National Museum of Scotland
Explore Scotland’s rich heritage of real stories behind the myths and legends.

The National Museum of Scotland is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and precious objects which help document Scotland’s fascinating history. Delve into the museum’s Scottish collections which helped inspire Disney•Pixar’s Brave.

Scotland’s national museum tells the enthralling history of Scotland, from prehistoric times to the modern age.

During visits in 2006 and 2007, Disney•Pixar photographed objects from the Museum’s extensive Scottish collections to help design weapons, fabrics and decorations included in the film. Artefacts like the Lewis Chessmen, one of the most famous archaeological finds in Scottish history discovered in the Outer Hebrides in 1831, or Pictish stones and horse adornments all inspired items which appear in the final animation.

Expect to see many historical treasures in these collections, including an original Carnyx Celtic war horn, similar to one featured in Brave. Look out for Sir Edwin Landseer’s painting Monarch of the Glen, which captures the majesty of the Highland stag, also prominent in the film.

Exploring the museum is an unparalleled opportunity to encounter Scotland’s vivid history of its land, peoples, objects and stories which inspired Merida’s world.

Discover even more of the real story of Scotland: sign up for the monthly e-bulletin from the National Museum of Scotland for all the latest news on special tours and activities celebrating Scotland’s proud past.