Museum of Edinburgh

No day out on the Royal Mile is complete without a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh, where the City’s past is brought vividly to life.

About Museum of Edinburgh

	142 Canongate Royal Mile, High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8DD
	01315294143
	Museum of Edinburgh Website

Listed Under Attractions - Museums

Visit the Museum’s newest attraction, Foundation – the Story of a City, for a unique journey through Edinburgh’s history. Watch the city grow beneath your feet in the Museum’s new blacked-out theatre.

Decipher the signatures on the National Covenant and imagine the Royal Mile as the hub of Scottish society and politics.

Admire the silverware – work produced by metalworkers called hammermen whose craft guild owned part of this building in former times. Then there is the glassware, much of it made and engraved in the Canongate close by the Museum. There are long case clocks from Edinburgh and a wide range of Scottish pottery.

Look at our sedan chair, old town models and James Craig’s New Town plans - what a contrast between old and new. You can see Greyfriars Bobby’s collar and bowl, dress up in our replica costumes and get creative in our interactive space.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Museum of Edinburgh are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Museum of Edinburgh

Exhibitions

Making a Statement: Craft & Activism in Edinburgh

17th September 2025 - 26th January 2026

Museum of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town

This colourful and vibrant exhibition brings together historic objects and contemporary protest material to explore the recent explosion of 'Craftivism' in Edinburgh.

Museums

Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh South EH16 4SY

Step inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!

Museums

Museum on the Mound

Museum on the Mound The Mound,, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1YZ

The Museum on the Mound is located in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre, just 500 metres from Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street!

Museums

Museum Collections Centre

10 Broughton Market, Edinburgh New Town EH3 6NU

The Museums Collections Centre is an amazing treasure trove of objects spanning a wide range of subjects.

Museums

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.

Museums

Queensferry Museum

53 High Street , South Queensferry EH30 9HP

Queensferry museum showcases the past and traditions of historic Queensferry and neighbouring Dalmeny.

Museums

Linlithgow Canal Centre

Canal Basin Manse Rd, Linlithgow EH49 6AJ

Canal Cruises to Avon Aqueduct, Linlithgow Boat Trips, Tearoom, Canal Museum, Charters and Self-Drive Canal Boat Hire. Open from Easter until the end of September.

Museums

St Cecilias Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum

50 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

The beautiful St Cecilia's Hall dates back to 1763 and is also home to the University of Edinburgh's internationally renowned collection of historic musical instruments.

Museums

National Mining Museum Scotland

Lady Victoria Colliery Newtongrange, Dalkeith EH22 4QN

The National Mining Museum Scotland, a 5 Star visitor attraction housed in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange!

Museums

Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage

1A Dryden Terrace, Edinburgh East EH7 4NB

The museum tells the story of Scottish firefighting from its inception to present day. Explore antique fire engines, engaging interactives, artefacts and more.

Museums

The Writers Museum

Lawnmarket Lady Stair's Close , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2PA

The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three great Scottish writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Museums

Scott Monument

Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens , Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EJ

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

Museums