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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


We run an outreach programme to work with communities across Edinburgh that face barriers to engaging with our collections, venues and public programme. Through our outreach work community groups can take part in, or co-create a wide variety of activities, exhibitions or events.


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.


We have an Outreach Plan which helps us to prioritise our work with key partners across the city. For more information contact museumsandgalleries.outreach@edinburgh.gov.uk





Museum in a Box


We offer museum loan boxes free of charge to community groups. The boxes feature original and replica objects that relate to our collections and exhibitions. They provide a hands-on opportunity for community groups to explore Edinburgh’s past and present.

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.


Community and reminiscence boxes

• 1950s

• 1960s

• Leisure and Going out

• Life in the Home

• School Days

• Sports and Hobbies

• Street Games


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