National War Museum

The National War Museum sits within Edinburgh Castle and displays weapons, clothing, and personal objects spanning 400 years of Scottish military history. The collections range from early arms to modern uniforms and include letters, diaries, and other personal documents left by soldiers.

The building was constructed in 1748 as an ammunition storage facility for the castle and served for decades as a working military store. In 1933 it was converted into a museum to make Scottish military stories accessible to the public.

The museum shows how Scottish military forces evolved over centuries through personal items and uniforms that tell the everyday stories of soldiers. These objects reveal what mattered to people who served across different eras.

The museum is accessible within Edinburgh Castle and requires no separate admission fee as it is included with castle entry. The exhibition spans multiple rooms with clear labeling, allowing visitors to navigate easily and explore the collections at their own pace.

The museum displays Robert Gibb's famous painting The Thin Red Line, which depicts a critical battle in Scottish history. Behind the scenes sits a specialized research library that allows scholars and historians to dive deeper into Scottish military history.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Inception: May 23, 1933

Operator: National Museums Scotland

Part of: National Museums Scotland

Address: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Website: https://nms.ac.uk/national-war-museum

GPS coordinates: 55.94875,-3.20158

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44