The National Museum of Scotland unveiled three new galleries on 8th February 2019, after a huge £80 million makeover that took 15 years to complete. The wonderful transformation has made the National Museum of Scotland rank among the world’s best museums. It showcases a magnificent blend of nature, culture, science and art that has never been witnessed before.
This remarkable transformation has brought Britain’s finest Victorian building back to life, offering an exciting compilation of artefacts that had not been displayed in the past. It will serve as an exciting public space for people to gather and marvel over Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.
The Chair of National Museums Scotland, Bruce Minto expressed his enthusiasm by stating that this splendid transformation is a remarkable accomplishment that the nation can feel proud of, and said that the museum’s enormous collection brings with it mesmerising historic tales from all around the world, shedding light on the unforgettable inventions and discoveries of the Scots.
“Ancient Egypt Rediscovered”, “Exploring East Asia” and “The Art of Ceramics” are the three new inspiring galleries that were unveiled at the National Museum of Scotland. These galleries showcase over 1300 fascinating historic items that reflect the rich cultural heritage of East Asia and ancient Egypt. About 40% of the objects are being displayed for the first time.
According to the Director of National Museums Scotland, Dr. Gordon Rintoul, they have worked day and night for 15 years to achieve this wonderful transformation which serves to educate and inspire visitors. The new galleries hope to attract both local as well as international visitors.
The “Exploring East Asia” gallery displays the vibrant ethnicity of China, Korea and Japan through a vast historic collection that reflects their lifestyle and traditions. The artefacts include thrilling samurai armour, a lacquerware rice measuring cup from the Chinese Ming Dynasty and a wonderful lotus-shaped Korean cup with a stand, belonging to the 13th century.
As the name suggests, “The Art of Ceramics” focuses on the different types of artistic ceramic pieces used all around the world from 1900 BC to 2100 AD. The best pieces from the gallery include a lavish alcohol container made of porcelain that belongs to the Qing dynasty, an antique Greek vase featuring wrestlers and a 500-year old Maiolica dish.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund had partnered with the National Museum of Scotland to develop the new galleries. The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Sir James Miller Edinburgh Trust, The Negaunee Foundation and The Wolfson Foundation along with a number of individual contributors and trusts have funded £3.6 million for this glorious project.
Riona McMorrow, Acting Head of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Scotland thanked the people who play The National Lottery because they helped in funding the museum’s magnificent transformation for the past fifteen years, she said that the museum will contribute to the economy as well as Scotland’s culture.
