Surgeons' Hall Museums, Medical museum in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Surgeons' Hall Museums is a medical museum in Edinburgh with three collections showcasing surgery, pathology, and dental medicine. The building also features rotating exhibitions and interactive displays that document medical advancement over centuries.
The collections began in 1699 to meet the need for training young surgeons and grew steadily over time. The current building from 1832 made it possible to house the expanding collection and support modern teaching and exhibition needs.
The name reflects its original purpose of training doctors through practical demonstrations. Visitors can see how these spaces were used for medical instruction, showing how hands-on learning shaped the profession from the start.
The museum is located ten minutes from Waverley train station and opens daily. The building is fully accessible with elevators and ramps for all visitors.
One collection holds items connected to groundbreaking doctors of the past, including their instruments and personal possessions. This section shows how medical innovation was driven by individual practitioners.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Surgeons Hall Museums, Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
Phone: +441315271711
Website: https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk
GPS coordinates: 55.94677,-3.18468
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43
Edinburgh sits on volcanic rock, with its castle overlooking a medieval street that runs down to a royal palace. The Old Town preserves buildings from centuries past, while the New Town displays Georgian architecture in wide streets and elegant squares. Museums hold collections from Scottish history, art galleries show works by local and international painters, and parks offer views across the city and the Firth of Forth. Visitors can climb an extinct volcano, walk through botanical gardens, or explore underground passages where people once lived. Historic churches stand near modern government buildings, and converted warehouses along the waterfront now host markets and restaurants. From distilleries to science centers, the city presents both its heritage and its present day without pushing either aside. You can spend mornings in galleries and afternoons in parks, or reverse the order depending on the weather.
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