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A group of young people stand on a hill overlooking Edinburgh

Community and access

We work in partnership with communities across Edinburgh to break down barriers to engaging with our rich local history and museum collections. Through our outreach work community groups can take part in, or co-create a wide variety of activities, exhibitions or events.

Outreach programme

Our focus is on engaging with people who are typically under-represented in the museum-going public or in our collections and displays. We prioritise working with communities with protected characteristics as well as those who face barriers due to their socio-economic background.

 

Currently our key partners include Edinburgh Young Carers, Access to Industry, Invisible Cities, Citadel Youth Centre, Mindroom for Neurodiverse Teens, Scottish Families affected by Alcohol and Drugs, Networking Key Services and Sikh Sanjog


Community exhibitions

Temporary exhibitions displayed in community venues such as libraries, schools, care homes and community centres are a key part of our outreach programme, bringing cultural opportunities to local neighbourhoods across Edinburgh.

 

We also collaborate with community organisations to mount temporary exhibitions within our museums and galleries. For more information about this please contact museumsandgalleries.outreach@edinburgh.gov.uk  



Handling boxes

Our handling boxes feature real and replica objects that relate to our collections and exhibitions. They provide a hands-on opportunity for schools and community groups to explore history, heritage and every day life.   

 

Boxes are free to borrow for up to two weeks. Please note we're unable to deliver, but boxes can be collected from the City Art Centre on Market Street between 10am-4pm 7 days a week. We require at least one week’s notice to book a box.

 

Box topics include items relating to World War 2, Romans, Victorians, Sports and hobbies, Life in the home, School days and more.

 

For further information and to book, please contact:  museumsandgalleries.outreach@edinburgh.gov.uk  


Contents of a handling box from the Museum of Edinburgh in relation to World War 2. Items include a duffle bag, a ration book, an air raid precautions leaflet, wartime recipes, clothing rations, national registration identity card, coins and a silver badge with the letters ARP.