The Writers' Museum

What's On

Now

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Colours of the Past: A Creative Writing Exhibition

Writing produced in creative workshops responding to objects from the city's collections, shown alongside the museum's literary displays.

Now showing30 Jul – 29 NovFree

Permanent Collections

Robert Louis Stevenson

Stevenson's riding boots, the ring given to him by a Samoan chief, the wardrobe made by Deacon Brodie, and a first edition of A Child's Garden of Verses.

Permanent collectionFree

Sir Walter Scott

Scott's childhood rocking horse, his chessboard and slippers, first editions of Waverley, and the Ballantyne hand-press reputed to have printed the Waverley Novels.

Permanent collectionFree

Makars' Court

The courtyard outside the museum, an evolving national literary monument since 1997: flagstones inscribed with quotations from Scottish writers in Gaelic, Scots, English and Latin.

Permanent collectionFree

Robert Burns

The poet's writing desk, the chair he used for proof corrections, manuscripts including a draft of 'Scots Wha Hae', and a plaster cast of his skull - one of only three made.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

i

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Children2 min walk

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National Galleries Scotland: National

ArchitectureFree2 min walk

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Stills: Centre for Photography

ArtFree3 min walk

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Fruitmarket

ArtFree3 min walk

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 and 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 Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott and Makars' Court.

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.