Edinburgh is home to many diverse Museums, from the newly opened National Musuem of Scotland to the Museum on the Mound. Here is an insiders guide as to what to expect and our local insiders tips.
National Museum of Scotland
After a £47m makeover, the city’s favourite museum re-opened this summer. It houses an array of large galleries exhibiting wonderful objects from Scottish history to other world cultures and natural history. Children will love the interactive galleries, especially Connect Gallery where they can get behind the wheel of a racing car simulator. As well as the objects on display, the building itself cannot fail to impress. From the atmospheric basement entrance up to the grand, light-filled Victorian hall with its glass ceiling, you can literally spend hours exploring this place. The museum is also known for it’s unique temporary exhibitions so be sure to check what’s on.
Free admission.
Open daily 10:00 – 17:00 (Check website for Christmas and New Year opening hours)
National Museum , Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF.
http://www.nms.ac.uk/our_museums/national_museum.aspx
Tip: There is no allocated car park for the museum and limited parking nearby. It’s best to arrive via public transport or on foot.
Museum of Edinburgh
Whereas the National Museum of Scotland offers a broad collection of artefacts from Scottish history, the Museum of Edinburgh has a more intimate collection based on the history of the city. This modest museum is housed within a series of old buildings on the Royal Mile, dating from the 16th Century. Full of character, with creaky staircases and hidden rooms, this atmospheric museum has a large and interesting collection of objects relating to the history of Edinburgh. From architectural drawings and plans for the New Town, to the story of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh’s famous and much loved dog, there is an eclectic mix of historical and playful items on display.
Free admission.
Open Mon – Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00 (August only).
Museum Of Edinburgh , Huntly House, 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, High Street, Edinburgh EH8 8DD
Tip: Visitors with children should head to the ground floor where there is a dressing up box with costumes and other activities to be enjoyed. Pease note that the museum has levels only accessible by stairs; there are no lifts due to the historic nature of the building.
Museum of Childhood
Situated on the Royal Mile, this unique museum concentrates on all aspects of childhood, from 18th Century artefacts to modern toys and memorabilia. Whatever your age, you’ll be guaranteed a pang of nostalgia at the sight of familiar objects from your youth. The museum also looks at social and historical aspects of childhood including health, education, schooling and clothing. For comic lovers, there is a large collection of books and children’s comics on display from Victorian picture books to 20th Century graphic novels.
Free admission.
Open Mon – Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00.
Museum Of Childhood , 42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TG
Tip: The museum has no in-house café, but there are plenty of tea rooms and cafés nearby on the Royal Mile. Also, if you are visiting the museum shop, please note that it closes at 16:45 daily.
Museum on the Mound
Situated on the Mound overlooking Princes Street, this museum has a unique location within the historical building that also presently houses the Scottish headquarters for Lloyds Banking Group. The museum is suitably themed around money, exploring the use of currency and its evolution throughout the ages. There is the exciting opportunity to see £1 million pounds in cash, as well as other interactive games and socially themed exhibits. Every summer, special exhibitions are held at the museum which are free to visitors.
Free Admission
Open Tues – Fri 10:00 – 17:00, Sat & Sun 13:00 – 17:00.
Museum On The Mound, the Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 1YZ.
http://www.museumonthemound.com/
Tip: The opening hours are extended during the Edinburgh Festival so check the website for details.
The Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Open to the public since 1832, Edinburgh’s oldest museum is dedicated to the history of surgical pathology. Once used as a teaching museum for medical students, the museum now covers two levels and houses an impressively large permanent collection of pathological anatomy. Some of the exhibits are not for the faint hearted and are a bit grisly but fascinating. With the city’s rich history in medical and surgical advances, the museum looks at figures such as Lister and Simpson and their contributions to modern medicine. Temporary exhibitions are updated annually, with past exhibitions covering subjects such as surgeons at war and the history of publishing medical literature.
Admission is £5/£3 concessions.
Open Mon – Fri 12:00 – 16:00, weekends also during April – October 12:00 – 16:00. Check website for holiday openings.
Surgeons Hall Edinburgh Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW.
Tip: The Pathology Museum is occasionally closed for surgical exams, so be sure to check the website before you visit. Also, the upper gallery of this museum is restricted to educational groups and guided tours, so you will need to book a appointment for access. The rest of the museum is open to the public during opening hours.