Cryptography Challenge

Have a go at the Cryptography Challenge. Five exhibits at the National Museum of Scotland have been written in code! Can you use your code breaking skills to find out what they are?

Created by Open University Faculty of STEM

Update October 2025: The Cryptography Challenge is now also available featuring five objects from the National Museum of Flight.

Answers

The answers to the Cryptography Challenges can be found below. You can find out more about each exhibit by following the links underneath each answer.

National Museum of Scotland Cryptography Challenge

Challenge 1

Lewis Chessmen

>> find out more

Challenge 2

Tyrannosaurus Rex

>> find out more

Challenge 3

Dolly the Sheep

>> find out more

Challenge 4

Traprain Treasure

>> find out more

Challenge 5

Khnumhotep's Coffin

>> find out more

National Museum of Flight Cryptography Challenge

Challenge 1

Cierva Autogiro

>> find out more

Challenge 2

Irvin Jacket

>> find out more

Challenge 3

Green Goddess

>> find out more

Challenge 4

de Havilland Comet

>> find out more

Challenge 5

Supermarine Spitfire

>> find out more

Create Your Own Challenge

As well as decoding the exhibits at the National Museum of Scotland, you can also have a go at encrypting your own secret messages. Download a copy of the five ciphers to help you.