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Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland Review

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Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland

Address: Chambers St., Old Town, Edinburgh
Phone: 0131/225-7534
www.nms.ac.uk

Category: Museums/Galleries
Location: Old Town

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Fodor's Review:

In an imposing Victorian building on Chambers Street, the Royal Museum houses an internationally renowned collection of art and artifacts relating to natural, scientific, and industrial history. Its treasures include the Lewis Chessmen, 11 intricately carved ivory chessmen found on one of the Western Isles in the 19th century. The museum's main hall, with its soaring roof and "bird-cage" design, is architecturally interesting in its own right. Redevelopment between 2007 and 2011 will modernize many displays. The striking, contemporary building next door houses the Museum of Scotland, with modern displays concentrating on Scotland's own heritage. This state-of-the-art, no-expense-spared museum is full of playful models, complex reconstructions, and paraphernalia ranging from ancient Pictish articles to 21st-century cultural artifacts.

Cost: Free
Open: Mon. and Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Tues. 10-8, Sun. noon-5

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