Mentioned by the Guardian
10 of the best museums and 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."
"Housed in the historic Cannongate Tolbooth, the People's Story Museum tells the story of the people of Edinburgh from the late 18th century to the present day. The three galleries explore life in an Edinburgh tenement during the eighteenth century and recount the stories of Edinburgh citizens during the twentieth century using waxworks, recorded oral histories and written sources. The museum also houses an impressive number of early reform flags and banners in support of political reform, trade unions and the anti-apartheid movement."
"Explore the history of Edinburgh’s everyday life from the 18th century through to modern day. Peruse real objects and visit the historic building, which used to be a tax office and a jail!. And when you are done, you can even test your knowledge taking one of the Museum’s quizzes and games online."
"Getting to the People’s Story Museum : This museum is located on the other side of the road to the Museum of Edinburgh. So just a 9 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: The People's Story Museum"
"Anyone with a historical interest in medicine, or a taste for the gruesome, will enjoy the three medical museums collectively known as the Surgeons' Hall. They include the Wohn Pathology Museum, one of the largest collections of anatomical pathology in the world; The History of Surgery Museum, where you can learn about the history of murderers and body snatchers who provided teaching "samples" to surgeons in training; and The Dental Collection, with paintings, Japanese woodcuts, and dental instruments illustrating the development of everyone's least favorite medical profession. A highlight is the story of murderers and body snatchers Burke and Hare, who provided bodies 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."
"Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DWOpen 10am to 5pm dailyAdult: £8, Students, NHS staff and children under 16: £4.50, unders 5's go free. If you are fascinated by the wonders of the human body, this museum is a must-visit. Owned by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Surgeons' Hall Museums consist of the Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum and The Dental Collection."
"As the very last medieval building left on the Royal Mile the John Knox House is an exciting window into the 16th century. As you walk around the parlour, the dining room, the kitchen and the rest, you’ll see the way its past inhabitants (including Mary, Queen of Scots) used to live. Soak up the opulence and the drama of Scotland's turbulent past, before walking straight back into the bustling present on Edinburgh’s main drag."
"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)."
"The John Knox House dates back to 1470 and it is associated with the Scottish Reformation. Even though the name-giver John Knox only lived in the house for a brief period in the 16th century, his association with the house stuck throughout the…"
"Located within Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum explores Scotland’s history of war. The collections here showcase military artefacts and wartime materials, such as medals, uniforms, banners and posters. The museum examines Scotland’s place in war from the Highland-Lowland battles in the 17th and 18th centuries, all the way up to Scotland’s modern-day military presence."
"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"
"Also known as Edinburgh’s Secret Garden and on the other side of Holyrood Park from Edinburgh city centre, Dr Neil’s Garden is a heaven of tranquillity and a font of inspiration for artists, musicians and writers. It was originally created by Drs Nancy and Andrew Neil, who had a keen interest in horticulture and medicine. Child friendly: yes Address: Dr Neil’s Garden, Old Church Lane, Duddingston Village, Edinburgh EH15 3PX Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 5pm More information on visiting this garden"
"Dr Neil’s Garden is a wonderfully quaint place to wile away an afternoon or as a pit-stop on your way up to Arthur’s Seat. Tip: If you're lucky you may catch deer cooling off in the nearby Loch. *Guide-dog friendly!"
"Edinburgh’s quintessential secret garden, in the shadow of a 12th-century kirk, is one of the most peaceful green spaces in Scotland. Cultivated in the 1960s by doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil from a scrappy piece..."
"If you like fun, interactive science museums, then Dynamic Earth is a must-visit. Right next to the Scottish Parliament building and underneath the stunning backdrop of the Crags and Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth tells the story of the history of the Earth."
"There’s nowhere quite like the World of Illusions and the range of illusions you’ll find over the five floors here – not to mention the fantastic views of Edinburgh from the rooftop. The 166-year-old Camera Obscura is still the highlight – I remember being wowed when I visited. There’s a 15-minute show with a guide telling tales of Edinburgh history, while showing off the whole city from the rooftop tower using the Victorian contraption, where images of what’s outside are displayed in the room."
"A combination of Edinburgh history, city views from a new perspective, and experience with optical illusions, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an attraction that certainly appeals to all ages. The centerpiece, set in a Victorian rooftop room, is a pinhole camera that projects live moving images of Edinburgh onto a viewing table. The panorama is created by a combination of mirror and lenses, and it has been entertaining people here since 1853."
"Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions Camera Obscura is located one block down the Royal Mile from the Edinburgh Castle. If you are visiting Edinburgh with kids, this is an awesome spot to visit. Six floors are filled with illusions, puzzles, and optical tricks."