A wall showing a molding of individual people on a wall displaying including numerous flags, showcasing cultural diversity.

Museums and galleries

Delve into art, history and the rich collections of Edinburgh relating to the historical and cultural life of the capital

Highlights

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6 Nov 25

Noble Intentions: The History of the Scottish Modern Arts Association

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

A curator inspects a colourful dress dating back to the World War 2 era

11 Nov 25

War on the Fashion Front: Getting dressed as a civilian in World War 2

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

A colourful illustration of a fairy surrounded by garden birds

13 Nov 25

Children’s Books at the Museum of Childhood: Through the Ages

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Art galleries

City Art Centre

Travelling Gallery

Monuments

An imposing building sitting within a large courtyard. Other buildings surround the courtyard.

Makars' Court

Nelson Monument

A towering monument structure with distinctive stonework, showcasing architectural elegance against the skyline.

Scott Monument

Museums

Photo of Lauriston Castle on a sunny day

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Several children gathered around a vibrant toy display, eagerly pointing and discussing their favorite items.

Museum of Childhood

A large room showcasing numerous items displayed on extensive shelves.

Museum Collections Centre

A building exterior, showcasing architectural details and colourful walls

Museum of Edinburgh

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

The People's Story Museum

A large white Museum building stands prominently with the railway bridge visible in the background.

Queensferry Museum

An imposing building highlighted by a turret with small windows, showcasing architectural detail sitting in a courtyard.

The Writers' Museum

Explore our collections

A brown box from the old department store, Darling's which was once located on Princes Street, Edinburgh. The box features text "Darling's 124 - Princes Street - 125 Edinburgh Foremost For Fashion" A vintage pair of white gloves and stockings are draped over the box.

Edinburgh Life

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Fine art

A visitor examines silver items displayed in a glass case, showcasing intricate designs and craftsmanship.

Decorative art

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Leith and Newhaven

A mannequin dressed as an Edinburgh fisherwoman on display at The People's Story Museum on the historic Royal Mile.

Working life

Schools & community

Two school children sitting on the grass, engaged in painting with brushes and paper around them

Schools

A group of people engaged by a talk about a large piece of artwork on a wall in Edinburgh's City Art Centre

Community and access

Free things to do

Show Poster

20 Nov 25

Kenneth B. Morris, Jr - Edinburgh's Echoes: A Family's Fight for Freedom

Assembly Rooms

Tickets available

Items from an old fashioned police box

27 Nov 25

Museums Collection Centre Store Tour

Museum Collections Centre

A man in an Edwardian suit and tie stands by a desk full of books and a vintage telephone in his hand, ready to speak.

30 Nov 25

A welcome to Lauriston Castle on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

A couple dressed in Edwardian costume smile at the camera outside Edinburgh's Lauriston Castle

30 Nov 25

A welcome to Lauriston Castle on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Archaeology

A person in a hard hat and safety vest inspects a human skeleton outside

Archaeology

Object of the month

One of Edinburgh's best-loved stories is the legend of Greyfriars Bobby. It's a story of loyalty and devotion that spans time. The origins of the Skye Terrier are shrouded in mystery. In one version of the story, he was owned by John Gray, an Edinburgh Police Constable, who died in February1858 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. According to legend, Bobby sat devotedly by his grave for 14 years.

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Curators insights

Vintage delivery box from the old Edinburgh department store Romanes & Paterson. The name of the company is featured on the box together with the words "Scottish tweed and knitwear specialists"

Edinburgh 900: Romanes & Paterson - a scarf for Aunty Kate

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Edinburgh900: A souvenir of the bombing of Leith in World War 2

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Edinburgh 900: Shoes for saying ‘I do’: 1920s wedding shoes from an Edinburgh maker

A Steiff teddy bear from Edinburgh's Museum of Childhood

Teddy Lane: the story of a much-loved Museum of Childhood bear

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Iconic Greyfriars Bobby objects