A Guide To Edinburgh’s Best Museums
There are many fantastic museums throughout our wonderful city, each with its own unique personality and fascinating history. We’ve curated the perfect list of our favourite museums in Edinburgh.
From an Old Town favourite, the National Museum of Scotland, to a historic institution like the Surgeons’ Hall Museum, we've got it all written down for you.
The National Museum of Scotland
Perhaps one of the most popular Museums in the city is the National Museum of Scotland. Located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just a short walk from the Royal Mile and a stone’s throw from our luxurious Museum Apartments.
The museum is home to many different exhibitions for a variety of historical events, including prehistoric earth and the Industrial Revolution. One of the best advantages of visiting the National Museum of Scotland is that the museum is free for the public to enter - although it welcomes donations!
As you enter the main building, you’ll be greeted by the stunning architecture of the building, spanning multiple floors, including a café, and of course, a gift shop! Our top recommendations for the Museum have to be the Roman collection for anyone who loves Ancient Greece. Another fantastic collection they have in their possession is, in fact, Mary Queen of Scots’ possessions. Some of the most notable pieces include a cabinet from her quarters during her time in France, and a highland harp said to have been given as a gift by Mary herself.
After you’ve finished exploring the museum, make sure to head over to one of the cafes located inside the museum. The Sheilings Cafe is located on the first floor and offers a selection of good old-fashioned home baking, freshly cut sandwiches, and an array of hot and cold drinks. The perfect way to end your trip to the Museum.
The Surgeons’ Hall Museum
This museum is possibly one of the most unique and educational picks of the City. Located in Old Town and a short five-minute walk from The National Museum of Scotland. This museum is open 7 days a week and is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the United Kingdom.
Due to the nature of the museum, the age is restricted to 10+, and those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The museum is full of donated specimens from those who have chosen to donate their body to science. If you’re headed to the museum, make sure not to skip out the introduction, which runs you through the process of those who have donated their body. Those who have donated have enabled many medical students to learn and study under practical conditions.
One of the most interesting exhibits certainly has to be the surgery collection, which showcases and runs you through the evolution of medical teaching and understanding the body. Throughout the exhibit, you encounter early anaesthetic methods alongside real-life amputation specimens.
Another educational exhibition is the robots in surgery collection, which allows immersive experiences in the fascinating surgical field. The exhibit challenges your thoughts on robotic intervention in surgery and highlights the skills behind operating the machines.
Finally, we have the main collection, which contains an array of human body parts and organs for you to study and observe. Some of the highlights include nerve systems and medical instruments throughout time.
The Surgeons’ Hall Museum is certainly a heavier scene compared to the National Museum, but it is certainly worth a visit for those interested in the human body.
The Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh
The Portrait Gallery, located in New Town, Edinburgh, is arguably one of the most beautiful museums in the city. With free entry and a portrait collection of many historical figures and landscapes, it’s certainly a non-negotiable.
As you enter the portrait gallery, you will be greeted with one of the most beautiful architectural pieces in the City - the arches are decorated with a variety of historical figures, including the Stuart and Tudor lineage. Make sure to take your time taking in the sights before exploring the wider collections.
While the gallery is full of amazing art pieces, some of the most notable include Alexander Nasmyth’s famous 1787 portrait of Robert Burns and the striking depiction of Mary, Queen of Scots, alongside her mother Mary De Guise.
After you have explored the gallery, make sure to head to the cafe and adjoined gift shop on the ground floor. The cafe offers a range of delicious food and drink options in a large open-spaced setting. Perfect to bring your exploration to a close.
The Writers Museum
The Writer’s Museum can be found in Lady Stairs Close in Old Town and hosts a fantastic collection of some of the best of Scottish writing, including nods to Sir Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
This hidden museum offers a unique look at some of Scotland’s most historic writings. The museum spans two floors and displays original writing from Scottish authors such as Sir Walter Scott and Sir Robert Burns.
While the museum is smaller than some of the others throughout the city, it holds great value to Scottish heritage and education.
Stay with us
Headed to the City of Edinburgh? Why not curate your perfect stay with us? At Calton Living, we host a range of serviced apartments throughout the city, each with its own unique style and location. You can view our full range of apartments here.
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