Treasures of the National Library of Scotland

Our permanent exhibition showcases treasured items from the Library's vast collections, spanning centuries of Scotland's cultural heritage.

At the Library we collect and preserve the memory of the nation on behalf of the people of Scotland.

From early printed books to modern manuscripts, from moving image to maps, the exhibition reveals the diversity of collections held by the Library which reflect Scotland's past and present.

Entry to the exhibition is free and suitable for all ages.

Celebrating our 100th birthday

From March 2025 to March 2026 a new Treasures exhibit will tell the story of how the National Library of Scotland was established, featuring the 1925 Act of Parliament and the first reader's ticket.

Two nationally significant founding documents which were gifted to the Library in the 1920s will also be displayed. They include the Glenriddell Manuscripts which comprise one of the greatest collections of Robert Burns's handwritten work, and the Order for the Massacre of Glencoe which resulted in one of the most infamous events in Scottish history.

Changing displays

In order to safeguard the collections in our care, exhibits change regularly. Find out about current displays in our gallery below. Explore the treasures to discover past displays.

Smartify tour

Discover the stories behind some of the unique treasures in our collections on Smartify.

Listen to an audio tour of this exhibtion