look at all the events at www.festivalofmuseums.com
Here are some of the events happening in and around Edinburgh.
Event Name: A Night in Wonderland
Venue: National Museum of Scotland
Address: Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
Telephone for publication: 0300 123 6789
Website: www.nms.ac.uk/late
Date and time: Friday 18 May 7-10.30pm
Price: £18/£16 Members and conc. including entry to our Fascinating Mummies exhibition, £10/£8 Lates only. Age 18+, ID may be required.
Description: National Museum of Scotland’s third RBS Museum Late invites you into a magical evening wonderland of music and imagination. Coinciding with the nationwide Museums at Night programme, A Night in Wonderland promises cutting edge contemporary Scottish music from Django Django and Discopolis. Meanwhile, the Museum will be taken over by installations, roaming creations and pop-up surprises inspired by the weird and wonderful elements from the collections of National Museums Scotland. Please note for this event you must have a ticket to get in – an email confirmation is not sufficient. Tickets will be posted out to everyone who books.
Event Name: Cultural Creations Workshops
Venue: National Mining Museum Scotland
Address: Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian EH22 4QN
Telephone for publication: 0131 663 7519
Website: www.nationalminingmuseum.com
Date and time: Songwriting Workshop 1pm/Storytelling Workshop 1pm/Banner Making Workshop 12-5pm
Price: Adults £10 Children £7.50 Family £30
Description: Get your creative juices flowing as you take part in our series of creative workshops inspired by the museum’s collection. Get your creative juices flowing as you take part in our series of creative workshops inspired by items in the museum’s collection. Choose from songwriting or storytelling workshops or simply drop in to the FREE banner making session and dip in and out as you please! This fun day, which is suitable for individuals and families alike, will culminate in a celebratory performance of the finished creations and a chance to unwind with a buffet and refreshments in the Old Power House.
Event Name: A little bit of…Tosca
Venue: National Galleries of Scotland in association with the Scottish Opera – Scottish National Gallery
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
Telephone for publication: 0131 624 6200
Website: www.nationalgalleries.org
Date and time: Saturday 19 May 2.30pm onwards
Price: Free
Description: A fascinating meeting of two distinct artforms, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy sublime operatic performance amongst world-class paintings. Puccini’s famous opera, set in Rome, has been cleverly re-written into a lively 20-minute version that will be performed, fittingly, in front of David Roberts’ magnificent panoramic painting of the Italian capital. Based on a form of Japanese storytelling, ‘A Little Bit of…Tosca’ unfolds to a series of colourful illustrations, brought to life by a storyteller, singer and two players. The performance will be followed by a related art-historical talk by Dr Patricia Andrew, focussing on Rome: Sunset from the Convent of Sant’ Onofrio on the Janiculum by David Roberts. There will be a second performance at 4pm in The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant, to give visitors the opportunity to enjoy ‘A Little Bit of… Tosca’ over a drink or a bite to eat.
Visitors are advised to book a table at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant for the 4pm performance (0131 226 6524 for reservations).
Event Name: Campaign for Conservation with John Muir
Venue: John Muir’s Birthplace
Address: John Muir’s Birthplace, 126 High Street, Dunbar EH42 1JJ
Telephone for publication: 01368865899
Website: www.eastlothianmuseums.org
Date and time: Saturday 19 May 1-4pm
Price: Free
Description: Meet John Muir, environmental campaigner, to find out how little has changed since the 1800s! Join John Muir in Dunbar as he campaigns to protect the environment. You can hear all about how he campaigned from his earliest times in Dunbar, to working alongside American Presidents to create their National Parks. This inspirational figure will be showing people around his birthplace, and revealing a few stories about his time in Dunbar. Plus you can help make an inspirational banner, using a John Muir quote or one of your own! There is also an exhibition which covers John Muir’s campaigning, as well as modern day campaigning in Dunbar. What would John campaign for today? Help him decide!
Event Name: Defend Dunbar Castle with Black Agnes
Venue: Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
Address: Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER
Telephone for publication: 01368 863734
Website: www.eastlothianmuseums.org
Date and time: Saturday 19 May 1-4pm
Price: Free
Description: Get the chance to defend Dunbar alongside Black Agnes! You might find a few enemies hiding in the museum too. Discover why Black Agnes needs your help to build some new defences for Dunbar Castle as she protects Scotland from English invasion. Can you use our materials to build a siege engine, new castle walls or replace a stolen fireplace? Black Agnes will be able to tell you exactly why she has fled from the Castle. You won’t believe your ears as she shares a few secrets about how she protected it! Plus, you might just find someone hiding in the rooms of Dunbar Town House – but is it a friend or enemy?
Event Name: Support the Suffragettes
Venue: John Gray Centre
Address: John Gray Centre, 15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX
Telephone for publication: 01620 820690
Website: www.eastlothianmuseums.org
Date and time: Friday 18 May 6-8pm
Price: Free
Description: This is your chance to campaign with local Suffragettes, hear their stories, and get involved! In Haddington, famous local suffragettes Catherine Blair and Elsie Inglis will make a rare appearance. Hear why they believe women deserve the vote and equal rights to men, and then join them as they take action! Catherine and Elsie will be telling the stories of their lives and how they came to be involved in the votes for women campaign. You’ll then be able to make your own banner or badge to take on their march, as well as seeing some of their belongings in our museum
Event Name: Back to the Miner’s Strike
Venue: Prestongrange Museum
Address: Morrison’s Haven, Prestonpans, EH32 9RX
Telephone for publication: 0131 653 2904
Website: www.eastlothianmuseums.org
Date and time: Sunday 20 May 1-4pm
Price: Free
Description: Could you have been a miner? Hear why miners are going on strike and join in their protest! Join miners at Prestongrange as they go on strike! You’ll be able to meet a male and female miner and hear some of their stories about life as a miner. You’ll be able to find out about their awful working conditions by experiencing some of the challenges they faced. Can you lift a truck of coal, or set up a pulley system? Are you quicker than a pit pony? Plus check out a real life banner used by miners and make a banner of your own to take on the miners’ march.
Event Name: Rally for Royalty with Mary Queen of Scots
Venue: Musselburgh Museum
Address: 65 High Street, Musselburgh EH21 7BZ
Telephone for publication: 0131 665 6642
Website: www.eastlothianmuseums.org
Date and time: Sunday 20 May 1-4pm
Price: Free
Description: Make up your own mind about Mary Queen of Scots from the people who knew her best, her maids! The maids of Mary, Queen of Scots, disagree about what type of person she was – one likes her, the other doesn’t! Now you can get involved in their debate and make up your own mind. The maids do need your help though, they can’t help her escape until they crack the code Mary has been using in her letters. After cracking the code, the maids will also lead families in learning one of Mary’s favourite dances. A fun day out for the whole family! Plus see the exhibition in Musselburgh Museum all about the links the town has had with Royalty over the years. This event takes place between Musselburgh Museum and upstairs in the Town Hall.
Event Name: Creating a Perfumed Story Dome
Venue: Almond Valley Heritage Centre
Address: Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR
Telephone for publication: 01506 414 957
Website: www.almondvalley.co.uk
Date and time: Saturday 19 May and Sunday 20 May, 10am-5pm
Price: Normal admission prices apply: Adults £5.50, Children £4
Description: Throughout the course of the weekend, local craftsman and willow grower Rob Eves will be constructing a four metre dome of living willow, through which honeysuckle and sweet clematis will intertwine to create a magical space for stories and hatching secret plans. This living creation will become a permanent feature of our adventure garden. Visitors to Almond Valley will be able to assist in the construction of this special structure, learn new skills, and discover the history and traditions of weaving with willow. Staff and volunteers from Almond Valley will be on hand to extend the fun, leading workshops to create willow crowns, magic wands, and advising children on fantastic ideas for advanced den building techniques.
Event Name: Prawns, Parrots and Paintings! Discover the Art of Harpsichords!
Venue: Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (EUCHMI) – St. Cecilia’s Hall Museum
Address: Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1NQ
Telephone for publication: 0131 650 2805
Website: www.miayf.org
Date and time: Friday 18May 6.30-8.30pm/Saturday 19 May 10am-4.30pm and 5-7pm
Price: Free
Description: Discover the art of musical instruments at Edinburgh University’ s Musical Instrument Museum and get creative at the same time!This year, Festival of Museums at St. Cecilia’s Hall promises to be a colourful explosion that will keep people of all ages entertained. Get inspired by the painted decorations of our musical instruments, create you own soundbox, enjoy tours from an expert and take part in exciting family trails! Join us on Friday or Saturday evening for an entirely new Museums at Night experience! Tours will be running half hourly taking visitors on a journey of discovery into the world of harpsichord art.
Event Name: Crocant, Collops and Codsounds
Venue: Museum of Edinburgh
Address: Huntly House, Canongate Royal Mile
Telephone for publication: 0131 529 4143
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Date and time: Sunday 20 May 2pm–4pm
Price: Free
Description: At 2pm in an illustrated lecture, food historian Ivan Day will explore some of the more unusual aspects of the eighteenth century dining table. As well as introducing us to many of the less familiar dishes of the period, he will also discuss how specific foodstuffs and drinks had a potent influence on the design of silver, ceramic and glass table equipage.From 2.15–3pm discover the uses of herbs and their many uses in the kitchen and in the first aid kit! Make some gorgeous smelly reminders of your visit to this hidden courtyard in the Museum of Edinburgh. At 2/3/4pm find out what life was like in the old town in a dynamic and engaging way with special costumed performances depicting life in 18th century Edinburgh. Meet James Craig as he talks about his plans for the New Town and find out about close living and crime and grime! At 2/3/4pm, enjoy 18th Century music with Quartet94. Its members enjoy playing a wide variety of music genres, with repertoire ranging from Haydn to The Beatles!
Event Name: Death Over Dinner – An Edwardian Murder Mystery
Venue: Lauriston Castle
Address: 2A Cramond Road South, Edinburgh EH4 5QD
Telephone for publication: 0131 336 2060
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Date and time: Friday 18 May 7– 9.30pm
Price: £30
Description: Expect a tingle in the spine and the little grey cells to tick over! Living Lauriston will present an evening of intrigue, imagination and interrogation in the elegant setting of Lauriston Castle. Step back in time to 1910…you will receive an invitation to a select soiree at Lauriston Castle. The jovial atmosphere ends dramatically on the discovery of a body. Turn detective to unearth a murderer in your midst. Indulge your inner detective in the extraordinary setting of the historic castle. Move around the period rooms to unpick events and unlock the murderer’s motive. Event includes a delicious buffet with complimentary glass of wine and canapés.
Event Name: A Summer Venetian Masked Ball
Venue: Lauriston Castle
Address: 2A Cramond Road South, Edinburgh EH4 5QD
Telephone for publication: 0131 336 2060
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Date and time: Saturday 19 May 6–8pm
Price: Free
Description: An evening of crafts and music for everyone! Enjoy a beautiful early summer’s evening in our gardens and listen to Venetian music, see a fashion show of masks and creative head-pieces, make family crafts and eat some Italian food. Mysterious masks! With Tessa Asquith Lamb create an exciting bejewelled Venetian style mask and personalise it to match your outfit using beautiful papers, fabric and trims. Miniature Gondolas with Lindsey Hamilton. Ever admired how the Venetians get around their watery city? Come along and try your hand at making and decorating your own miniature gondola in sumptuous golds and reds, finishing off with some luscious fabrics. Featuring Venetian Music with Quartet94. Currently based at the City of Edinburgh Music School, Quartet94 began four years ago under the tutelage of Peter Markham. Its members enjoy playing a wide variety of music genres, with repertoire ranging from Haydn to The Beatles! Quartet94 perform regularly across Scotland. HND Textile students at Edinburgh’s Telford College present two collections of work which has been created for this event. Large scale head dresses will be worn in a fashion show/performance piece and an exhibition of art textile pieces will be shown in the glass house – with a Venetian theme.
Event Name: The Enchanted Garden
Venue: City Art Centre
Address: 2 Market Street Edinburgh EH1 1DE
Telephone for publication: 0131 529 3993
Website: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Date and time: Saturday 19 May 10am–4.30pm
Price: Free
Description: Enjoy storytelling for families with children aged 5 and over! From 10:30-11:15am Tree Magic I, Celtic Tree Tales: Trees have always had a special place in Celtic tradition – come and listen to traditional tree tales from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales and reconnect with the trees that are our everyday neighbours.
From 11:30am-12:15pm Enchanted Gardens: Gardens are places of mystery and magic. Those who enter may meet their one true love, realise their deepest wishes or face their darkest nightmares – enter the world’s most fantastical gardens through the enchantment of story and see what you find there.
From 1:30-2:15pm Enchanted Gardeners: Unlock the golden casket, green your thumb and be amazed by stories in which the gardener outwits them all, saves the kingdom and wins the hand of the beautiful princess.
From 3-3:45 pm Tree Magic II, Tales from Around the World: Come journey around the world and meet some its most fabled trees. If you listen closely to their stories, you might just learn some tree magic of your own. The Secret Garden Tours with Fiona Devlin can be enjoyed by everyone!
From 12.15–1pm explore Dunbar’s Close – a hidden 17th century garden full of history. Discover the uses of the plants in the garden and make a little keepsake to remind you of your visit. Suitable for all intrepid adventurers. Meet at the City Art Centre reception.
From 3– 3.45pm meander down the historic Royal Mile to find the hidden gardens and green spaces strung out like beautiful jewels bringing colour and wildlife to the centre of Edinburgh. For adults, tours will take place either 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-3.30pm. Booking is essential for the Enchanted Forest Frames with Tessa Asquith Lamb, where adults can create a beautiful decorated shadow box frame covered in leaves of embossed metal foils. Add details using gilding and then create a unique artwork for the interior inspired by a walk in the woods. Families can drop in either between 10.30am -12.30pm or 1.30-3.30pm. At The Magical Tree with Lindsey Hamilton, creative young artists are needed to help a magical tree that has appeared at the City Art Centre grow some leaves. Come along and create some beautifully decorated, multi-coloured leaves to add to our enchanted tree. As it grows help by creating unique and mysterious fruit to hang from its branches.
Advanced booking is required for Enchanted Garden Frames Adult Class. Contact Margaret Findlay 0131 529 3963 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
