National Museums of Scotland (NMS) has revealed that the new-look National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, is to open its doors on 29 July.

Nearly 8,000 objects will be installed in the museum's 16 galleries over the next six months, which will mark the final phase of a major £46.4m refurbishment of the building.

When complete, visitors will be able to access the revamped attraction through a new street-level entrance that will also house one of two restaurants and one of two shops.

The National Museum of Scotland's original Victorian interior features have been restored as part of the scheme, while a three-storey learning centre has also been created.

Balfour Beatty has delivered the revamp, while Beck Interiors; GR/DD; Elbow Productions; Ico Design Consultancy; the ISO Organisation; and Preloaded have also been involved.

NMS chair Sir Angus Grossart said: "After three years of major building work we will open on 29 July, on time and within budget. In that period all of our collections and stores have been reviewed.

"We are confident that this great transformation will underline that the museum will be a key destination, which will inspire, as well as inform, visitors and generations to come."

NMS director Dr Gordon Rintoul added: "There is a growing sense of expectation about the transformation and real anticipation from visitors about what is to come."