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Museum of Edinburgh

DesignLocal HistoryHistoryClosed · Opens 10amFreeEdinburgh Waverley (rail, approx. 10 min walk)

Housed in Huntly House, a warren of ochre-washed 16th-century buildings on the Canongate, the Museum of Edinburgh is the city's own museum of itself. Its rooms wind through silver, glass, long-case clocks and 18th-century porcelain made by Edinburgh craftsmen, alongside the objects that carry the capital's biggest stories: an original 1638 National Covenant, James Craig's winning plans for the New Town, and Earl Haig's personal collection from the Western Front. Behind the building, a quiet courtyard off Bakehouse Close displays carved fragments rescued from Edinburgh's lost buildings, including a 17th-century sundial inscribed 'TAK TENT OF TIME ERE TIME BE TINT'. Entry is free, seven days a week.

What's On

Now
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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD, United Kingdom

Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley (rail, approx. 10 min walk), St Andrew Square (tram), Canongate / Royal Mile (Lothian Bus 35)

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
Wed10:00–17:00
ThuToday10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

Free

Free entry for all; donations welcome. Groups of 10 or more should book ahead by emailing museumsandgalleries@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Accessibility

The main entrance has one step; due to the historic building there is no lift or ramp and upper levels are reached by stairs only. Level access from the entrance to the information desk, ground-floor toilets and courtyard. Some areas have low lighting. Sensory packs and a quiet sanctuary space are available; a British Sign Language tour of the museum is offered.

Nearby

Dynamic Earth

Children4 min walk

Museum of Childhood

ChildrenFree5 min walk

Collective

ArchitectureFree6 min walk

Dovecot Studios

DesignFree6 min walk

Visitor Information

Is Museum of Edinburgh free to visit?
Yes, general admission to Museum of Edinburgh is free. Free entry for all; donations welcome. Groups of 10 or more should book ahead by emailing museumsandgalleries@edinburgh.gov.uk.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of Museum of Edinburgh?
Museum of Edinburgh is open Open daily 10:00-17:00, seven days a week. Last entry 16:30. Free entry, no booking needed.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Museum of Edinburgh?
Museum of Edinburgh is located at 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DD, United Kingdom, in the Old Town (Canongate / Royal Mile) area of Edinburgh. The nearest stations are Edinburgh Waverley (rail, approx. 10 min walk), St Andrew Square (tram), Canongate / Royal Mile (Lothian Bus 35).
What can I see at Museum of Edinburgh?
A maze of 16th-century rooms on the Royal Mile holding the city's own story — and Greyfriars Bobby's collar. Current highlights include Scottish Decorative Arts: silver, glass, clocks and porcelain, The Making of Edinburgh: the National Covenant and the New Town, In our Nature: the world through the eyes of young people in kinship care.
Do I need to book Museum of Edinburgh in advance?
Museum of Edinburgh is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free entry for all; donations welcome. Groups of 10 or more should book ahead by emailing museumsandgalleries@edinburgh.gov.uk.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit Museum of Edinburgh?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is Museum of Edinburgh accessible?
The main entrance has one step; due to the historic building there is no lift or ramp and upper levels are reached by stairs only. Level access from the entrance to the information desk, ground-floor toilets and courtyard. Some areas have low lighting. Sensory packs and a quiet sanctuary space are available; a British Sign Language tour of the museum is offered.

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