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A large building featuring a prominent clock on its facade, showcasing architectural details and grandeur.

The People's Story Museum

Life for Edinburgh’s working people

 

Visit The People’s Story Museum for a unique insight into the lives of ordinary working people in Edinburgh, from the 18th century to just a few years ago. Our displays include tableaux, original objects, images and stories from the past, but it’s also a place to explore contemporary issues, events and opinions.


What makes this museum different is that all of the displays are based around the words of Edinburgh’s people, taken from oral history reminiscences and written sources to tell real stories.


"This is possibly the most important museum in Edinburgh" Visitor

Highlights of The People’s Story Museum include political and trade union banners, tools from traditional Edinburgh trades, guild documents, and objects relating to crime and punishment.


Displays recreate complete scenes of daily life, including a bookbinder’s workshop, a wartime kitchen, a tea room and a jail cell. It’s housed in Canongate Tollbooth, a Royal Mile landmark built in 1591, with a fascinating history in its own right.