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

Exhibitions

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From 13 Sept 25 until 31 May 26

Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture

City Art Centre

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From 16 May 26 until 4 Oct 26

Jean F. Watson: An Artistic Legacy

City Art Centre

Multiple Performances

Photo of Sandra George

From 27 Jun 26 until 27 Sept 26

Sandra George: Start from the Level

City Art Centre

Tickets available

The name of a new exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh written in purple: Past Shelves, histories of queer reading

From 5 Mar 26 until 30 Jun 26

Past Shelves: Histories of Queer Reading

Museum of Edinburgh

A photograph from the second world war featuring a barrage balloon anchored near a dock on the River Forth with several vehicles, people, and boats in the background; the Forth Rail Bridge spans the river behind them.

From 1 May 26 until 30 Apr 27

The Second World War Comes to Queensferry, 1939 - 1945

Queensferry Museum

The image is a poster for the Reviving the Trinity Stones Exhibition: medieval Edinburgh’s forgotten royal masterpiece. The poster includes a painting of a medieval church, a photo of a woman taking a photograph of a medieval building, and three decorative stone carvings.

From 9 May 26 until 28 Jun 26

Reviving the Trinity Stones Exhibition

Museum of Edinburgh

Tickets available

Talks

Black and white head and shoulders photo of a woman

8 Oct 26

Sex, Spies, and Clever Thieves [Lauriston Castle Lectures]

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Tickets available

Black and white photo of the aftermath of a bombing in Edinburgh

21 May 26

The bombing of Edinburgh [Lauriston Castle Lectures]

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Sold out

Black and White photo of working women seated in grounds of of a house

2 Jul 26

Scottish women in the 1920s [Lauriston Castle Lectures]

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Tickets available

Anatomical drawing of shoulder and arm

24 Sept 26

Knives Out! A History of Human Dissection [Lauriston Castle Lectures]

Lauriston Castle and Gardens

Tickets available

Art galleries

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City Art Centre

Travelling Gallery

Monuments

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

Makars' Court

Nelson Monument situated on Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Nelson Monument

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

Scott Monument

Museums

An interior of the Castles sitting room. Lovely chairs and a marble fireplace

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

Free things to do

Multiple Performances

Selection of objects from Edinburgh's Museum Collection Centre

16 Apr 26

Collections Centre Tour

Museum Collections Centre

Tickets available

Photo of Scottish docks

2 Jun 26

Scotland 2050 Conference

Assembly Rooms

Tickets available

10 Jun 26

Private Landlord Information Event

Assembly Rooms

Tickets available

A pair of legs in high vis trousers and work boots dangling from scaffolding at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh.

From 18 Jul 26 until 13 Sept 26

Study for North Bridge | Rachel McBrinn & Jonathan Webb

City Art Centre

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

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