The collections feature well-known objects like the National Covenant and Greyfriars Bobby’s collar, as well as thousands of objects from ordinary people’s daily lives. These range from tram tokens to teddy bears.
Growing up through the ages is explored through our Museum of Childhood collections, which include toys and games as well as school, health and hobby objects. Objects relating to some of Scotland’s greatest writers – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson – are included in the Writers’ Museum collection.
Queensferry, Leith and Newhaven are just three of the historic locations important to Edinburgh for which we hold collections. From photographs of the Forth Rail Bridge to maritime items and colourful costume, our objects capture the past of these places.
