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Experience coal-mining history like never before at Jason Wilsher-Mills’ vivid exhibition in Newtongrange. Giant sculptures, interactive digital stations and a sweeping woven textile bring family stories and industrial heritage to life—perfect for families, school groups, and accessible visits.
Experience coal-mining history like never before at Jason Wilsher-Mills’ vivid exhibition in Newtongrange. Giant sculptures, interactive digital stations and a sweeping woven textile bring family stories and industrial heritage to life—perfect for families, school groups, and accessible visits.
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Operated by National Mining Museum Scotland · Newtongrange, Scotland
Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure at the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange, Scotland, is a bold, family-friendly exhibition that reimagines coal-mining history through large-scale sculptures, immersive digital displays and a hand-stitched textile. Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the museum sits in the former Lady Victoria Colliery site and offers visitors a close-up encounter with the stories and resilience of mining communities. Stepping through the gallery, you meet giant, colourful figures crafted by Jason Wilsher-Mills MBE; these sculptures act less like monuments and more like companions, each piece animated by projection and sound. Interactive digital stations allow children and adults to explore personal narratives—family memories, work routines and local craft—while a sweeping woven textile draws threads between Scotland’s and England’s coal communities. The exhibition balances playful invention with clear respect for material history, giving texture to what can otherwise feel like distant industrial fact. The show is organized to welcome a wide range of visitors. It runs seven days a week from 10am–4:30pm with last entry at 3pm, and includes Free Friday Accessible Mornings (10am–12pm) for quieter visits. Admission is priced at Adults £10, Concessions £7.50, Children 7–15 £7.50 and under-7s are free; Passport Holders receive unlimited access. According to the museum listing, the event is fully accessible, making it a practical choice for families, older visitors and those using mobility aids. Beyond the gallery, the museum grounds offer a chance to reflect on industrial landscapes and the ecological rebound of former mining sites. The exhibition’s partnership with the National Coal Mining Museum for England and Kent Mining Museum highlights a cross-regional dialogue—themes of labor, disability and imagination show up in every installation, giving the visitor a sense of living communities rather than archived artifacts. Plan a visit mid-morning on a weekday to avoid crowds, allow 60–90 minutes to move through sculptures and digital exhibits, and consider pairing the trip with a walk around the Lady Victoria Colliery grounds. Photography is welcomed in many parts of the exhibition, but follow any signage regarding flash and tripod use. Tickets can be booked online or purchased on arrival; check the museum’s site for seasonal events and educational programming. For anyone curious about how art can translate industrial heritage into playful, empathetic storytelling, this exhibition is a rare and memorable stop in Newtongrange. Teachers and family groups will find the exhibit adaptable for guided visits; museum staff provide clear routes and descriptive labels to help visitors of all ages engage. Some displays include audio descriptions and tactile elements where noted. Combine the visit with a walk around the Lady Victoria Colliery grounds or stop at the museum café. Bring a small daypack, a reusable bottle and comfortable shoes for a curiosity-led visit.
Plan 60–90 minutes to move comfortably through sculptures and interactive displays; families may wish to allow more time.
Yes. The installation is family-friendly with interactive digital stations and colorful sculptures designed to engage younger visitors.
Yes. Free Friday Accessible Mornings run 10am–12pm for quieter visits; the listing notes the event is fully accessible.
Tickets can be booked online or purchased on arrival, but advance booking is recommended on weekends and school holidays.
Photography is welcomed in many parts of the exhibition, but follow signage—avoid flash and tripod use where indicated.
Adults £10; Concessions £7.50; Children (7–15) £7.50; Children under 7 are free; Passport Holders receive unlimited access.
National Mining Museum Scotland, located in Newtongrange, Scotland, preserves and interprets the nation’s coal-mining heritage at the former Lady Victoria Colliery site. The museum offers multiple ways to explore mining history: guided tours led by former miners, a 16-stop audio tour, exhibition galleries with interactive displays, and a chance to descend into recreated underground tunnels. Visitors can see the museum’s giant winding engine, explore the Power House setting, and view artifacts and personal stories that reveal miners’ lives and the region’s industrial community. Seasonal and specialist events complement regular tours. Family-focused experiences include Halloween Family Ghost Tours, Santa’s Grotto visits, and the Snow Queen pantomime. Adults-only and evening events range from ghost tours with live actors to craft and social workshops such as festive wreath making, Paint & Prosecco painting sessions, and live storytelling evenings like An Evening with Eric Davidson. The museum’s programming blends history, hands-on activities, and community performance in purpose-built industrial spaces. Practical visitor information is delivered alongside interpretation: friendly expert guides, accessible exhibition galleries, and curated audio content provide layered options for different interests and mobility needs. The museum emphasizes authentic voices through former miner guides and tangible artifacts. Group bookings, family visits, seasonal events, and educational visits are supported by staff experienced in heritage presentation. National Mining Museum Scotland presents coal-mining history with immersive exhibits and events designed to engage visitors of all ages, preserving local memory while offering meaningful, educational experiences. Accessible facilities, a museum shop, and on-site parking support visitors throughout the year comfortably.
Book with National Mining Museum Scotland