Tucked down Lady Stair's Close just off the Lawnmarket, The Writers' Museum occupies Lady Stair's House, a townhouse built in 1622 and gifted to the city in 1907. Run by the City of Edinburgh Council, it tells the lives of three giants of Scottish literature — Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson — through portraits, rare books, manuscripts and personal objects. Highlights include Burns' writing desk and a plaster cast of his skull (one of only three ever made), Scott's rocking horse and the Ballantyne printing press associated with the Waverley Novels, and Stevenson's riding boots, his Deacon Brodie wardrobe and the ring given to him by a Samoan chief. The approach through Makars' Court, paved with quotations from Scottish writers in Gaelic, Scots, English and Latin, is part of the visit.
Visitor Information
- Is The Writers' Museum free to visit?
- Yes, general admission to The Writers' Museum is free. Free admission; donations welcome.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
- What are the opening hours of The Writers' Museum?
- The Writers' Museum is open Open daily 10:00-17:00, last entry 16:30. Free admission. Hours may vary on public holidays - check the venue page before travelling.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is The Writers' Museum?
- The Writers' Museum is located at Lady Stair's Close, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PA, United Kingdom, in the Old Town / Royal Mile area of Edinburgh. The nearest stations are Edinburgh Waverley railway station, Mound Place / The Mound bus stops, Princes Street tram stop.
- What can I see at The Writers' Museum?
- Burns, Scott and Stevenson in a 1622 townhouse down a Royal Mile close — free, and full of their actual belongings. Current highlights include Colours of the Past: A Creative Writing Exhibition, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott.
- Do I need to book The Writers' Museum in advance?
- The Writers' Museum is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free admission; donations welcome.. 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 The Writers' Museum?
- 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.