Exhibitions in 2010
Visit the free exhibitions in our George IV Bridge Building. Open daily, except on some public holidays. No need to book.
Curtain up: 40 years of Scottish theatre
19 December 2009 to 3 May 2010
Scotland's vibrant theatre scene is in the spotlight, as our 'Curtain Up' exhibition celebrates Scottish theatre across 40 years. We start with 7:84 theatre company's groundbreaking productions in the 1970s and end with the launch of the National Theatre of Scotland in 2006.
Among the wealth of exhibits are production photographs, play scripts, posters and programmes from our manuscript collections.
Props and costumes on show include John Byrne's original 'pop-up book' stage set for 'The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil' (1973). We also have the gold kilt worn by Alan Cumming in the National Theatre of Scotland's production of 'The Bacchae' (2007).
See if you can spot some famous actors in the early stages of their career. Watch footage of some of the key productions of the past 40 years, and give us your reviews of plays you have loved (or hated).
Read the 'Curtain up' exhibition page for more information.
The John Murray Archive
Permanent exhibition.
Please note: Closed for one day on Monday 25 January
The writers and thinkers of John Murray's publishing firm shaped the modern world through their works of literature, science, exploration and politics.
This exhibition draws on material from the John Murray Archive. It uses state-of-the-art exhibition technology to bring to life the work and lives of a changing selection of the publisher's most influential figures.
Those featured in the present line-up include Lord Byron, Charles Darwin and David Livingstone. Learn how they contributed to one of the greatest periods of human progress and creativity. See if you could publish your own international bestseller.
Treasures display
Permanent display area with themes changed regularly.
View a small sample of the many treasures in NLS collections. From hand-written documents to printed books, maps, musical scores, bindings and other art work.
All our treasures are important pieces of Scotland's cultural heritage. Some are unique. Some are beautiful. Some are huge. Some are tiny. Some are rarely seen in public because their age mades them fragile.
Throughout the year we will change the theme of the treasures display, bringing to light more of the millions of items we hold.
- Chopin in Scotland – until 17 March
- James Ferguson – from 18 March to 28 April
Opening times for exhibitions at NLS
Monday to Friday: 09.30-20.00
Saturday: 09.30-17.00
Sunday: 14.00-17.00
Touring Scotland in 2009
NLS travelling exhibitions
We have one small exhibition touring Scotland in 2010:
- 'A Publisher and His Friends' – introducing the John Murray Archive.
See the travelling exhibitions page for details.
See also:
