Edinburgh University’s extensive collections span art, musical instruments, medicine and anatomy, natural history, geology and the University’s archives as well as the Edinburgh College of Art collection and much more.
The University’s Historical Musical Instruments Collection is also Recognised of National Significance to Scotland.
Discover the University’s online exhibitions at https://exhibitions.ed.ac.uk/
1. Anatomical Museum
This collection of anatomy, pathology, and zoology contains over 12,000 objects which tell the story of 300 years of teaching at the University. The museums have permanent displays including anatomical teaching models, human skeletons and dried and fluid preserved specimens.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the displays contain human and other remains and might be unsettling to certain visitors.
Doorway 3, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG
The Anatomical Museum is only open to the public on certain days of the year (free entry). For details, please visit https://www.ed.ac.uk/biomedical-sciences/anatomy/anatomical-museum/visit-us or see their social media channels (@TeviotPlace on Twitter or @AnatomicalMuseumEdUni on Facebook).
For all visiting and research enquiries, please email
anatomy.edinburgh@ed.ac.uk
The museum is housed within the Old Medical School building on Teviot Place between McEwan Hall and middle meadow walk.
Entrance to the museum is through the archway on Teviot Place, then across to Doorway 3. A ramp allows access through Doorway 3.
There are two disabled parking spaces on site. Otherwise visitors can pay and display in the surrounding streets.
To find out about bus links, visit www.lothianbuses.com
Visit the University’s website for specific directions.
A lift is available to the museum (3rd floor) and also the anatomy lecture theatre and elephant skeletons (1st floor).
Two disabled parking spaces in the courtyard in front of the museum entrance at Doorway 3.
2. Centre for Research Collections
The Centre is a dedicated space to use and research the University’s historic collections. The centre offers access to and use of the rare books, manuscripts, archives, art and musical instrument collections. It is based on the 6th Floor of the University Library.
Main University Library, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LJ
Opening times are based on the academic timetables due to its use in teaching and research. For specific opening information, visit https://www.ed.ac.uk/visit/museums-galleries/research-collections
To use the facility, you’ll need to make an appointment. Please contact them on is-crc@ed.ac.uk
There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces adjacent to George Square. In addition, there is ample pay and display parking in the square and surrounding streets.
To find out about bus links, visit www.lothianbuses.com
Visit the University’s website for specific directions and access information.
Visit the University’s website for specific directions and access information.
3. Cockburn Geological Museum
The collection includes over 130,000 objects such as minerals, rocks and fossils. Many of the objects from the collection are displayed in cabinets throughout the corridors of the Grant Institute.
School of GeoSciences, Grant Institute, James Hutton Road, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FE
If you’d like to visit as an individual or group, book a hosted tour, or would like to arrange a research visit, please contact the Curator via email cockburnmuseum@ed.ac.uk or call on 0131 650 8536. The Grant Institute is open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
There is disabled parking within the Kings Buildings campus and free on road parking in the surrounding area.
To find out about bus links, visit www.lothianbuses.com
Visit the University’s website for specific directions and access information
Visit the University’s website for specific directions and access information.
4. Natural History Collections
These collections include a wide range of zoology specimens and objects that have been collected over the last 300 years. The collections are housed in the Ashworth Laboratories, within the King’s Buildings campus of the University.
Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FL
Find details of how to visit as an individual or group, or arrange a research visit, at https://www.ed.ac.uk/visit/museums-galleries/natural
There is disabled parking within the Kings Buildings campus and free on road parking in the surrounding area.
To find out about bus links, visit www.lothianbuses.com
Visit the University’s website for specific directions and access information.
Visit the University’s website for specific directions and access information.
5. Talbot Rice Gallery
Largely a gallery focusing on contemporary visual art, the Talbot Rice Gallery is the public gallery of the University. Works on display span a huge range of work from contemporary and experimental emerging artists to historic and academic exhibitions.
The gallery houses changing exhibitions, as well as providing a dedicated space to support early career artists, residencies and experimental projects.
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL
Entry to the gallery is free. Free Eventbrite tickets can be booked in advance or you can walk in. Opening hours are 10am – 5pm Tuesday to Saturday. For details on current and scheduled exhibitions and to book, visit the gallery’s website at https://www.trg.ed.ac.uk/
There is no parking on site, but ample pay and display in the surrounding areas.
To find out about bus links, visit www.lothianbuses.com
Visit https://www.trg.ed.ac.uk/visit-us for specific directions and access information.
Visit https://www.trg.ed.ac.uk/visit-us for specific directions and access information.
6. St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum
St Cecilia’s Hall, Scotland’s oldest purpose built concert room, is one of the most recent additions to Edinburgh’s visitor attractions, offering a range of public events, workshops, tours and concerts, as well as the University’s music museum.
The Musical Instrument Collection comprises around 6,000 items, of which over 500 from across the globe are on display, and you can even see the museum’s conservator at work caring for the collection.
50 Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LG
Entry to the museum is free. The museum is open:
Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm)
Information on special events can be found at http://www.stcecilias.ed.ac.uk/whats-on/
The venue can also be hired for private events. For further information, visit http://www.stcecilias.ed.ac.uk/venue-hire/
Information about the Musical Instrument Collection can be found at http://www.collections.ed.ac.uk/mimed
To book a group or school visit email museums@ed.ac.uk or call 0131 650 2600 (phone manned Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm)
Pay and display parking is available on the Cowgate and surrounding streets.
Visit the museum’s website for specific information on visiting, including accessibility and public transport.
Visit the museum’s website for specific information on visiting, including accessibility
How to find us
Anatomical Museum
Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
Centre for Research Collections
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ, UK
Cockburn Geological Museum
Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
Natural History Collections
Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
Talbot Rice Gallery
Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum
Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, UK