Museums Galleries Scotland has launched its largest ever Festival of Museums programme, with a record-breaking number of events including 26 across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
From 19-21 May, over 130 events will take place in museums across Scotland in a celebration of culture and history.
Events in Edinburgh and the Lothians include:
· Vintage Gala Day, Prestongrange Museum, Saturday 20 May – a special time travelling gala day celebrating 65 years since the Pithead Baths opened in 1952
· An Edwardian Affair, City Art Centre, Saturday 20 May – inspired by echoes of gentile Edwardian Edinburgh, enjoy an Edwardian themed afternoon tea with us, served to you by our costumed performers
· Large Scale Animation of Edinburgh, City Art Centre, Sunday 21 May – fast-paced family animation session, create a large-scale 2D charcoal-drawn animation inspired by the magnificent ‘Edinburgh Alphabet’ exhibition.
· Public Art Trail: Scientists, Animals and Cells, Oh My!, The University of Edinburgh Art Collection, Saturday 20 May – one-off guided tour of the history and heritage of the Kings Building Campus
· Tour of the Anatomical Museum, Anatomical Museum, Friday, 19 May – rare opportunity to take a 45-minute guided tour of the University of Edinburgh’s Anatomical Museum.
· An Evening with Dark Edinburgh, St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum, Friday, 19 May – a talk followed by workshop on how to create stunning images in Edinburgh given by the man behind Dark Edinburgh photography.
Museum venues across the country will welcome visitors with creative and hands-on activities, while spotlighting the wealth of culture in Scotland’s best-loved attractions. For the festival’s 11th year, there will be events for everyone, from little ones to big kids, both day and night – including treasure trails, public art events, theatre performances, historical re-enactments, a feast, a vintage gala day and even a silent disco.
Festival of Museums events will take inspiration from Scottish history – ancient and modern – from the lives of the Picts and Border Clansmen, the rich culture of the Vikings and the swashbuckling escapades of Scotland’s pirates to the culinary choices of the glamorous Georgians and the genteel pastimes of the elegant Edwardians.
Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “This year’s Festival of Museums is bigger, bolder and more exciting than ever. The action-packed weekend will give visitors in Edinburgh and the Lothians a chance to celebrate culture, discover history and learn something new – as well as have some fun. We want to ignite imaginations and to encourage people to explore Scotland’s incredible museums and galleries.”
Culture Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said: “I would encourage everyone to take part in the Festival of Museums, it offers a packed programme of activities for all ages with 130 events expected to be held all across Scotland. The event has become a diary fixture with museums and galleries and raises their profile and reputation with visitors.”
The Festival of Museums is run by Museums Galleries Scotland, the national development body for Scotland’s museums and galleries. Museums across the nation, no matter how large or small, can get involved in the Festival of Museums by creating a unique event. Museums Galleries Scotland provides grant funding and a range of support for participating museums.
To view the full festival programme, visit: festivalofmuseums.com
