The History of Surgery Museum
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Surgeons' Hall Museums Edinburgh

4.7
·4k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore centuries of medical history, from infamous murderers to groundbreaking surgical tools, in this unique Edinburgh museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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The History of Surgery Museum

Surgeons' Hall Museums Edinburgh

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore centuries of medical history, from infamous murderers to groundbreaking surgical tools, in this unique Edinburgh museum. Reddit

4.7
(4k reviews)

"This was the best museum I have ever been to. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 No Photos Allowed

Respect the human specimens; photography is strictly prohibited inside.

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Budget 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the extensive collections.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 3,911 reviews

Type

Museum

♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Burke and Hare Collection

Burke and Hare Collection

Pathology Collection

Explore the infamous duo's tools and history, a chillingly fascinating part of Edinburgh's medical past.

Reddit
Dental Collection

Dental Collection

Discover the evolution of dentistry through a unique and sometimes unsettling display of historical tools and practices.

TikTok
Surgical Instruments

Surgical Instruments

Witness centuries of surgical innovation and the tools that shaped medical history, from ancient to modern.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for the Macabre

This museum houses a vast collection of historical medical specimens, including human remains. While respectfully displayed, it's not for the faint of heart. Consider this before booking tickets, especially if traveling with younger visitors. Reddit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

While generally not overcrowded, visiting on a Saturday can mean navigating crowds. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to visit during popular hours or on weekends. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
More time to explore exhibits
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

obsessed with everything i got from the surgeon’s hall museum! #surgeonshallmuseum #surgeonsmuseum #edinburgh #edinburghscotland #haul #haultok #oddities #odditiesandcuriosities #bones #weirdgirl #fyp #foryou #foryoupage
@bagsfullofbones
54.1K likes • 336.3K views

📸 No Photos Allowed

Respect the human specimens; photography is strictly prohibited inside. InstagramReddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Budget 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the extensive collections. Reddit

Places to visit in Edinburgh, 17/100: Surgeons’ Hall Museums The video offers a glimpse of the museums (photography is not allowed inside. I got the permission to use these PR purpose pictures from the Marketing department of the museum). The award winning Museums are open to the public, 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm and are home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the...
rhona_the_unicorn
551 likes • 16.6K views
Repost @landscapes_shotz Here are some things you could do on arainy day in Edinburgh: 1. Explore Surgeons’ Hall Museums: Dive into intriguing and sometimes spooky exhibits on medical history at this one-of-a-kind museum. 2. Tour the Royal Yacht Britannia: Stay dry while exploring the Queen’s former royal yacht, now moored in Leith, offering a glimpse into royal life at sea. 3. Relax in a cozy...
scotland_scottish
173 likes • 1.7K views

♿ Fully Accessible

The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility issues. Reddit

📚 Digital Autopsy

Explore the interactive digital autopsy setup for an informative experience. Reddit

Here are some things you could do on arainy day in Edinburgh: 1. Explore Surgeons’ Hall Museums: Dive into intriguing and sometimes spooky exhibits on medical history at this one-of-a-kind museum. 2. Tour the Royal Yacht Britannia: Stay dry while exploring the Queen’s former royal yacht, now moored in Leith, offering a glimpse into royal life at sea. 3. Relax in a cozy café: Settle into a quai...
landscapes_shotz
535 likes • 24.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 No Photos Allowed

Respect the human specimens; photography is strictly prohibited inside. InstagramReddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Budget 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the extensive collections. Reddit

♿ Fully Accessible

The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility issues. Reddit

📚 Digital Autopsy

Explore the interactive digital autopsy setup for an informative experience. Reddit

🛍️ Unique Souvenirs

Check out the small shop for interesting and reasonably priced items. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Surgeons' Hall Museums for its extensive and fascinating collections, particularly the historical pathology and surgical instruments. The Burke and Hare exhibit is a standout, and the respectful display of human remains is appreciated. While not for the squeamish, it's considered a highly educational and unique experience, with many calling it the best museum they've visited. Reddit

"We visited after we attended a walking tour of Edinburgh. We spent a good couple of hours here, with 2 teenagers. The number of specimens is almost overwhelming. The digital autopsy set up is amazing and informative
No photos allowed inside but thE building and cafe are worth a visit in their own right. Highly recommend."

Lynda Idle

"This was the best museum I have ever been to. I work in surgery so I am biased, however anyone would enjoy this place. It was very well-organized and the exhibits were mind-blowing. No photos allowed inside out of respect for the human specimens- very good policy. All visitors were being respectful of this rule which was refreshing to see.

Unfortunately the power failed halfway through our visit so we had to leave early. I would budget 2-3 hours to take it all in. Modest entry fee (£9.50) well worth it. Went on a Saturday and it was busy but manageable to navigate the crowds. There was also a 90-minute walking tour which we didn’t do, but maybe research that ahead of your visit.

Must do!!! 🫀🧠🫁"

Rachel Gambino

"This was a very interesting museum and I learnt a lot during my visit. You are warned before entering that it contains human remains. These are respectfully displayed with informative information boards. Photography and recording are, understandably, not allowed.
You do have to pay to enter. It was reasonably priced. Staff were welcoming.
There was a small shop that sold some interesting pieces. They were, also, reasonably priced.
There were toilets. These were very clean.
The museum is fully accessible to people who use a wheelchair or have mobility issues. They have an accessibility guide that shows door sizes and provides information about each floor of the museum. There are disabled toilets in the basement. They, also, offer wheelchairs to use and walking stick chairs."

Shelley C

What People Like

Fascinating historical collections
Unique Burke and Hare exhibit
Educational and thought-provoking

What People Dislike

Not for the faint of heart

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Surgeons' Hall Museums are located on Nicolson Street in Edinburgh. You can easily reach them by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center if you enjoy exploring on foot. Reddit

On-street parking can be limited and expensive in central Edinburgh. It's advisable to use public transport or a park-and-ride facility if you're driving into the city. Reddit

Yes, Surgeons' Hall Museums are conveniently located near other Edinburgh attractions like the National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Kirkyard, making it easy to plan a day of museum hopping. Reddit

From Waverley Station, you can take a short bus ride or enjoy a 15-20 minute walk. Taxis are also readily available outside the station. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers guided tours that can provide deeper insights into the collections. It's worth checking their website for schedules and booking information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Surgeons' Hall Museums has a modest entry fee, which is considered well worth the experience. Prices are subject to change, so it's best to check their official website for the most current ticket costs. Reddit

The Surgeons' Hall Museums are typically open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. However, it's always a good idea to verify the exact opening hours on their website before your visit, as these can vary. Instagram

While you can often purchase tickets on the day, booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend visits or during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry and avoid potential queues. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is usually available on the museum's official website. It's worth checking for any special offers or concession rates. Reddit

The museum contains human remains and can be intense. While some children might find it fascinating, it's best to consider your child's sensitivity. The museum does offer a more family-friendly experience with interactive elements. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore vast collections of historical pathology, surgical instruments, and anatomical specimens, including the infamous Burke and Hare collection and a unique dental exhibit. TikTokReddit

No, photography and recording are strictly prohibited inside the museum out of respect for the human specimens. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the collections, but you could easily spend longer if you're particularly interested in medical history. Reddit

Yes, it's often described as a 'weird' or 'oddities' museum due to its unique collection of medical specimens and historical artifacts, appealing to those interested in the unusual. Reddit

Yes, the museum has clean restrooms and a cafe, which is also noted for its pleasant atmosphere and worth a visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several dining options near Surgeons' Hall Museums. Cafe 1505 next door is highly recommended, and many other restaurants and cafes are within walking distance in the city center. Reddit

You'll find a variety of cuisines, from traditional Scottish fare to international options. Many places offer good portions without being overly gourmet, catering to diverse tastes. Reddit

Yes, the museum has a cafe that is noted for being a pleasant place to visit, offering a break during your exploration. Reddit

Edinburgh city center offers a range of dining experiences. Exploring side streets and looking for local pubs or cafes can often lead to more affordable and authentic meals. Reddit

Typically, museums do not allow outside food and drinks to be consumed within the exhibition areas. It's best to enjoy your meals in the designated cafe or outside the museum. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Surgeons' Hall Museums to maintain respect for the human specimens on display. InstagramReddit

The 1832 building itself is architecturally interesting, and the surrounding Nicolson Street area offers typical Edinburgh street scenes that can be photographed. Instagram

The policy is in place out of respect for the human remains and historical medical specimens, ensuring a sensitive and educational experience for all visitors. Reddit

While photography is banned, using your phone for note-taking or accessing any official audio guides (if available) should be permissible, provided it doesn't disrupt other visitors. Reddit

The museum's official website and marketing materials often feature curated images for promotional purposes. You might also find some shared by visitors who received special permission for PR. Instagram

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