Visitors can meet astronomers, handle scientific specimens and explore architectural triumphs as part of the University’s packed programme for Doors Open Day.
On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September, the University is throwing open its doors and offering free events, guided tours and family-friendly activities celebrating the ancient institution’s buildings, history and people.
Guests will gain rare glimpses into some of Edinburgh’s most historic landmarks, such as McEwan Hall, which was originally built in 1897 and painstakingly renovated in 2017, where thousands of students graduate each year.
In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, visitors can explore St Cecilia’s Hall, the oldest purpose-built music venue in Scotland, which is also a musical instrument museum and houses one of the world’s most magnificent collection of beautifully decorated harpsichords. The hall will run tours and present music performances on Saturday.
Visitors can also access New College on Edinburgh’s Mound, its Neo-Gothic spires making it an instantly recognisable aspect of the capital city’s skyline. Highlights include the beautiful Rainy Hall and New College Library, with visitors invited to explore the building, and tour guides on hand to explain more about the historical significance of the rooms and a display from the library.
At the University’s Edinburgh Futures Institute – formerly the Royal Infirmary Hospital which reopened last year following an extensive seven-year restoration – visitors can delve into both its history and modern artwork, exploring the building on guided tours. There are also drop-in activities, including talks, screenings and workshops, alongside a children’s play area.
The University’s College of Science and Engineering is hosting displays and drop-in activities at venues across central campus over the weekend, at McEwan Hall and Edinburgh Futures Institute on Saturday and the Bayes Centre on Sunday. University teams will guide visitors through their research, inviting them to get hands on by examining fossils from different time periods and using microscopes to investigate biological specimens.
The Royal Observatory Edinburgh is a working observatory on Blackford Hill, which also houses more than 200 staff and students from the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy. The building will be open to visitors over the weekend where they can try hands-on experiments, meet astronomers and engineers, handle meteorites and children can help build a LEGO Mars rover.
In the Bayes Centre, the University’s hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, visitors can immerse themselves in the latest computing and AI research and innovation, exploring the home of the state-of-the-art Informatics Forum and InSpace, its data and design-led exhibition space.
Visitors can also tour the award-winning Bayes buildings, enjoy interactive activities and exhibitions and check-out panoramic views from the Informatics Forum’s stunning roof terrace. Tours should be booked in advance, while events, activities and exhibitions are drop-in.
At Little France, visitors can explore the University’s cutting-edge medical research within the Edinburgh BioQuarter, including the Institute for Regeneration and Repair. The institute will host hands-on family activities, with the opportunity to pre-book lab tours as well as spaces to sign up on the day.
The Western General, one of the University’s core teaching hospitals, is also home to the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC), which works to improve the lives of people living with genetic disease and cancer through research. Its teams pave the way to more targeted treatments and therapies for people living with genetic conditions and cancers through their work on DNA. Visitors can learn more through tours, talks and drop-in activities.
Tours of some buildings must be booked in advance, with others operating advance bookings and drop-in spaces over the weekend. Further information about bookings and the full programme is available online:
