The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh has wonderful displays not only of Scottish history, but world and natural history. The museum is a merger of two museums, including the former Royal Museum which was housed in the marvelous Victorian era Grand Gallery.
Grand Gallery, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Another grand view is in the Animal World gallery.
Animal World, National Museum of Scotland
My favorite exhibit was the Lewis chess pieces. They were found on a beach on Lewis Island in the Hebrides and carved from walrus ivory in the 1100s by Vikings. Unfortunately, only 11 are in Edinburgh, the other 82 pieces were appropriated by England and are at the British Museum in London.
Lewis Chess Pieces
Berserks (rook), Queen and Bishop
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is in a grand 1901 building in Kelvingrove Park in the Glasgow’s West End. It’s eclectic collection is like a mash up of all the Smithsonian museums or a combination of Chicago’s Field, Science and Industry, and Art Institute.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Kelvingrove - art gallery, natural history and aviation mash up
We arrived when the museum opened and got in a side door and I got a quick picture of the Diplodocus in the main hall before the school children got in the main doors. “Dippy” is only on temporary display, traveling from London for a visit.
Argyle Street Hall, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum