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Venues

Museums & Galleries Edinburgh is a collection of 13 varied and fascinating venues owned and managed by the City of Edinburgh Council. Many of these venues are A or B listed buildings and the venues boast an exciting and vibrant programme of events and exhibitions, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Our team also cares for 200 historic monuments, including two of Edinburgh's tallest monuments, namely the Scott Monument and Nelson Monument.

We hold, care for and develop rich and varied collections relating to the historical and cultural life in Scotland's Capital.  We have around 220,000 objects in our care and a number of these are recognised by the Scottish Government as being of national importance.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our venues very soon!

 

 

 

 

  • Curator sits admiring two paintings on display - both paintings are in gold frames View on a map

    City Art Centre

    Free entry | Recommended donation £3 | Last entry 4.30pm

     

    The City of Edinburgh’s Art collection is one of the finest in Scotland, and includes works by the most important Scottish artists.

  • Lauriston Castle on a sunny day surrounded by trees and greenery View on a map

    Lauriston Castle

    | Free entry to the grounds | Gates open 8am - 4.30pm | Mimi's Bakehouse Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm (10am - 4pm weekends)

    A 16th century tower house with early 19th century additions set in stunning grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth.

  • The pavement before you enter the Writers' Museum View on a map

    Makars' Court

    Next to The Writers' Museum

    Makars’ Court is an evolving national literary monument where you can see some of the famous words of great Scottish writers inscribed in the flags

  • Outside the Writers' Museum Edinburgh View on a map

    The Writers' Museum

    Free entry | Recommended donation £3 | Last entry 4.30pm

     

    The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three giants of Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

  • Museum of Edinburgh exterior View on a map

    Museum of Edinburgh

    Free entry | Recommended donation £3 | Last entry 4.30pm

     

    Iconic items, beautiful objects, fascinating facts and gruesome tales are waiting to be discovered in this beautiful 16th century museum. 

  • Peoples Story Museum Edinburgh Sign View on a map

    The People's Story Museum

    Free entry | Recommended donation £3 | Last entry 4.30pm

    The People's Story gives an unique insight into Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th to the late 20th century. 

  • Museum of Childhood interior from the ground floor View on a map

    Museum of Childhood

    Free entry | Recommended donation £3 | Last entry 4.30pm

     

    The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and games from across the generations. 

  • Traveling Gallery bus View on a map

    Travelling Gallery

    The Travelling Gallery is on tour round Scotland with a show that explores and illuminates our human capacity for mutuality, connection and interdependence through movement, language, and film. The exhibition will visit Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Arbroath, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Thurso and the Orkney Islands. 

     

  • Queensferry Museum-min.jpg View on a map

    Queensferry Museum

    Free entry | Recommended donation £3 | Last entry 3.30pm

    Queensferry Museum shows the traditions and historic past of the village and neighbouring Dalmeny. With wonderful views onto the Firth of Forth, the museum is a perfect starting point to learn all about history of the Ferry.

  • Domestic kitchen and food storage items on shelving at the Collections Centre store View on a map

    Museum Collections Centre

    Free tours | Recommended donation £3

    Take a look behind the scenes and discover how museums look after the city's past

  • Scott Monument Exterior View on a map

    Scott Monument

    Adult £8 | Child/Concession £6 | Family Ticket £20

     

    Discover one of Edinburgh's most iconic landmarks. We offer fully guided tours daily from 10am. 

  • Nelson Monument header-min.jpg View on a map

    Nelson Monument

    Temporarily closed

    Perched high on Calton Hill is the monument to Admiral Lord Nelson's victory, and death, at the battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.

Our monuments

Our Monuments

Museums and Galleries Edinburgh are also responsible for around 200 monuments, dotted all around the streets of Scotland's capital. Most of these... More info