Thousands of objects from the remarkable collection of one of the UK’s leading museums went on display for the first time in July, when the National Museum of Scotland opened its doors following a spectacular redevelopment.
And it’s just been named Best Building in Scotland for 2011!
Sixteen new galleries, designed by internationally acclaimed exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum Associates, take visitors on an inspirational journey through the wonders of nature, the excitement of science and discovery, and the cultures of the world. Over 8,000 objects were specially selected for the new galleries, most of which are on display for the first time in generations. Highlights include Sir Alexander Fleming’s Nobel Prize gold medal for the discovery of penicillin, the world’s oldest surviving colour television and specimens collected by Charles Darwin during his famous voyage aboard HMS Beagle.
The Museum, which is free to enter, has been returned to its original Victorian glory by award-winning practice Gareth Hoskins Architects, and includes a new street level vaulted entrance hall which leads visitors up to the stunning Grand Gallery atrium. This light-filled space reveals an array of spectacular large objects, including a 12,300 year old giant deer skeleton discovered in 1819 and a fine marble statue of engineer James Watt, which used to sit in the Houses of Parliament. It also houses the UK’s single largest museum installation, the Window on the World, a four-storey, 18-metre high display of over 800 objects – from the jaws of a spermwhale inscribed with the largest ‘scrimshaw’ carving in the world, to one of only four surviving 14th century knights helmets, the Pembridge helm.
The galleries beyond showcase the Museum’s world-class collection. Pioneering Scots who have revolutionised the modern world are introduced through their innovations, inventions and possessions, including television pioneer John Logie Baird and Joseph Black, who transformed the science of chemistry. The natural world galleries display thousands of zoological and geological specimens, from a 4.5-billion-year old meteorite, to a breath-taking wildlife panorama suspended in mid-air. The world cultures galleries recount the lives, rituals and traditions of the world’s cultures, from the North American Arctic to the deserts of Australia.
The £47.4 million redevelopment was jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (£17.8 million), and the Scottish Government (£16 million), with a further £12.6 million from private sources.
