Mentioned by Scotland Bucket List
10 Free Museums & Art Galleries in Edinburgh
"The Museum of Edinburgh is dedicated to displaying the local history of Edinburgh. You will see Greyfriars Bobby's collar and feeding bowl and the National Covenant, signed by leaders of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in 1638. There are also displays of crafts that were important in the lives of past populations, including glassmaking, pottery, wool processing, and cabinetry."
"Explore Edinburgh’s history while you peruse historic rooms and iconic objects. The Museum also has a fun interactive Learning Space for children, with activities and replica objects, as well as online quizzes and games for after you visit. A must for any family, but in particular the ones with small children."
"This small and cosy museum across the road from The People’s Story is another free Edinburgh attraction. It tells the story of the Scottish capital from gruesome details to bizarre facts. There are plenty of iconic items inside including the collar and dog bowl of famous Greyfriars Bobby (more on him later!)."
"Situated on the Canongate, The People's Story explores the history of Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th to the late 20th century. Visit: 163 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN - edinburghmuseums.org.uk"
"Dating back to 1726—although arguably operating since 1505—Edinburgh University’s medical school is the oldest in Britain, and one of the oldest in the Western world. The Surgeons' Hall Museums offer a particularly fascinating, if macabre, slice of the city's history. Particular oddities include a pocketbook made from the skin of William Burke, one half of the infamous Burke and Hare duo who, in the early 19th century, murdered some 16 people in order to reap the monetary rewards of delivering a cadaver to Edinburgh University for dissection."
"Royal College of Surgeons on Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.|© Duncan Hale-Sutton / Alamy Stock Photo. One for visitors with strong stomachs, the collections of the Surgeons’ Hall were started way back in 1699 and include all sorts of tortuous looking surgical and dental implements – the most perused exhibits are those relating to infamous Edinburgh grave robbers Burke and Hare. But it’s not all sensationalism – the museum also explores the city’s crucial role in the evolution of surgery and medicine."
"Located on the Royal Mile a short distance from the castle, the John Knox House & Scottish Storytelling Centre attraction is a treat for anyone interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1470 and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. A highlight of a visit is exploring the exhibits and displays related to the Scottish Reformation, a pivotal moment in the country's history."
"John Knox House is a fascinating mediaeval building constructed in 1470. It is named after the famous Protestant reformer John Knox, although he actually only lived there for a short period in his life. The house was also home to James Mosman, an ardent supporter of Mary Queen of Scots who was one of the "Queen's Men" who seized Edinburgh Castle in a failed attempt to have her reinstated."
"A stylish contemporary building appended to the 15th-century home of Protestant reformer John Knox, housing materials relating to Scotland’s rich oral culture.43–45 High Street, 556 9579, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk. Mon–Sat 10am–6pm (also Sun noon–6pm during Aug only). Free entry to SSC; John Knox House £4.25 (£3.75; children £1; under 7s free)."
"Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NGOpen daily, 09:45 – 17:45. Entry to the museum is free. (Historic Environment Scotland charges for admission to Edinburgh Castle where the National War Museum is locate)."
"The Physicians' Gallery is a free public exhibition space which is part of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Our exhibitions are based on the wealth of historical medical material which the College has collected over the last 300 years. ‘Moonstruck: 500 years of mental health’ is our new free exhibition– opening on 14 June 2019 and running until Spring 2020"
"Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Urbane Art Gallery is one of the most cutting edge spaces in the city. It covers a range of artists and mediums, but the majority of work has a hint of urban delight about it. Visit the gallery’s website."
"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."
"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"
"From Cubism and Expressionism to 20th-century Russian and French pieces, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is unmissable for art buffs. With two early-19th-century buildings to explore (Modern One and Modern Two) and sweeping green spaces dotted with sculptures (including monumental earthworks by Charles Jencks), it’s well worth leaving the city centre to explore the galleries. Modern Two contains the intact studio of erstwhile Edinburgh sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi."
"Split between two buildings on either side of Belford Road, Modern One and Modern Two, the gallery houses the nation's collection of modern and contemporary art. Modern Two, previously the Dean Gallery, was built as an orphanage. An austere structure, it's home to a large collection of Dada and Surrealist art, and a collection of the works of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi."
"75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR (website) Open daily 10am-6pmAdmission is free (charges may apply to special exhibitions). Discover a world-class collection and cutting edge art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery is home to a range of contemporary Scottish arts collection, with more than 5,000 items of 20th-century art."
"Tucked away on Frederick Street is Coro the Chocolate Cafe, who believe chocolate should be a fun and sharing experience and if you fancy a sweet pancake or crepe then where better to head to!. If you have a massive sweet tooth, we’re sure you’ll like the super chocolately option Vanilla Ice Cream & Melted Chocolate Pancakes or if you prefer a lighter fresher option, Maple Syrup & Fresh Fruit Pancakes might be for you!. Website: www.corochocolate.co.uk"
"A classical yet contemporary chocolaterie on Bruntsfield Place, in the boutique shopping district and much loved residential area of Bruntsfield. Their aim is to provide a unique and comfortable atmosphere for you to explore the delights of fine flavour chocolate. Sample hand crafted chocolates, organic bars, hot chocolate, French macarons or Italian gelato in the uniquely enchanting surrounds of their cafe."
"How would you like to unwind and relax with a box of delicious handmade chocolates?. Coco of Bruntsfield specializes in fine organic chocolate in a range of delicious forms. You'll find some amazing, irresistible treats crafted by artisan chocolatiers here and in the sister store on Broughton Street."
"Vegans don’t have to miss out on dessert, especially in Edinburgh!. Considerit is a chocolate, doughnut and ice cream cafe that’s entirely vegan. They sell the most amazing and indulgent doughnuts, like this amazing chocolate hobnob creation, which is glazed with Biscoff spread, topped with crumbled oaty Hobnobs and finished with a chocolate drizzle."
"Considerit is a must-visit for all the vegan sweet-tooths out there!. This place specialises in decadent chocolate, doughnuts and, in the warmer(?) weather, ice cream. Whether you are vegan or not, you are going to love the baked delights here at Considerit."
"You'll find an interesting and eclectic menu on at Treacle on Broughton Street. Sandwiches, burgers, pies, and noodles, alongside sharing platters and small snacks, ensure that there's always something on offer to satisfy your craving. There are some irresistible desserts to finish off and the drinks menu includes a stunning array of delectable cocktails."
"Treacle sits handily located on Broughton Street, close to the Playhouse Theatre, Vue Cinema and Princes Street shopping. It is a relaxed, quirky bar offering Asian inspired pub food. So, it’s a bit different from your average Scottish pub fare."
"When seeking the best food around, they say to follow the locals. So when that hankering for sweetness sets in, S.Lucas is the spot to head. A true taste of Italy, with a hefty sprinkling of Scottish influence, this renowned ice cream parlour and café has digs in Morningside and Musselburgh."