Jason and the Coal Mining Adventure at National Mining Museum 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.