Museums & Galleries Edinburgh, the collection of 13 venues and monuments across the city, are full of exhibitions, events and experiences to keep the kids entertained this half term.
From climbing the steps of ancient monuments, to catching the final weekend of a 5* art exhibition, there’s something for all interests and ages.
Writers’ Museum
Free Entry
Opening: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three giants of Scottish Literature – Robert Burns, Sit Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. It houses rare books, portraits and personal items from Burns’ writing desk to Robert Louis Stevenson’s riding boots.
Talks and Tales: the Childhood Writings of Christine Orr
Edinburgh author, Christine Orr (1899-1963), published her first novel, ‘The Glorious Thing’, at the age of just 19 and 2019 marks the centenary of the publication. She went on to write poems, plays and a further 17 novels, as well as working for BBC Radio. Orr also founded three theatre groups in Edinburgh one of which formed the ‘uninvited eight’ who performed ‘on the fringes’ of the first International Festival and initiated the Festival Fringe.
For the first time, some of Christine Orr’s childhood writing and personal possessions from the Museum of Childhood’s collection will be on display, highlighting the precocious talent of this once well-known writer.
Until 22 March 2020, free
The Museum of Childhood
Free Entry
Opening: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm.
There’s plenty to check out at The Museum of Childhood with its interactive gallery featuring 60 rarely-seen objects relating to childhood life, learning and play. Newly displayed items include retro favourites like a Buzz Lightyear action figure from the year 2000, a Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone dating to 1979 and more!
Special event: Words on the Street –Scottish Storytelling Centre & Museum of Childhood
Saturday 19 October, 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Free but booking is essential. Suitable for ages 4+
Street games, stories and songs for all the family! Take part in the vibrant children’s games and surreal songs of old Edinburgh and explore the story of the local street outside. Featuring an array of Scottish storytellers and sessions for all ages.
Tickets available here: www.sisf.org.uk.
Museum of Edinburgh
Free Entry
Opening: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Located on the historic Royal Mile, The Museum of Edinburgh showcases Edinburgh’s fascinating history through its wide and varied collection housed in a maze of 16th century buildings. From the collar and bowl of Scotland’s most beloved dog Greyfriars Bobby to James Craig’s iconic plans for the design of the New Town, there is something for everyone to discover.
Scott Monument
Open 10am-5pm daily (Tours every half hour from 10am to 4:30pm)
Adult £8.00, concession £6.00, family ticket £20 (2 adults+2 children or 1 adult & 3 children)
The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer anywhere in the world, and is a truly unique building. The story of the monument, and much more, is told within the Museum Room on the first floor where visitors on a tour can discover more about Scott himself, as well as taking in some breathtaking views of Edinburgh.
Nelson Monument
£6
Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (last admission 4:30pm)
Climb the Nelson Monument for stunning views over Edinburgh, and to learn the history of Calton Hill and the monument itself.
Inside the base of the monument is a fascinating free exhibition which aims to establish Charles Piazzi Smyth’s place in Edinburgh’s history. The exhibition presents Piazzi Smyth’s photography, paintings and drawings, alongside a newly commissioned short film and interviews in the first major exhibition in Edinburgh dedicated to the forgotten astronomer.
Until 31 December 2019, more info here
Lauriston Castle
Grounds: Free Entry
Open 8:00am – 5pm daily
Castle Tours: (Mon – Thurs 2pm) (Sat & Sun 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 3:30pm) £8 / £6
Surrounded by 30 acres of tranquil woodland and gardens, Lauriston Castle is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city centre. Come along for a tour around this fascinating Edwardian house, enjoy a visit to the award-winning Japanese Garden or join one of the special, one-off events.
RSPB Scotland at Lauriston Castle
Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October
Free drop-in activities from 10 am – 4pm
RSPB Scotland love nature – they’re passionate about wildlife and wild places. They believe the environment should be at the top of the agenda whether the subject is building houses, setting up wind farms, fishing our seas, transporting goods or educating our children. They never give up, and get things done; making changes for the better, for wildlife and for people.
Come along to Lauriston Castle to take part in some wildlife themed activities with RSPB Scotland and see how you can be part of saving nature!
City Art Centre
Free Entry
Open: Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Located in the heart of Edinburgh close to Waverley train station, the City Art Centre’s aim is to champion historic and contemporary Scottish visual and applied arts. Visitors are able to enjoy a diverse range of historic and modern Scottish painting, photography, contemporary art and craft.
Last chance to see: Victoria Crowe – 50 Years of Painting
The first major retrospective of one of the UK’s most distinguished artists this exhibition embraces every aspect of Crowe’s practice and features over 150 paintings, stemming from youthful student works to the assured, timeless landscapes and portraits of recent years. Don’t miss your chance to see this 5* exhibition in its final weekend.
until 13 October 2019 more info here
The Italian Connection is a fascinating new exhibition exploring the creative links between Scotland and Italy, which have remained strong for hundreds of years. The exhibition explores the many different ways Scottish artists have been influenced by Italy, and the significant contribution that Italians have made to visual arts in Scotland. The display includes work by prominent artists such as: Allan Ramsay, E.A Walton, F.C.B. Cadell, Joan Eardley, Eduardo Paolozzi and Elizabeth Blackadder.
Until 24 May 2020, free
Special event: Through the Seasons – Fashion Show at the City Art Centre
Saturday 12 October at 2pm and 3pm, free
Come and see some spectacular fashion shows by the Fashion and Textile Design students from Edinburgh College. The Textile students are studying all aspects of Fashion and Textile Design and the work of Victoria Crowe with its exploration of the changing landscape and the seasons. The students will be creating garments and accessories inspired the paintings and themes represented in the exhibition.
This is a fantastic chance to see the results – come and watch them strut their stuff!
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