Edinburgh's Most Popular Museums
This list of Edinburgh's Museums is not intended to be comprehensive, more of a quick guide for tourists and other visitors to the city of Edinburgh. If we have missed something you think should be included please let us know via the contact details at the bottom of the page.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is situated in Chambers Street, in the heart of the Old Town, a few minutes walk from the Royal Mile. Chambers Street links George IV Bridge and South Bridge. The National Museum of Scotland is a landmark building in the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town. The museum's exhibits and collections are designed to tell the story of Scotland, its land, people and culture. The museum is currently being re-developed and have the complex is now closed including the Victorian main hall but should be re-opening in 2011. There is still lots to see though so dont be put off.
Opening times
Daily: 10:00-17:00
Christmas opening times
Closed Fri 25 Dec 2009
Open Sat 26 Dec 2009 12:00-17:00
Open Sat 1 Jan 2010 12:00-17:00
Admission
Free
Opening times
Daily: 10:00-17:00
Christmas opening times
Closed Fri 25 Dec 2009
Open Sat 26 Dec 2009 12:00-17:00
Open Sat 1 Jan 2010 12:00-17:00
Admission
Free
National War Museum
Located in the magnificent setting of Edinburgh Castle, this museum contains more than 400 years of Scottish military history. The museum explores war and military service and how they have touched the lives of countless Scots, leaving their mark on Scotland's history, image and reputation abroad.
Admission
Entry to the museum is free with admission to the castle.
Opening times
Open daily 10am-5pm.
Festive period opening hours:
Closed 25 and 26 December only. Open 1 January from 12 noon-5pm.
Admission
Entry to the museum is free with admission to the castle.
Opening times
Open daily 10am-5pm.
Festive period opening hours:
Closed 25 and 26 December only. Open 1 January from 12 noon-5pm.
Museum of Childhood
The museum of Childhood is located on the Royal Mile at number 42 on the High Street. It has been described as ‘the noisiest museum in the world’ due to its popularity with adults and children alike. The museum's collection is a treasure trove crammed full of objects telling of
childhood past and present. The museum opened in 1955, the brainchild of town councillor Patrick Murray, and was the first museum in the world to specialise in the history of childhood.
There are toys and games of all kinds from many parts of the world ranging from dolls and teddy bears to train sets and tricycles. The Museum of Childhood also organises a regular programme of temporary exhibitions and events.
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday 12-5pm
Admission
Admission is free. A charge may be made for special exhibitions.
There are toys and games of all kinds from many parts of the world ranging from dolls and teddy bears to train sets and tricycles. The Museum of Childhood also organises a regular programme of temporary exhibitions and events.
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday 12-5pm
Admission
Admission is free. A charge may be made for special exhibitions.