Join us in the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland as we use art and hands-on exploration to delve deeper into Scotland’s scientific history.

The Great Instauration

The Great Instauration (2026) is an installation of large-scale fantastical sculptures and print created by artist Dr Gayle Chong Kwan, which will be on display in the Grand Gallery. Commissioned for the 2026 Edinburgh Science Festival, the installation explores science as a culturally embedded process shaped by social history, power, and omission.

Engaging with multiple collections and museums, Dr Chong Kwan has been exploring the history of the scientific canon and the advent of the Scientific Enlightenment. Dr Chong Kwan’s research includes scientific instruments, Scotland’s historical connections with slavery, the botanical origins of medicine, infirmaries, and contemporary community gardens in Edinburgh.

In this new work, Gayle connects exploitative and extractive histories, the scientific gaze, root growth, geological strata, and fantastical forms. The title refers to Francis Bacon’s 17th century text on the scientific method, but this time as a call to restore and renew perspectives on the complex histories of science.

Presented by Edinburgh Science

Hands-on Exploration

Visitors can experiment with some of the instruments which inspired the research behind the art installation, make your own versions to take home, and play with the science of light. Younger visitors can use art to tell their own science stories, exploring how light works, and the power of story in sharing information.

The National Museum of Scotland team will be hosting family experiences throughout the Festival – visit nms.ac.uk for up-to-date details on activities.