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National Museum Of Scotland's New Gallery Showcases 100 Years Of History

By Dawn Marshallsay

11/07/2008

Image: Photo of sunglasses superimposed onto a painting of Robert Burns

Robert Burns, depicted by the Global Friends of Scotland network to promote Burns’ Night as part of Scotland’s winter festival season. © National Museum of Scotland

A new permanent gallery at the National Museum of Scotland embraces the highs and lows that have shaped the life of a nation.

Scotland: A Changing Nation, which opened on July 11 2008 celebrates the talents, achievements and global appeal of the country throughout the last century.

While national achievements in sport, culture, medicine, science and technology demonstrate Scotland’s highs, the lows have also shaped the Scotland of today.

Image: Photo of a gallery with futuristic displays, a metal ceiling and wooden flooring

Economics and Industry section at the new gallery. © National Museum of Scotland

Five major factors that inflicted change on Scottish life were the two World Wars, Scottish industry, emigration, daily life and politics.

Turning history into art, the new gallery uses objects, artwork, poetry, literature and film to paint an unforgettable picture of the nation.

No one can explain Scotland's evolution better than its patriots. Listen to Scots, from students to celebrities, expressing what it means to be Scottish for the gallery’s One Nation, Five Million Voices film.

Linda Fabiani, Scottish Culture Minister, said of the exhibition that it is “both informative and thought provoking. Scotland: A Changing Nation will live long in the memory of anyone who sees it.”

Image: Photo of a bionic hand holding a two pence piece

Bionic hand, by Livingston Touch Bionics: first commercially available model with five fully-articulating, individually-powered digits. © National Museum of Scotland

Over 200,000 Scottish lives were lost in two world wars – trace their names on a war memorial and discover how a howitzer shell graced Glasgow’s Queen Street station for many years.

Unravel the story behind whisky, Scotland’s national drink, and soak up Scotland's vibrant art scene, as displays explore the nation's industry and what's important in the everyday life of a Scot.

“This gallery will challenge perceptions, spark thought and debate, and inspire visitors,” said Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of the National Museum of Scotland.

“It is a fitting milestone to mark the first 10 years of the National Museum of Scotland and it will evolve in line with the evolution and progress of modern Scotland itself.”

Image: Photo of a model of a nuclear reactor, glowing green under ultraviolet light

Model of Dounreay nuclear reactor, by Kate Williams and John Lloyd, 2007. Kiln cast using uranium glass lit with ultraviolet light. © National Museum of Scotland

'Leaving Scotland' exhibits pay homage to the 25m people across the globe who claim Scottish ancestry.

The economic crisis following the First World War caused 460,000 Scots to search for new opportunities promised on foreign shores, mainly North America and Australasia, in the 1920s.

The new gallery is open daily 10am - 5pm, on level six of the National Museum of Scotland building.

National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, Lothian, Scotland

Open: Daily 10am to 5pm
Closed: 25 December