Temporary exhibitions

A programme of changing exhibitions during the year offers the opportunity to dig deeper into a particular topic, see amazing artefacts, explore fascinating stories and experience the results of cutting-edge research.

War, Destruction and Reform: the Early Years of Mary, Queen of Scots

In the Wardlaw Museum
Saturday 7 March 2026 to Sunday 20 September 2026

Mary, Queen of Scots: icon, martyr, national obsession. You know her story, but what does she hide?

In December 1542, Mary became Queen at six days old. For the next eight years, Scotland was subject to violent warfare with England over her future marriage.

This exhibition is not just about Mary: come along to explore the effect of the wars on ordinary people and the long-lasting impact of this violence. Discover history repeating itself, and what Scotland's most famous monarch hides about life in her times.

Graphic reading 'War Destruction and Reform: The Early Years of Mary Queen of Scots'