Collections

Museums & Galleries Edinburgh cares for a wide range of varied collections, including social history, literary, childhood, archaeology, fine and applied art. Many of these are Recognised by the Scottish Government as being of national significance.

They are on display across our venues, while the bulk of our reserve collections are stored at our Museums Collection Centre, where we also have research and conservation facilities. We are also responsible for the care and conservation of the City’s estate of monuments, memorials and statues.

We hold over 220,000 items in our rich and varied collections that relate to historical and cultural life in the city of Edinburgh. ‘Recognised’ status is awarded by the Scottish Government to collections of National Significance. 

The following collections have been Recognised: 

• the entire collection of the Museum of Childhood
• the Scottish Art collection at the City Art Centre
• the decorative art collection at the Museum of Edinburgh
• the Robert Burns collection at the Writers’ Museum (in partnership with other Burns collections)

We have developed our website so that you can find out more about our collections and see some of their highlights.