Museum of Edinburgh

Overview

The Museum of Edinburgh is a small, delightful local history museum housed in a cluster of 16th-century townhouses on the Royal Mile. It tells the story of Edinburgh from prehistory to the present day.

Highlights

• Greyfriars Bobby's Collar and Bowl: The original collar and feeding bowl belonging to the famous loyal terrier, among the museum's most treasured objects.
• The Edinburgh Silver Collection: An outstanding collection of Scottish silverwork spanning four centuries.
• Huntly House: The museum building itself — a beautifully preserved example of a 16th-century Edinburgh merchant's house.

History

The museum occupies Huntly House, built in the early 16th century and extended in the 17th century. It became the city's local history museum in 1932 and houses objects donated by Edinburgh citizens over the past century.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: Completely free, with no timed tickets needed.
• Quick Visit: Compact enough to see everything in under an hour — an ideal rainy-day stop on the Royal Mile.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.