The National Museums Scotland (NMS) was formed in 1985, however, it originates from the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland founded in 1780.
The museum consists of:
- National Museum of Scotland
- National Museum of Flight
- National War Museum
- National Museum of Rural Life
- National Museums Collection Centre
The exhibitions display 8,000 exhibits, mainly Scottish archaeological monuments but also objects from around the world in the fields of geology, natural history, art as well as science and technology.