The People's Story Museum, Social history museum in Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
The People's Story Museum displays exhibits across three floors, featuring life-size models depicting Edinburgh residents' daily activities through different time periods.
The museum occupies the Canongate Tolbooth building from 1591, which served as a prison before its transformation into an exhibition space in 1989.
The exhibits present detailed representations of Edinburgh's social development through work experiences, domestic life, and leisure activities from the 18th century onward.
Located opposite Canongate Kirkyard, this free museum opens Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, with level access and hearing loop facilities.
Visitors can explore reconstructed historical settings, including a wartime kitchen and a nineteenth-century bindery, complete with period-accurate furnishings and tools.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:00
Phone: +441315294057
Email: museumsandgalleries@edinburgh.gov.uk
Website: https://edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/The-People-s-Story
GPS coordinates: 55.95147,-3.17997
Latest update: March 12, 2025 08:48
Edinburgh combines historical landmarks with modern attractions. Edinburgh Castle stands on volcanic rock, while the Royal Mile leads to Holyrood Palace. The city features museums like the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery. Natural sites include Arthur's Seat volcano and the Royal Botanic Garden. Underground passages, historic churches, and cultural venues complete Edinburgh's heritage, from St Giles' Cathedral to the Writers' Museum.
Kirk of the Canongate
38 m
Canongate Tolbooth
4 m
Museum of Edinburgh
24 m
Scottish Poetry Library
117 m
Panmure House
125 m
Acheson House
60 m
Dunbar’s Close Garden
97 m
Edinburgh, 189 - 191 Canongate
70 m
St John's Land
95 m
Edinburgh, St John's Street, Moray House College Of Education, Reception Building
114 m
Edinburgh, 168, 170, 172 Canongate
35 m
Edinburgh, 154 - 158, 160a Canongate
21 m
Moray House
62 m
2-27 Sugarhouse Close and 41-49 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh (Former Holyrood Brewery)
45 m
Edinburgh, 185, 187 Canongate, Bible Land
53 m
Edinburgh, 195 - 197 Canongate, Shoemakers' Land
87 m
Edinburgh, 146 Canongate, Huntly House
31 m
Edinburgh, Canongate, Canongate Kilwinning Lodge
130 m
Summerhouse, Moray House
139 m
Edinburgh, 146 Canongate, Bakehouse Close
54 m
191, 193 Canongate, Edinburgh
79 m
Edinburgh, 124 Canongate
64 m
Dalhousie Land
103 m
Edinburgh, Canongate, Burgh Cross
63 m
Edinburgh, 172 Canongate, Moray House, Garden Gateway
132 m
Edinburgh, 167 - 169 Canongate
14 m
Thomson's Land
77 m
St John's Priory, 21 St John Street, Edinburgh
135 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes