Dynamic Earth is Edinburgh's science attraction — a hands-on natural history exhibition covering the 4.5-billion-year history of the planet, from the Big Bang through geological time to the present day. The format is immersive rather than traditional: visitors move through a series of environments (a simulated erupting volcano, a tropical rainforest, polar ice) rather than displays of objects. It is designed primarily for families and younger visitors, but the dome exterior — a white tent structure by Michael Hopkins — is worth seeing from the outside even if you do not go in.
The attraction sits in a striking location at the foot of Salisbury Crags, between the Parliament and Holyroodhouse. A combined ticket with the palace makes the visit more worthwhile. The standard ticket takes about 90 minutes to two hours to move through the full experience.