Exploring Edinburgh’s Museums: A Guide to Visiting the City’s Best

Edinburgh is a city with a rich and extensive cultural heritage. From the grand Georgian architecture of the New Town to the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the city has something to offer everyone. For lovers of history and culture, Edinburgh’s museums are an absolute must. From the world-famous National Museum of Scotland to the lesser-known Museum of Childhood, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to exploring Edinburgh’s museums.

National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is the largest and most visited museum in the city. It’s located in the city centre, in Chambers Street, and is a must-see for any visitor. The museum is home to an extensive collection of art and artefacts from around the world, as well as a wide range of interactive exhibits. Highlights include the natural history galleries, the science galleries, the world cultures galleries, and the Scottish galleries, which explore Scotland’s rich history. The museum is free to visit, although some temporary exhibitions may require a ticket.

Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh is located in the heart of the Old Town, just off the Royal Mile. The museum provides an in-depth look at the city’s history, from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Highlights include the displays on the city’s history, the interactive exhibits, the library, and the interactive 3D maps. The museum also has an impressive collection of artifacts from the city’s past, including pottery, coins, and clothing. The museum is free to visit.

The People’s Story Museum

The People’s Story Museum is located in the heart of the Old Town, near the Museum of Edinburgh. This museum tells the story of the people of Edinburgh, from the 16th century to the present day. The museum includes interactive exhibits, audio-visual displays, and a range of artefacts. Highlights include the displays on crime and punishment, the displays on the city’s history, and the displays on the city’s diverse population. The museum is free to visit.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a unique museum located in the port of Leith. The museum is home to the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, and provides a fascinating insight into the life of the British Royal Family. Highlights include the yacht itself, the royal apartments, the engine room, and the interactive exhibits. The museum also has a cafe and a shop. The museum is open daily and tickets cost £14.50.

The Museum of Childhood

The Museum of Childhood is a museum dedicated to the history of childhood. It’s located in the centre of the city, in the old Royal High School building, and is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the history of childhood. The museum has a wide range of interactive exhibits, as well as a collection of dolls, toys, and games from the past. The museum is free to visit.

The National War Museum

The National War Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Scotland’s military past. The museum is located in Edinburgh Castle, and includes a range of interactive exhibits, as well as a large collection of artefacts from Scotland’s past conflicts. Highlights include the interactive exhibits, the audio-visual displays, and the special exhibitions. The museum is open daily and tickets cost £14.50.

The National Library of Scotland

The National Library of Scotland is located in the city centre, in the former Royal High School building. The library is home to an impressive collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials, as well as a range of interactive exhibits. Highlights include the interactive displays, the audio-visual displays, and the special exhibitions. The library is free to visit.

The Writers’ Museum

The Writers’ Museum is located in the heart of the city, near the Royal Mile. The museum is dedicated to the history of Scottish literature, and includes a range of interactive exhibits, as well as a collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials. Highlights include the interactive displays, the audio-visual displays, and the special exhibitions. The museum is free to visit.

The Royal Museum

The Royal Museum is located in the city centre, in Chambers Street. The museum is home to a wide range of artefacts from the past, as well as a range of interactive exhibits. Highlights include the natural history galleries, the science galleries, and the world cultures galleries. The museum is open daily and tickets cost £14.50.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is located in the city centre, in Belford Road. The gallery is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world. Highlights include the interactive displays, the audio-visual displays, and the special exhibitions. The gallery is open daily and tickets cost £8.

The National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is located in the city centre, in Queen Street. The gallery is home to an impressive collection of portraits from the past, as well as a range of interactive exhibits. Highlights include the interactive displays, the audio-visual displays, and the special exhibitions. The gallery is open daily and tickets cost £7.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is located in the city centre, in Inverleith Row. The garden is home to an extensive collection of plants and trees from around the world, as well as a range of interactive displays. Highlights include the interactive exhibits, the audio-visual displays, and the special exhibitions. The garden is open daily and tickets cost £12.

The Edinburgh Dungeon

The Edinburgh Dungeon is located in the city centre, in Market Street. The Dungeon is an interactive experience which takes visitors on a journey through the darker side of the city’s history. Highlights include the interactive exhibits, the audio-visual displays, and the special effects. The Dungeon is open daily and tickets cost £16.

Edinburgh’s museums are a great way to explore the city’s history and culture. From the world-famous National Museum of Scotland to the lesser known Museum of Childhood, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a free museum experience or a ticketed attraction, Edinburgh’s museums are sure to provide something for everyone.

Summary

Edinburgh has an incredible selection of museums to explore, from the world-famous National Museum of Scotland to the lesser-known Museum of Childhood. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a free museum experience or a ticketed attraction. From interactive exhibits to audio-visual displays, Edinburgh’s museums provide a fascinating insight into the city’s history and culture.