Behind the scenes: exploring Edinburgh's favourite stories

Behind the scenes: exploring Edinburgh's favourite stories is running at the Museum Collections Centre from 16 October until 15 December 2026. It's a guided tour of the city's hidden archives, and it's one of those things you've probably heard of but never actually bothered to book.

To get your bearings, the Museum Collections Centre is Culture Edinburgh's research and conservation hub. It's home to around 200,000 artworks and artefacts that simply can't fit into the city's main museums and galleries. Most of the time, they're tucked away in open storage, out of sight and out of mind. These tours take you inside to see them in person.

The range of things you'll come across is the best part. It's not just one type of collection; you'll see dolls' houses and wartime cooking utensils alongside 18th-century water pipes and pantomime costumes. It's a strange, wide-reaching mix of the domestic, the industrial, and the theatrical, all held in the same place. While you're there, the staff explain how museums actually look after their collections and how the team records and stores everything that comes through the door.

If you're a researcher, there's a bit more to it than just the tour: you can email the centre directly to get access to specific parts of the collection. Otherwise, the tours are pre-booked, so you'll need to secure your spot in advance. They're free with a ticket, with a suggested £3.00 donation. The centre is at 10 Broughton Market, Edinburgh EH3 6NU.