National War Museum in Edinburgh

The National War Museum highlights the lives of Scotland’s soldiers and the influence of war on the country’s political relationships with neighbouring countries. The museum is housed in the historic Edinburgh Castle, a spectacular attraction on its own, and you’re sure to be impressed by the surrounding architecture in the area. You should allow about an hour for your tour of the museum, but there is much more to do in the castle, so it’s easy to make a day of your trip to take in all the sights.

In addition to the big-picture history of battles, the museum focuses on the personal experiences of the war as told by soldiers. You’ll stroll through 400 years of history shown through artefacts such as weapons, armour, paintings of famous battles and personal effects and letters from soldiers. The museum is sure to be fascinating to anyone with an interest in Scottish or war-time history.

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Highlights of the National War Museum

A quick video gives visitors important information and provides a starting framework before examining the museum’s displays. On your visit to the museum, you’ll see traditional exhibits like weapon displays, artwork depicting battles and other war memorabilia. What makes the National War Museum different is its focus on the personal lives of the soldiers and those close to them, putting a face to the war. You’ll see a collection of personal effects that belonged to soldiers and the letters that were sent to loved ones while the soldiers were at war, expressing fear, homesickness and other emotions. The contributions of women are also highlighted in a section of the museum, showing efforts of support to soldiers during wartime. Exhibits highlight how the geography of Scotland made it a strategic part of the war, as well as how Scotland’s relationship with neighbouring England was influenced by the war.

History Of the National War Museum

Original plans for the History of National War Museum were started in 1917 out of a desire to provide more regional museums that honoured Scotland’s tumultuous past wars and military history. Plans were later put on hold in the early 1920s, as the focus was put on completing the Scottish National War Museum, but after it’s completion in 1927, the project was resumed by Duke of Atholl. The museum was designed in an 18th-century building in Castle Edinburgh that was previously used as a storehouse and a war hospital in its later years. After 3 years of construction, the museum was finally opened as the Scottish Naval and Military Museum. In 2000, the museum was redesigned and reopened as the National War Museum.

Good To Know About the National War Museum

You will find the National War Monument situated at the intersection of Kings Stables Road and Johnston Terrace, inside the Edinburgh Castle. You can buy tickets at the Edinburgh Castle Website. Be sure to check out all the castle has to offer when you are planning your visits. If you're visiting the museum or castle, it's a great idea to combine them and make a day of it. There are many related exhibits, including The Regimental Museum and The Royal Scots Regimental Museum. You can also tour the Great Hall or St. Margaret’s Chapel. While you’re in the area, you may enjoy nearby Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions. If you’re visiting on the weekend, be sure to make a stop at the Edinburgh Farmers Market, which features baked treats and beer, in addition to a large selection of locally-sourced produce, meats and cheeses.

Location: Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

Open: Daily from 9.45 am to 5.45 pm

Phone: +44 (0)3001 236789

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