A new facility has been added to the roll call of venues and services operated by the City of Edinburgh Museums. Until now, the city's reserve collections - historic artefacts which are not permanently on show - have been stored away in a network of nooks and crannies. The Museum Collections Centre has been created to increase public access to the reserve collections by assembling them in the specially adapted facility at 10 Broughton Market.
The Collections Centre demonstrates the role of the reserve collections in providing artefacts for temporary exhibitions held in city museums. Its laboratory is a focus for discussion on conservation issues and environmental conditions in caring for our heritage. The Centre offers a service to a range of researchers and promotes a wider interest in local history by stimulating reminiscence.
Guided tours, research and study visits of the Museum Collections Centre are available and must be booked in advance. Tours include:
- An introduction to the Museum Collections Centre and its work
- A virtual tour of the Scott Monument
- An introduction to available research facilities
The Museums Collections Centre is also open to pre-booked group visits between 1000 and 1700 hours, Monday to Friday. While visiting organisations may have their own suggestions for topics of discussion, the museums service can suggest a range of subjects reflecting its Fine Art, Applied Art, Childhood, Social History, Literary and Archaeological collections.
Group visits within the working week are free - for special evening or weekend events there will be a minimal charge.
If you would like to arrange a tour or visit please contact David Patterson, Curatorial and Conservation Manager or by phone on 0131 556 9536.