Even though Edinburgh is rife with intriguing stories and anecdotes, its museums, tourist attractions, and art galleries are excellent at fusing this information. Whether you’re looking for information on local legends or inspirational tales of innovation, you’ll undoubtedly find something to keep you interested.
Other museums in town cover anything from harpsichords and children’s toys to optical illusions and medical items. Some colleges will teach you about science, nature, and geography. If you’re looking to learn something new, here are the greatest museums in Edinburgh.
The Museum of Writers
It’s a celebration of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s lives. Edinburgh has a museum honoring the lives of some of its most prominent literary figures because it is justifiably proud of its writing and publishing heritage. The Writer’s Museum is accessible from Makar’s Court, where eminent quotations are inscribed on the flagstones. Its exhibits include Burns’s writing desk and Scott’s “Waverley” printing press.
The Scottish National Museum
It is Scotland’s top museum of natural and anthropological history. The main hall, a grand, airy space ringed by balconies across three stories, dates from 1866, while the more contemporary sandstone section was opened in 1998. This is the big daddy of Edinburgh museums, and it is an eye-catching mix of old and new. Additionally, its collection is diverse, ranging from Scottish historical artifacts in the new wing to dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian sarcophagi, and Tibetan prayer wheels in the old galleries.
St. Cecilia’s Hall and the Music Museum
It’s a concert venue that also houses one of the most significant historical musical instrument collections on the entire planet. Why go? This Georgian building, which was originally constructed by the Edinburgh Musical Society in 1762, recently underwent a £6.5 million renovation, bringing together the sizable collection of musical instruments owned by the University of Edinburgh. The Music Museum, which has more than 400 instruments from all over the world, including guitars from the eighteenth century and world-famous harpsichords, is the real gem. The Concert Room hosts concerts and other public events on a regular basis.
Children’s Museum
A remarkable collection of historical memorabilia from childhood. For visitors of a certain vintage, an extensive exhibition of vintage toys and games would be alluring enough. Though kids also enjoy it, as evidenced by the Museum of Childhood’s weekly crowds. Young children can be entertained by interactive displays, dress-up areas, and regular special events while adults coo over Buzz Lightyear dolls and Andy Pandy puppets.
The National War Museum
A history of Scottish conflicts, that’s what. Why go? Despite their undeniable picturesque charm, it can sometimes be easy to forget that Scotland’s castles are, at their core, forts built to fend off invading armies. With exhibits on everything from ancient Jacobean battles to the major world wars of the 20th century, the National War Museum inside Edinburgh Castle keeps the idea of conflict current.
Museum at Queensferry
It is a museum with commanding views of the Firth of Forth. Discover more about Queensferry and Dalmeny’s past at this undiscovered treasure. The museum provides an intriguing look into the bridges’ construction by showcasing everything from social history and folk traditions to civic engineering.
“Camera Obscura” and “World of Illusions.”
A museum filled with intriguing photography, interactive displays, and optical illusions is what it is. The oldest purpose-built attraction in the city, with six floors of exhibition space waiting to be explored, is located directly beneath Edinburgh Castle. Every floor has puzzles, a mirror maze, and a vortex tunnel, in addition to optical illusions that are meant to hurt your brain. The Camera Obscura itself, which offers visitors a “virtual” tour of the city on the building’s rooftop, remains the focal point, though.
The Museum of American History
Investigate the everyday lives of Edinburgh residents throughout time to learn what it is. Remembering the generals, kings, politicians, and other notable people is fine and well. The People’s Story investigates the lives of the working classes throughout Scottish history, asking the question, “But what about the average Joe?”. View images and objects, as well as read first-person accounts.
Edinburgh’s Museum
Discover the capital of Scotland’s past to find out what it is. Why continue when we’ve already mentioned Mel Gibson and Diana Gabaldon? It’s amazing we’ve gotten this far into a list about Scotland’s history without them. Yes, the Museum of Edinburgh’s home, Huntly House, was depicted in episode 3 of the, ahem, “historic” television series Outlander. The collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby are also kept there, along with city plans and historical records. Get involved if you care about the city.
Physicians’ Hall.
A collection of artifacts and exhibitions examining Edinburgh’s medical past is what it is. The tale of Burke and Hare, two graverobbers who turned to murder when they realized that fresher corpses fetched higher prices from the dishonest doctors at the university medical school, is a well-known illustration of Edinburgh’s gruesome past. This opulent museum is unafraid to explore Edinburgh’s significant contribution to the advancement of modern medicine, just as it is unafraid of such gory details.
Earth in Motion
A practical geological experience, that’s what. Dynamic Earth is similar to that episode of “The Simpsons” where the family visits the Knowledge, a place where you can learn things while consciously avoiding the connotations of a museum. On special occasions, you can enjoy Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” in surround sound while viewing cosmic, immersive dome projections. You can also touch a real iceberg, go through an earthquake simulation, and interact with a virtual iceberg. Which, although it may sound a little hippy-dippy, is actually fantastic.
The Museum on the Mound
It’s a money museum located inside the former Bank of Scotland headquarters. This is just one of the sights available at the Museum on the Mound, where you can also try your hand at safe-cracking and apply for some 1820s life insurance. It feels a bit crass to say it, but let’s be honest: you want to see what a million pounds looks like, right? Advice: Don’t cut corners on the cholera cover.
