Stay local and visit Edinburgh’s museums and galleries

Explore the museums and galleries on your doorstep this autumn.

If you plan to visit during the half term holidays it may need a bit of planning ahead as you will have to book everything you would like to visit.

But, the museums and galleries in Edinburgh are putting out a special welcome mat for local families with some inspiration for your visits.

There are a number of activities ranging from creating your own earthquakes to something more sedate such as attending storytelling performances all conducted within a safe environment. Visitors in recent weeks have shared their feedback with museum staff confirming that they have all enjoyed the exhibitions and really not minded the safety measures.

Anne from Edinburgh said of her visit to the City Art Centre: “My companion and I had a great time yesterday when we visited the City Art Centre, we thought both exhibitions were interesting and enjoyable, staff lovely and helpful, in fact we had a great experience, many thanks.” 

Fay from Edinburgh visited Surgeons’ Hall Museums said: “So detailed and super interesting. Clearly extensive research and effort has gone into all the exhibits. Staff were friendly and welcoming and the Covid-19 protocols are being properly enforced.” 

Lucy Casot, CEO at Museums Galleries Scotland, said:  “We are really pleased that so many visitors have returned to Scotland’s museums and galleries this summer, and we’d love to see that enthusiasm continue for the rest of this year. 

“Museums and galleries have worked incredibly hard to create fun, inspiring and, above all, safe experiences for visitors. Now is the time to visit your favourite place, discover somewhere new and experience them like never before. This autumn, museums and galleries across Scotland will be offering a fantastic, safe indoor experience, which is perfect for the October holidays!”  

Dr Helen Scott, Curator (Fine Art) at the City Art Centre, said: “I think one of the opportunities to come out of the situation is the chance for visitors to have a more peaceful and intimate gallery experience. With limited numbers of people in the galleries at any one time, visitors can now get closer to the artworks and spend more time really looking – uninterrupted by noisy, jostling crowds. And with two new exhibitions at the City Art Centre (City Art Centre at 40: Highlights from the City’s Art Collection and Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s) there’s plenty to see!” 

Thomas Elliorr, Head of Museum Learning and Interpretation at Surgeons’ Hall Museums, said: “Though the current situation has been a challenge for everyone, it’s heartening to see good numbers of visitors continue to come in to enjoy and engage with our unique collections. The lack of crowds has created a peaceful atmosphere which gives everyone even more chance to linger and reflect on our amazing bodies and how much surgery has advanced over the years.” 

Museums Galleries Scotland, the National Development Body for the Scottish museums sector, has turned its support to showcasing what museums and galleries are planning for Autumn and the half term holidays through its reopening campaign and the promotion of an interactive map which highlights the venues that are open across Scotland. 

The interactive map is updated daily and shows which venues are open – it can be accessed online here Before you go, check the museum’s website for opening times and safety measures that are in place.