Top 10 Edinburgh Museums & Galleries

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Description:

A name for one part of the National Museum of Scotland, where you can trace Scotland's history from its prehistoric origins to modern times through the museum's 36 galleries. This is a great stop for any person keen on Scottish history and children will enjoy the war and ancient artifacts. This is simply a stunning museum and a must visit for any tourist.

The Royal Museum is currently closed while a £46 million refurbishment, The Royal Museum Project, is undertaken.

Description:

The Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), is the home of contemporary art in Scotland.

Since 1826, the Academy has occupied William Henry Playfair's magnificent landmark building on the Mound, Edinburgh.  Following a period of relocation due to the major restoration of the RSA building by the National Galleries of Scotland, the RSA returned to its home in spring, 2003.
The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture has a wide-ranging collection of art and associated objects, archives and published material that have been acquired since the academy's foundation in 1826.The core element of the collections is the Diploma Collection, which comprises a single work by each full member of the academy which he or she must deposit as a representation of his or her L'uvre. Coming directly from the artist, and requiring the approval of the rest of the full membership, the Diploma Collection maintains a direct link between artist and collection.

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Description:

The National Gallery of Scotland is housed in a striking neoclassical building situated at one end of Princes Street Gardens. With works by Da Vinci and Van Gogh represented within the National Gallery of Scotland's collection this is an essential part of any tour to Edinburgh city. Temporary exhibitions are frequent here and tickets can be booked in advance from the website.

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Our Local Expert Says:

Our Dynamic Earth is an action packed educational adventure. With lots of interactive exhibitions charting the evolution of planet Earth, visitors are encouraged to discover fun facts about the environment. A café is available onsite as is a car park.

Description:

Our Dynamic Earth is an interactive and stimulating activity based in Edinburgh city centre. Popular with school children and families Our Dynamic Earth is a centre that teaches visitors about the formation of Earth, how it has developed and the possibilities of the future. Get involved in helping to save the planet, discover fascinating facts about the ocean or learn about arctic survival. Unwind in the afternoon at the Food Chain Cafe for a well deserved break.

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Our Local Expert Says:

This museum is a favorite with people of all ages, children can enjoy seeing toys and games throughout the ages and adults can feel nostalgic on their youth. There is a great gift shop to take home a souvenir of the past.

Description:

The Museum of Childhood is a fun day out for the whole family. Young people can learn about the children of the past and see a fantastic range of toys and games, while adults enjoy a trip down memory lane.

Its large collection is full of colour and variety. Visitors to the Museum can see optical and construction toys, cars from Dinky miniatures to child-size pedal cars, toy soldiers, puppets and dolls' houses. The Museum explores all aspects of growing up, so toys and games sit alongside items such as books, medicines and clothing.

Young people and adults will enjoy finding out about growing up through the ages, from toys and games to health and school days. Hands-on activities, including a puppet theatre and dressing up area, together with the fantastic museum shop, help to make your visit a memorable one.

Opening times:

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm;

Sunday 12pm - 5pm.

(The shop closes at 4:45pm each day.)

Admission:

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

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Description:

Huntly House comprises three tenements that were amalgamated in 1570. It was dubbed "The Speaking House" by a Victorian antiquarian, in reference to the Latin inscriptions on its facade. Informative displays inside tell the history of Edinburgh, from prehistoric times through to the nineteenth century. Visitors are able to see collections of colourful shop signs, pottery and Edinburgh silver and glass. The tenements themselves are the real attractions here. Check for details of temporary exhibitions of art and artefacts. Admission: free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Surgery throughout the ages is the fun but stomach churning topic of this exhibition.

Description:

This fascinating sometimes gruesome museum charts the history of surgery in Edinburgh since 1505 the evolution of which is mapped using displays, which place the story of surgery and the story of Edinburgh side-by-side. On a similar theme, the Menzies Campbell Dental Museum next door is worth a visit for all those fearful of the drill, beware.

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Description:

The National Museum of Scotland is an excellent museum that describes the history of Scotland from the Stone Age to modern times. This museum is a must visit for those interested in the early Celtic and Pictish history of the country.

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Description:

Originally the offices of The Scotsman newspaper in the late 180ss, the City Art Centre was converted into a gallery in 1979. It has a selection of fantastic exhibitions for you to enjoy. There is also an exciting programme of activities for families, adults and schools to accompany the exhibitions, so take this chance to get involved and explore your creative side.

Description:

Home to Scotland's outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the Modern Art Galleries include the Gallery of Modern Art and the nearby Dean Gallery.

Works from the Gallery's collection, plus special loans, are presented here. The early part of the collection features French and Russian art from the beginning of the twentieth century, cubist paintings and superb holdings of expressionist and modern British art. Special highlights include paintings by Matisse and Picasso.

The Gallery also has an outstanding collection of international post-war work and the most important and extensive collection of modern Scottish art. The post-war collection features art by Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Lucian Freud, with more recent works by artists including Antony Gormley, Gilbert & George, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.