Scottish National Gallery

Museums in Edinburgh

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Discover the Best Museums in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is home to a diverse range of museums that showcase the city’s rich history and culture. With its stunning architecture, Edinburgh is renowned for its museums, galleries, and heritage sites, attracting millions of tourists every year. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular museums in Edinburgh.

The National Museum of Scotland, located in the heart of Edinburgh, is one of the most famous and visited museums in the city. The museum has a vast collection of objects and artefacts covering the history, science, and culture of Scotland, from the earliest times to the present day. The museum features ten galleries that showcase Scotland’s history, the natural world, and culture, including a diverse range of exhibits, such as the world’s first cloned mammal, Dolly the Sheep.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a must-visit museum for nature lovers. The garden is home to over 13,000 plant species from around the world, including rare and endangered species. The garden also hosts various events, workshops, and exhibitions throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for families and visitors of all ages.

The Scottish National Gallery, located in Princes Street Gardens, is another popular museum in Edinburgh. The gallery houses an extensive collection of art from the Renaissance to the present day, including works by famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and Van Gogh. The gallery also features exhibitions of contemporary art and hosts various events and workshops for visitors.

Find even more museums in Edinburgh below…


Image Credits: EnricCC BY-SA 4.0

  • Dynamic Earth Edinburgh
    Image Credits: John Mason - CC BY 2.0

    Dynamic Earth

    Holyrood Road
    Edinburgh
    EH8 8AS

    0131557800

    Dynamic Earth is a non-profit science hub and attraction sitting on the outskirts of Holyrood Park. This intriguing place is Scotland’s biggest interactive attraction, making for a great family day out!

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  • Museum on the Mound Exterior Front
    Image Credits: Gary Campbell-Hall - CC BY 2.0

    Museum on the Mound

    The Mound
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1YZ

    0131 243 5464

    Learn the ins and out of money, technology and security on a visit to the Museum on the Mound! A fantastic museum for all ages, you can tour the exhibits six days per week for free.

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  • Eyam Museum

    National Museum of Scotland

    Chambers St
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1JF

    0300 123 6789

    Spend a day having endless fun whilst learning about the captivating history of Scotland, from dinosaurs to archaeology.

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  • National War Museum exterior

    National War Museum

    Castle
    Castlehill
    Edinburgh
    EH1 2NG

    0300 123 6789

    Enhance your visit to Edinburgh Castle by touring its adjoining, free-entry National War Museum! Be amazed by the free exhibits depicting over 400 years of Scottish warfare.

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  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Palm House
    Image Credits: Ham - CC BY-SA 3.0

    Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

    Arboretum Place
    Edinburgh
    EH3 5NZ

    0131 248 2909

    The renowned Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a 70-acre estate sitting near the heart of Edinburgh. If you love plants of any kind; this needs to be on your itinerary!

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  • Scottish National Gallery
    Image Credits: Enric - CC BY-SA 4.0

    Scottish National Gallery

    The Mound
    Edinburgh
    EH2 2EL

    01316246200

    Sitting on top of The Mound in Edinburgh is the renowned Scottish National Gallery. A fantastic outing for all ages, the gallery hosts a large collection of masterpieces dating back to the 12th-century.

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  • Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Modern One
    Image Credits: Grousebeater2 - CC BY-SA 4.0

    Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

    73 Belford Rd
    Edinburgh
    EH4 3DS

    0131 624 6200

    You can find the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art just off the scenic Dean Village. Consisting of two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, this magnificent gallery is free for all to visit.

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  • Scottish National Portrait Gallery exterior
    Image Credits: dun_deagh - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Scottish National Portrait Gallery

    1 Queen St
    Edinburgh
    EH2 1JD

    0131 624 6200

    Nestled on Edinburgh’s Queen Street is the fantastic Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The museum boasts show-stopping masterpieces and offers accessibility for all with free admission and handy facilities.

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  • 1-11 Charlotte Square including Georgian House
    Image Credits: Mike Shaw - CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Georgian House

    7 Charlotte Square
    Edinburgh
    EH2 4DR

    01312252160

    The Georgian House is a National Trust for Scotland property resting in New Town’s centre. Children under the age of five can visit for free, making it a great attraction for history-loving families!

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