Surgeons' Hall Museum

About the museum

Surgeons' Hall Museum belongs to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, which traces its origins to 1505 as a guild of barber surgeons. Its collections began to grow significantly from 1699, when the College publicly asked for natural and artificial curiosities. In the 1800s the original museum was enlarged by the collections of the surgeons and anatomists Sir Charles Bell and John Barclay, and it has been open to the public since 1832, which makes it one of the oldest museums in Scotland. The collection is recognised as an outstanding collection of national significance, and the museum is accredited under the UK Accreditation scheme.

The main museum space is a purpose-built 19th-century hall designed by the Scottish architect William Henry Playfair. The ground-floor galleries of the Wohl Pathology Gallery explore the origins of medical collections, while the upper floor keeps the original Playfair shelving and shows specimens in the manner of nineteenth-century teaching displays. The History of Surgery Gallery follows Edinburgh's contribution to modern surgery and features figures such as James Syme, Joseph Lister and James Young Simpson, an Anatomy Theatre with an interactive dissection table, and the case of Burke and Hare.

The Dental Collection is one of the most comprehensive in the UK and was built around a bequest from the Glasgow dentist and dental historian John Menzies Campbell. The Body Voyager gallery looks at computer-aided and robotic technology in medicine. Visitors should know that the displays include human remains, which some people may find distressing.

Highlights

• Wohl Pathology Gallery in the Playfair-designed museum hall
• History of Surgery Gallery with an Anatomy Theatre and interactive dissection table
• Exhibits on James Syme, Joseph Lister, James Young Simpson and Joseph Bell
• Burke and Hare displays, including a death mask
• One of the most comprehensive dental collections in the UK
• Body Voyager gallery on robotic and computer-assisted surgery

Permanent exhibitions

• History of Surgery Gallery – The gallery follows Edinburgh's part in modern surgery with an Anatomy Theatre, an interactive dissection table and stories of Lister, Simpson, Syme and Burke and Hare.
• Wohl Pathology Gallery – One of the largest collections of pathological anatomy, shown in a 19th-century museum hall with its original shelving.
• The Dental Collection – Dental instruments, artefacts, prints, paintings and models show the development of dentistry from its early days to modern times.

Founded

1697

Operated by

Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Director

Chris Henry

Admission & discounts

Prices are for 2026. Café 1505 next to the museum entrance gives museum visitors a 10% discount.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The reception is on the third floor, reached from the glass atrium on Nicolson Street by lift or stairs, and the lift and stairs serve every floor. A part of the upper gallery may not be accessible to wheelchairs wider than 66 cm. Accessible toilets are in the basement and baby changing facilities are available. The free Bloomberg Connects digital guide offers a screen reader and enlarged text. A full accessibility guide and a visual storyboard are available online. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 10+

• Baby changing facilities

The museum does not recommend visits for children under 10, although this is only a guideline and younger visitors are welcome at the parent's or guardian's discretion. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Baby changing facilities are available.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the campus of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh on Nicolson Street.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

The museum has no cafe, but visitors get a 10% discount at Café 1505, which is part of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and stands next to the entrance. Bags may be carried through the galleries but must not be left unattended.

Events & venue rental

As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.

The museum is not available for private hire. Other parts of the College campus are used for events and can be enquired about through Surgeons Quarter.

Plan your visit