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!
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City Art Centre
Free entry unless otherwise advertised | Recommended donation £5 | 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.
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Lauriston Castle
Free entry to the grounds | Gates open 8am - 7.30pm |Mimi's Little Bakehouse Mon - Sun 9am - 5pm
A 16th century tower house with early 19th century additions set in stunning grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth.
For our diverse and exciting events programme, click here.
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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
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The Writers' Museum
Free entry | Recommended donation £5 | Last entry 4.30pm
The Writers' Museum will be closed Monday, 28th April, through Wednesday, 30th April. We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back in on Thursday, 1st May.
The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three giants of Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
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Museum of Edinburgh
Free entry | Recommended donation £5 | Last entry 4.30pm
Iconic items, beautiful objects, fascinating facts and gruesome tales are waiting to be discovered in this beautiful 16th century museum.
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The People's Story Museum
Free | Recommended Donation £5 | 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.
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Museum of Childhood
Free entry | Recommended donation £5 | Last entry 4.30pm
The Museum of Childhood will be closed on Tuesday, 27th May, and Wednesday, 28th May, for maintenance works. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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.
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Travelling Gallery
Travelling Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in a bus. Since 1978 it’s been bringing exhibitions to communities throughout Edinburgh and Scotland.
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Queensferry Museum
Free Entry | Suggested Donation £5
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.
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Museum Collections Centre
Free tours | Recommended donation £5
Take a look behind the scenes and discover how museums look after the city's past
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Scott Monument
Adult £9 | Child/concession £7 | Family ticket £26 | Card only
Discover one of Edinburgh's most iconic landmarks. We offer fully guided tours daily from 10am.
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Nelson Monument
Temporarily Closed
The Nelson Monument is temporarily closed to allow for restoration works to take place. Please check back for any further updates regarding our reopening in summer 2025.
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.
