Museum of Edinburgh
Address: 142 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD
Visit the Museum of Edinburgh to learn all about the city’s fascinating origins. Located in the Canongate area of the Royal Mile, the museum building itself has an interesting history. It is actually a row of properties, dating from the 16th to the 18th century. They were originally home to a great variety of residents. From the Dowager Duchess of Gordon in Huntly House (now the main entrance to the museum) to ordinary townsfolk such as Merchants and Washerwomen. The small group of houses were continually sub-divided over time. They became so overcrowded that by 1851, over 300 tenants lived there. Eventually, the council bought the slums and turned them into a new City Museum in 1932.
The museum has gone through many changes over the years. It has been renovated and extended, and its collections have grown. It’s easy to spot due to its red and yellow exterior colour scheme, and although it looks small on the outside, there is much to see inside!
5 things to do at the Museum of Edinburgh
- Browse the museum’s huge collection of artefacts, such as an original copy of the National Covenant signed in 1638, James Craig’s plans for Edinburgh’s New Town drawn up in 1767, and the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh’s most famous dog whose memorial statue was erected on George IV Bridge in 1873.
- Look out for some beautiful examples of Scottish craftsmanship, including expertly crafted glass and silver, decorative pottery and porcelain, and fine longcase clocks made in Edinburgh.
- Visitors with young children can enjoy the Family Activity Area, with art activities, handle replica museum objects, dress up in historical costumes and a library corner. Activity sheets are available to keep them interested as they move throughout the galleries.
- See the latest in the museum’s programme of exhibitions, events and workshops.
- Cross the road to visit companion museum The People’s Story, which tells the story of Edinburgh through the eyes of past residents. The two museums share a gift shop, which is inside the Museum of Edinburgh.
