Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Science museum in Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a museum on Edinburgh's Royal Mile that spans six floors with displays on optical effects and scientific principles. The building holds more than 100 exhibits ranging from mechanical camera obscura setups to modern puzzles that challenge the brain and senses.
The collection began in 1835 from a passion for Victorian-era optical technology and moved to its current location in 1852. It has remained a place where visitors learn how scientific entertainment evolved and developed over decades.
The museum reveals how optical tricks and illusions captivated people in Victorian times and continue to amaze visitors today. The blend of historical devices with hands-on interactive displays shows how science becomes entertainment and curiosity.
The museum is best experienced by taking time on each floor, as the exhibits require focused attention to appreciate. The rooftop camera obscura tends to be less crowded later in the visit, so you might save it for the end if you prefer a quieter experience.
The rooftop contains a working system of mirrors and lenses dating from the 1850s that projects live street scenes from Edinburgh onto a viewing table. This functioning historical apparatus is rarer than people expect and demonstrates how effectively old optical technology still operates.
Location: Edinburgh
Address: 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, UK
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-20:00; Friday 09:00-21:00; Saturday 09:00-22:00; Sunday 09:00-21:00
Phone: +441312263709
Website: https://camera-obscura.co.uk
GPS coordinates: 55.94895,-3.19567
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
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...
Camera Obscura
9 m
Witches' Well
48 m
The Hub
33 m
General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland
95 m
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
27 m
Ramsay Garden
66 m
Edinburgh, 356 Castlehill, Cannonball House
37 m
St Columba's-by-the-Castle
74 m
Boswell's Court
17 m
Statue of John Knox
84 m
Whisky Museum
23 m
Edinburgh, Mound Place, Lister House
72 m
Edinburgh, 354 Castlehill, Castlehill School
35 m
Edinburgh, 555 Castlehill, Reservoir
37 m
Edinburgh, Johnston Terrace, St Columba's Free Church Of Scotland
99 m
Edinburgh, 3 - 10 Ramsay Garden
71 m
78th Highlanders Memorial
79 m
Edinburgh, 40 - 46 Victoria Street
86 m
Edinburgh, 1, 1a And 2 Ramsay Garden
71 m
Edinburgh, 517 Lawnmarket, 1 Milne's Court
86 m
3 Ramsay Lane, Edinburgh
33 m
Edinburgh, 16 Johnston Terrace
51 m
Edinburgh, 1 Mound Place
73 m
Edinburgh, 1 Ramsay Lane
17 m
Edinburgh, 13, 14, 15 And 16 Ramsay Garden
68 m
Edinburgh, 11 And 12 Ramsay Garden
78 m
Edinburgh, 537-539 Castlehill, Front Block To S
29 m
Edinburgh, 519 Lawnmarket
83 mVisited 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