It has everything from fashion icons to fearsome monsters, and antique troves to ancient documents.
National Museums Scotland’s newly-released 2020 exhibition programme includes an eclectic range of exhibitions, combining such disparate objects as Tyrannosaurs, the Little Black Dress, the Galloway Hoard and the Arbroath Declaration of Independence.
Dr Gordon Rintoul, director of NMS, believes there will be plenty of interest in the diverse events which have been planned throughout next year.
He said: “Our innovative programme of exhibitions and events for the year ahead celebrates the diversity of our collection and curatorial expertise.
“In 2020, visitors will have the chance to explore the world of cutting-edge high fashion, discover fascinating insights into British military history and get up close to the most feared and revered dinosaur of them all.”
In 1926, Coco Chanel designed a simple, short black dress, which was described by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear.”
Nearly a century later, the ‘little black dress’ has become a wardrobe staple, a symbol of femininity and a byword for chic.
The exhibition, Little Black Dress – from June 26 to October 25, will tell the story of this famous garment in high fashion, consider the role it has played in society and look at how technology is enabling designers to challenge entrenched notions of classical dress and upgrade the little black dress for the future.
On display will be 60 iconic looks, including significant historic pieces by fashion houses such as Chanel and Dior alongside recent work by contemporary designers like Gareth Pugh, Christopher Kane, and Comme des Garçons.
The most comprehensive exhibition ever mounted on the most terrifying creatures from Jurassic Park will make its only European appearance when it opens at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh in January.
Tyrannosaurs – from January 23 to May 4 – will explore the most feared and revered of all dinosaurs, bringing the latest discoveries in palaeontology to life and challenging preconceptions about these ferocious predators.
The exhibition will feature rare fossil specimens, including ‘Scotty’, one of the largest and most complete T Rex skeletons, and incredible models of feathered dinosaurs.
The Galloway Hoard brings together the richest collection of rare and unique Viking-age objects ever found in Britain or Ireland.
Buried at the beginning of the tenth century, it comprises in excess of 100 gold, silver and other items, some of which are unique.
The Galloway Hoard: Viking-age Treasure – from May 29 to October 18 – will display the key elements of the hoard, place it in a wider historical context and showcase the conservation and research work being undertaken to understand it and its secrets.
Following on from its display in Edinburgh, it will tour Kirkcudbright Galleries, The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum and Aberdeen Art Gallery. This tour is being funded with support from the Scottish Government.
The Declaration of Arbroath will be displayed at the National Museum of Scotland from March 27 to April 26, marking its 700th anniversary.
The artefact has not been on public display for 15 years, but it is one of Scotland’s most important historical documents, capturing a powerful call for the recognition of the Kingdom of Scotland’s sovereign independence.
Further information is available at:
https://www.nms.ac.uk/