The Museum of Edinburgh, formerly known as Huntly House Museum, is a museum in Edinburgh, housing a collection relating to the town's origins, history and legends. Exhibits include an original copy of the National Covenant signed at Greyfriars Kirk in 1638 and a reconstruction of Field Marshal Earl Haig's headquarters on the Western Front during the Great War, the latter exhibiting items bequeathed to the Museum. The Museum of Edinburgh is the City’s treasure box - a maze of historic rooms crammed full of iconic objects from the Capital’s past.
The museum houses spectacular collections of decorative art which reveal a rich history of Scottish craftsmanship – beautifully cut and engraved glass and intricately made silver from Edinburgh and Canongate, longcase clocks made in Edinburgh, as well as displays of Scottish pottery including the earliest known marked piece of Scottish stoneware and Scottish porcelain dating from the 1760s, as well as decorative pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Museum of Edinburgh history collections trace the life of the City from 13th century pot fragments, through James Craig’s 1766 plans for the New Town to items from the 21st century campaign for a Scottish Parliament. Highlights include the National Covenant, the great protest against having bishops in the Church in Scotland, James Craig’s plans for Edinburgh’s New Town, and the collar and bowl of Greyfriars Bobby, the little Skye terrier whose dogged devotion to his dead master touched the hearts of mid 19th century Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Life: These collections show the people of Edinburgh coming together to campaign, protest, celebrate and change their city. The Demon Drink; For King and Country; Turbulent times: Politics and Religion; Receiving Royalty; The Athens of the North. At Home in Edinburgh: The ‘at home’ collections contain objects that you, your parents, grandparents and older generations may have used in the home. Private Lives and Personalities. These quirky collections give us a glimpse behind closed doors to see Edinburgh characters making history through good works and devilish deeds, from Greyfriars Bobby to the Rakes and Rogues.
In addition there are collections relating to working life, the Port of Leith and archaeology. Access is by stairs only due to the historic nature of the building. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Location : The Museum of Edinburgh at Huntly House, 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, High Street, Edinburgh EH8 8DD
Transport: Waverley (National Rail) 10 minutes. Bus Routes : 6 and 35 stop outside or 36 stops near by
Opening Times : Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 17:00; Sunday 12:00 to 17:00 (August Only)
Tickets : Free; Donations Welcome.
Tel: 0131 529 4143
