Discover how Scotland and Europe influenced one another.
Learn about Renaissance-era Scotland, from astronomy to 16th-century music and colourful calligraphy.
Explore how writers today use the Renaissance for inspiration, and how contemporary perspectives reveal fresh interpretations of the past.
Immerse yourself in this period by creating an illuminated letter, adding your stitches to an embroidery, or dressing up as your Renaissance self.
About the Renaissance
A time of cultural rebirth, the Renaissance took place after the Middle Ages. There were many creative and scientific advances. In Northern Europe, this was a period of discovery and connection.
Scotland engaged in a lively exchange of knowledge, goods and ideas with the rest of Europe. During this time crafts, sciences, music and learning flourished.
Many people spoke two or more languages. Some travelled to Europe and beyond. Scottish scholars published abroad and the works of authors from other countries started to be printed in Scotland.
Opening hours
Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 7pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 7pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Exhibition highlights
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The 'Carver Choirbook', a 16th-century manuscript
Music thrived in Renaissance Scotland, providing entertainment at court and a spiritual focus. The large writing in the 16th-century 'Carver Choirbook' helped the choir to sing from it during Mass in a royal chapel. It contains music by Robert Carver, a canon at Scone Abbey, as well as other composers.
'Ane Godlie Dreame' by Elizabeth Melville, 1603
In the Renaissance era, women started to make their poetic voices heard. Elizabeth Melville was the first Scottish woman whose work appeared in print during her lifetime. Her allegorical poem 'Ane Godlie Dreame' was remarkably successful.
The armorial register of Sir David Lindsay of the Mount, Lyon King of Arms, 1542
The Scottish court was not just for royals. Poets, diplomats, refugees and officials came together to celebrate, advise and criticise. They helped connect Scotland with Europe. The chief herald of James V was the poet and playwright Sir David Lindsay. His armorial of 1542 is the first compilation of arms of the Scottish nobility.
'Astronomique Discours' by James Bassantin, 1557
Renaissance scientists took a holistic view of their world. This is one of 14 volvelles, or wheel charts, in 'Astronomique Discours' by Scottish astronomer James Bassantin. The intricate, moveable volvelles simulate planetary positions. They were used to aid surveying and astrology.
