At a glance

Opening times

Open daily, 10:00 - 17:00. Closed 25 December; open 12:00 - 17:00 on 26 December and 1 January.

Tickets

Free general entry; charges apply for some special exhibitions.

Entry type

Free general museum entry; charges for some special exhibitions

Address

Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF

Visit length

2-4 hours

Café or restaurant Accessible toilets Toilets Baby changing Buggy storage Packed lunch space

Why visit

It combines free entry, central Edinburgh location, and genuinely hands-on family galleries, so it is easier to recommend than a museum that relies on reading-heavy displays.

Access

The Tower Entrance provides level access to the main part of the museum, and exhibitions and galleries are accessible via lifts and ramps.

Packed lunches

The Lunch Space in the Entrance Hall on Level 0 is available for eating your own food.

Disabled parking

There are four designated public parking spaces for disabled visitors on Chambers Street. They are free and cannot be booked in advance.

Plan your visit

Visit and directions