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 Home for the arts |
8 Advocates Close 357 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PS United Kingdom +44 131 225 9721 |
Hidden away down a little closie just off the Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh's oldest houses. This charming medieval tenement now houses the DOM - Home For The Arts. This unique European arts center was set in 1996 and has regular exhibitions of artists with international standing, alongside program of readings and recitals. The ethos of DOM is to display work outside the mainstream that has metaphysical and spiritual sensibilities. There is a great little gift shop too —which offers some original items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Edinburgh Festival Fringe |
180 High Street (Organisor) City of Edinburgh EH1 1QS United Kingdom +44 (0)131 226 0026 (Organisor) http://www.edfringe.com/ |
The Fringe is a welcoming forum for both the established star and the unknown genius of tomorrow. For three weeks in August each year, the city is alive with a frenzy of creativity, hosting more than 2,000 shows held at various venues throughout the city. More than 30% of the program is smade up by theater. The rest is rounded out with comedy, music, dance, children's shows and exhibitions. Expect anything from the profoundly serious to the deliriously silly. The program is launched in June, with tickets available through August; book early if you want to get to your first-choice program. Ticket prices vary according to venue and performance. If you're tight on cash or someone who's always looking for a bargain, keep in mind that over 300 of the shows are free to the public. Call or check the website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A note-by-note history |
Reid Concert Hall Bristo Square Edinburgh EH8 9AH United Kingdom +44 131 650 2423 http://www.music.ed.ac.uk/euchmi/ |
This fascinating collection charts the history of musical instruments in the evocative Victorian surroundings of the Reid Concert Hall. Their technical evolution is explained and demonstrated—with over a thousand instruments from around the globe to woo visitors. Over four hundred years of craftsmanship is on display, including some intriguingly bizarre-shaped pieces. A new feature is the sound laboratory— an interactive exploration area that allows you to "blow your own trumpet" using artificial lips. Opening times often change, so call to check. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Where Greyfriar's Bobby kept his vigil |
Greyfriars Place Edinburgh EH1 2QQ United Kingdom +44 131 226 5429 http://www.greyfriarskirk.com/ |
The kirkyard, dedicated on Christmas Day 1620, stands on the site of a 15th century Franciscan Friary. It has a fine collection of 17th century Scottish monuments and a rich musical tradition. You can also view the National Covenant, adopted and signed here in 1638. There are many fascinating tales and ghost stories connected with this historic church. 1,400 covenanters were imprisoned in the kirkyard in 1679 for their beliefs, a sorry fact remembered by the martyrs' monument. Furthermore, there is the famous memorial to Greyfriar's Bobby, the devoted Skye Terrier owned by John Gray, a local police constable. When Gray died in 1858, Bobby loyally sat watch over his master's grave in this kirkyard for 14 years, until he himself died. Services include the only weekly Gaelic worship in this part of the country. Recitals and concerts are also staged throughout the year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Whittaker |
 Photo: Ariane Bromma |
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 Photo: Alan Islas |
 Photo: Graeme Mathieson |
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New Year First Footing |
City Centre Edinburgh United Kingdom +44 131 529 3914 http://www.edinburghshogmanay.... |
Hogmanay's New Year "First-Footing" started with the legacy of a tall, dark stranger appearing on the doorstep at midnight brandishing a lump of coal, which means good fortune for the new year. Since such a meeting was unlikely, locals started visiting each other's houses with food, coal and the odd alcoholic beverage for a party. Today the celebration culminates at "the bells" at midnight with a fireworks display over the Edinburgh Castle. There is also a program of events on New Year's Day, including a "Loony Dook" plunge into the Forth, a Triathlon, and street theatre. See website for yearly details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ed Tarwinski |
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Reformation regalia |
43-45 High Street Edinburgh EH29 9 United Kingdom +44 131 556 9579 / +44 131 556 2647 |
It's not certain that John Knox, the 16th century Reformation leader, actually died here - but he might have, so there's a museum inside this 15th century house dedicated to all things Reformatory. Find out all about John Knox's concerns about Catholicism and his inimitable way of dealing with such qualms. The subject matter is such that the museum can get quite heavy-going, but even a little persistence is richly rewarded by insights into this area of Scottish history. Particularly interesting is an audio re-enactment of Knox's debate with the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Literary history |
Lady Stair's Close, Lawnmarket Edinburgh EH1 2PA United Kingdom +44 131 529 4901 |
This house is named after the gorgeous but foulmouthed heroine of Sir Walter Scott's My Aunt Margaret's Mirror. Built in the 1620s, the house now houses a museum celebrating the Scottish writers Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson. The collection consists mainly of locks of hair, paintings and various literary scripts. It is the painting, Parliament Square and Public Characters of Edinburgh, hung in the Burns Room that is really worth a look. Admission: is free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Myers |
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16th century chapel |
41 Cowgate Edinburgh EH1 1JR United Kingdom +44 131 220 1450 |
This 16th century chapel has the only surviving pre-reformation stained glass in Scotland left "in situ". The glass is in four brilliantly colored heraldic roundels on the south wall. The chapel was built by Maichale MacQueen and was later bequeathed to the Hammermen, a guild of metalworkers, who then adorned the space with their work. This wonderful building has been recently restored and is now owned by the Scottish Reformation Society. It plays occasional host to concerts—call for the latest details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fandabidozi nostalgia trip |
42 High Street Edinburgh EH29 9 United Kingdom +44 131 529 4142 |
This is bound to put a smile on your face and kids will love it. Toys, games, books, memorabilia and countless other objects are crammed into the four fandabidozi floors. It has come a long way since its foundation in 1955 - there are displays charting the childhood experience down the ages, space to play and themed temporary exhibitions. Some of the pieces are relatively recent, so the visit can be a nostalgia trip too. Mementoes are on sale in the shop, so you can play away at home. Admission: is free to minors and majors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eris radcliff |
 Photo: Claire Louise Weale |
 Photo: Chia-Yi Lin |
 Photo: Karen Muskett |
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National Museum of Scotland |
Chambers Street City of Edinburgh EH1 1JF United Kingdom +44 131 247 4422 http://www.nms.ac.uk/ |
Next door to the Royal Museum, the stunning new Museum of Scotland (opened 1998) details the history of the Scottish people. From the beginning of time through present day, the history of Scotland is explained through galleries and displays in a wonderful, informative exhibition. Wander through the halls and wonder at the fossils, the ancient jewelery and artifacts. Travel back in time to the industrial revolution and the Scottish position in the British Empire. Marvel at the technological advances that have taken Scotland to modernity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Chiou |
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Miles of manuscripts, microform and maps |
George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EW United Kingdom +44 131 226 4531 http://www.nls.uk/ |
This imposing neo-classical building on George IV Bridge (near Greyfriars Kirk) houses the national collection of books and archive documents. It has over seven million books to choose from and the auspicious air of the learned reading rooms to savour. You can pour over manuscripts, microform and an impressive map collection that includes a 14th century ovoid map of the world. There are changing historical exhibitions, where the library reveals some of its finest literary treasures - for example, they own the last letter ever written by Mary Queen of Scots. Call for current exhibition details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lee Gardner |
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Parliament House |
Parliament Square City of Edinburgh United Kingdom |
This building was the seat of Scottish Government until 1707 when the Act of Union brought together the governments of England and Scotland. Built in 1632-39, it now accommodates the superior courts of Scotland, the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session. It is well worth a visit to see the black tin notary boxes in use, the fine hammer beam roof and the be-wigged and robed advocates pacing the great hall. There are also fine portraits by Raeburn and other major Scottish artists. Access to the marvelous Signet Library upstairs is by written request only, as it is in daily use. Address enquiries to: The Librarian, Signet Library, Parliament House, and Parliament Square, Edinburgh. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kal TraumaQueen |
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 Photo: Gordon McKinlay |
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A morbid affair |
Nicholson Street 18 Nicholson Street Edinburgh EH8 9DH United Kingdom +44 131 527 1649 |
Disease, infections and deformities this museum is ideal for the pathology student or morbid enthusiast. The pickled specimens are housed in the wonderful Playfair Hall and cutting-edge Victorian medical establishment - the Royal College of Surgeons. Visits are only possible on guided tours, which must be booked in advance for groups of at least 10. This interesting experience is not for the faint - hearted; there's enough here to give an over-active imagination nightmares for weeks! . Review © 2007, Wcities |
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On the beat |
188 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1QS United Kingdom +44 131 226 6966 http://www.lbp.police.uk/about... |
This information center allows visitors to dip into some interesting information and historical details about policing in Scotland's capital. There are also a few gruesome exhibits to fire the imagination, including the skin of the executed serial killer William Burke. If you need to report a crime, enquire about lost property or fancy a chat with a police officer this is the place to visit. Pick up a leaflet on various topics including driving in Scotland, crime prevention and maps of the city. During the festival, the Lothian and Borders police Pipe Band march along Princes Street at 11a before dropping in to the center to play a few tunes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Concert hall gallery space |
Clerk Street Edinburgh EH8 9JG United Kingdom +44 131 667 7776 |
The Queen's Hall is best known for being a venue for concerts and shows. However, the space available around the booking and cafe areas is also used to great effect to display pieces by local and young artists. Paintings, drawings, prints and photography are mainly shown, and often the work is for sale. It's definitely a place worth checking out to see "new blood" from the local art scene. Admission: is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Victorian display |
Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1JF United Kingdom +44 131 225 7534 http://www.nms.ac.uk/royal/ |
The Royal Museum is a huge and wondrous "bird-cage" building in the Victorian mold. Thirty-six galleries host exhibitions covering a whole host of topics, from the natural world—palaeontology, geology etc—to technology and science. Admire the oldest steam engine in the world and marvel at whale skeletons. Children in particular will be drawn to the weird and wonderful specimens in jars. Art from the Orient and north Mediterranean is also on display, including pieces from Korea and ancient Egypt. Next door is the recently opened Museum of Scotland, which chronicles the history of the Scots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marc Brubaker |
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Harpsichords etc |
Niddry Street Cowgate Edinburgh EH1 1LJ United Kingdom +44 131 650 2805 http://www.music.ed.ac.uk/russ... |
Practising, restoration and studying - this museum looks after all of the above. With fifty-one spinets, harpsichords, virginals, organs, clavichords and early pianos, this exhibition strikes the perfect note for musos and knowledge-seekers. The beautiful instruments, which date from the 16th century, are occasionally played in the hall, Scotland's first purpose-built concert venue. Otherwise, the hall is often filled with music from other sources. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An interesting operation |
9 Hill Square Edinburgh EH8 9DR United Kingdom +44 131 527 1649 http://www.rcsed.ac.uk/geninfo/ |
This fascinating museum charts the history of surgery in Edinburgh since 1505. Since that time, when surgeons were granted a charter, there have thankfully been huge developments in the practice! This evolution is mapped using displays, which place the story of surgery and the story of Edinburgh side-by-side. On a similar theme, the Menzies Campbell Dental Museum next door is worth a visit as are the pickled specimens at the adjacent Playfair Pathology Museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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St Giles' Cathedral |
High Street City of Edinburgh EH1 1RE United Kingdom +44 131 225 9442 www.stgilescathedral.org.uk |
Although there has been a church on this site since 1854, the earliest remains to be found in St Giles' Cathedral are four pillars which date from about 1120. In 1385 the church was destroyed by an English army but soon afterwards was rebuilt in greater splendor. In 1460 the roof was raised and the main body of the church extended eastwards. The famously elaborate crown spire was completed in 1495 and St Giles' was made a Presbyterian cathedral by Charles I in 1633. There is a contemporary contribution to the cathedral - in 1992, the organ was installed and you can view its mechanisms from a glass panel in the back. The Chapel of the Knights of the Thistle, built in 1911 for the Order of the Thistle, is particularly beautiful: each Knight's stall is carved in wood with an impressively intricate touch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classical concerts |
Niddry Street (Cowgate) Edinburgh EH1 1LJ United Kingdom +44 131 650 2805 http://www.music.ed.ac.uk/russ... |
St. Cecilia's Hall, Edinburgh's oldest concert hall (1763) is located on the corner of Niddry Street in the Old Town. Many times throughout the year it hosts concerts by various orchestras and ensembles, including The Georgian Concert Society. It now also houses the Russell Collection of Early Keyboard Instruments. Staff will happily demonstrate the wonderful sounding spinets, virginals and clavichords held here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: doris_lee_03 |
