The National Museum of Scotland has opened to the public, revealing a £47.4 million transformation which has created one of the world's great museums - presenting the sciences, humanities and culture, all under one roof.

National Museums Scotland has completed a highly ambitious redevelopment returning a listed Victorian building to its original glory, creating spectacular new public spaces and revealing the wonderful collections. The centrepiece of a 15-year master-plan, the project has taken just over three years to complete with fundraising efforts exceeding target by almost £1 million.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: "The reopening of the National Museum of Scotland is one of the nation's cultural highlights of 2011. The transformed Museum, displaying its exceptional collections, is truly spectacular. A must-see attraction for local and international visitors alike, the new National Museum of Scotland promotes the best of Scotland and our contributions to the world.


"I'm delighted that the Scottish Government has been able to contribute to this successful project, which will allow visitors from home and across the globe to enjoy an inspirational and memorable experience."

Sir Angus Grossart, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, National Museums Scotland said: "The reopening of the National Museum of Scotland, on time and within budget is a tremendous achievement as importantly it allows us to liberate the strengths of our great collections and mobilise their great potential for dynamic development."

Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director, National Museums Scotland said: "This is a proud moment in the history of a great museum - the climax of a once-in-a-lifetime transformation through which we have rediscovered our exceptional collections, and breathed new life into a beautiful building. The result is a new National Museum of Scotland - a place where the cultures of Scotland and the world meet, and the arts and sciences connect. We look forward to sharing the results with our visitors now and those of many generations to come."

The £47.4 million redevelopment, has been jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (£17.8 million), and the Scottish Government (£16 million), with a further £13.6 million from private sources.

The transformation project is the centrepiece of an ambitious £70 million master-plan launched in 2004 to redevelop the museum complex. Further phased development will deliver 11 more galleries and complete the overall vision by 2020.

(GK)