Museum of Edinburgh

The Museum of Edinburgh occupies Huntly House, a group of three merged 16th-century buildings at 142 Canongate on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. The house was once part of the burgh of Canongate, which stood outside Edinburgh's walls, and it has served as a private residence and a museum since 1932. Its harled white facade, timber galleries and winding stairs are typical of Scots urban architecture of the late 16th and 17th centuries. The museum focuses on the history of Edinburgh from prehistory to the modern day, with displays arranged by theme and period across a sequence of small rooms. Collections include Edinburgh glass and silver, pottery, the Edinburgh Pottery Company's wares, early maps, shop signs and domestic furniture. A notable item is the National Covenant of 1638, a copy of the document signed in Greyfriars Kirkyard, which presents the religious and political conflict of the 17th century. The museum also holds relics connected with Greyfriars Bobby, the dog of local legend, including his collar and bowl. Other displays cover the Burgh of Canongate, the Old Town's trades and guilds, and the city's role in the Enlightenment and Victorian eras. The museum is run by Museums and Galleries Edinburgh and entry is free. The building retains many original details, such as painted ceilings and panelled rooms, while exhibits were refreshed in recent years. Interpretation is by labels and small panels in English. It is a quieter alternative to the larger museums on the Royal Mile, and its modest size lets visitors see it in an hour. Opening hours change, so visitors should check the official site.