Benson & Forsyth - Museum of Scotland

Benson & Forsyth
Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland

“This is a building wholly integrated with its function: architecture as narrative ... Spaces within spaces, buildings within buildings lead you through Scotland’s complex interlocking story.”
Duncan Macmillan
Professor of History of Scottish Art University of Edinburgh

Photo: arcspace

Benson + Forsyth won the competition to design the new Museum of Scotland in 1999. The design, inspired by national building traditions and the scale and character of its surroundings, reinterprets familiar architectural elements into a contemporary whole.

Photo: arcspace

The main feature is the circular entrance tower, which echoes the Edinburgh castle battery. The architect’s used a golden Scottish sandstone, with natural figuring evoking windblown sand, for the exterior wall that sits on the line of the old city wall.

Photo: arcspace

The building is split into different elements, the centre being a dramatic seven story high triangular atrium flooded with daylight. Stairs and walkways connect the galleries on the different levels.
At most points you can see from one gallery into another, or into the great triangular entrance hall.

Photo: arcspace

Serving as an introduction to Scotland and its rich inheritance the architects have created a museum experience where the building and its contents communicate together, where the stories the objects have to tell are enhanced by the atmosphere and character of the setting.
The gallery design follows a chronological journey through Scotland from the “Beginning” in the basement , to memories and impressions of Scotland in the “20th century”, on the upper levels.

A circular staircase leads to a restaurant, with a terrace overlooking old Edinburgh, located on level 6.

Photo: arcspace

The museum’s roof terrace on level 7 has spectacular views of the of the Castle and all of Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

Photo: arcspace

Adjoining the Museum of Scotland, and connected via an interior walkway, is the Royal Museum, a stunning testament to Victorian architecture.

Photo: arcspace

Designed by Captain Francis Fowke RE and completed in 1888, it was influenced by Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace. Slender columns of iron, decorated capitals, rounded arches and curving staircases create a unique sense of symmetry, grace and elegance. The roof, made of wood and glass, soars 78 feet above the floor and extends 265 feet, the full length of the interior.

Photo: arcspace

The new Museum of Scotland won the Building of the Year Award 1999

“We were particularly impressed by the way the building combines the Scottish vernacular with contemporary design. The architecture is skilful, dramatic and exciting".
Professor John Steer
Judge Building of the Year Award 1999

Client: National Museums of Scotland
Architect/Designer: Benson & Forsyth
Main Contractor: Watson Stonecraft, West Lothian

November 3, 2003

Benson & Forsyth arcspace features





				Features
		Benson & Forsyth Museum of Scotland Edinburgh, Scotland “This is a building wholly integrated with its function: architecture as narrative ... Spaces within spaces, buildings within buildings lead you through Scotland’s complex interlocking story.” Duncan Macmillan Professor of History of Scottish Art University of Edinburgh Photo: arcspace Benson + Forsyth won the competition to design the new Museum of Scotland in 1999. The design, inspired by national building traditions and the scale and character of its surroundings, reinterprets familiar architectural elements into a contemporary whole. Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace The main feature is the circular entrance tower, which echoes the Edinburgh castle battery. The architect’s used a golden Scottish sandstone, with natural figuring evoking windblown sand, for the exterior wall that sits on the line of the old city wall. Photo: arcspace The building is split into different elements, the centre being a dramatic seven story high triangular atrium flooded with daylight. Stairs and walkways connect the galleries on the different levels. At most points you can see from one gallery into another, or into the great triangular entrance hall. Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace Serving as an introduction to Scotland and its rich inheritance the architects have created a museum experience where the building and its contents communicate together, where the stories the objects have to tell are enhanced by the atmosphere and character of the setting. The gallery design follows a chronological journey through Scotland from the “Beginning” in the basement , to memories and impressions of Scotland in the “20th century”, on the upper levels. A circular staircase leads to a restaurant, with a terrace overlooking old Edinburgh, located on level 6. Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace The museum’s roof terrace on level 7 has spectacular views of the of the Castle and all of Edinburgh and surrounding areas. Photo: arcspace Adjoining the Museum of Scotland, and connected via an interior walkway, is the Royal Museum, a stunning testament to Victorian architecture. Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace Photo: arcspace Designed by Captain Francis Fowke RE and completed in 1888, it was influenced by Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace. Slender columns of iron, decorated capitals, rounded arches and curving staircases create a unique sense of symmetry, grace and elegance. The roof, made of wood and glass, soars 78 feet above the floor and extends 265 feet, the full length of the interior. Photo: arcspace The new Museum of Scotland won the Building of the Year Award 1999 “We were particularly impressed by the way the building combines the Scottish vernacular with contemporary design. The architecture is skilful, dramatic and exciting". Professor John Steer Judge Building of the Year Award 1999 Client: National Museums of Scotland Architect/Designer: Benson & Forsyth Main Contractor: Watson Stonecraft, West Lothian November 3, 2003 Benson & Forsyth arcspace features