Our collections

We care for different collections covering social history, literary history, fine and applied art, archaeology, and childhood. Many of the most interesting and beautiful objects we care for are on display across our venues. Others - in our reserve collections - are stored at our Museums Collection Centre, where we research and conserve our treasures. We’re also responsible for the care and conservation of the City’s estate of monuments, memorials and statues. We hold over 220,000 items in our rich and varied collections. Many have ‘recognised’ status - awarded by the Scottish Government to collections of national significance - and these include • the entire collection of the Museum of Childhood • the Scottish Art collection at the City Art Centre • the decorative art collection at the Museum of Edinburgh • the Robert Burns collection at the Writers’ Museum (in partnership with other Burns collections)