Anatomical Museum

The collection consists of 12,000 objects and specimens that tell the story of 300 years of anatomical teaching at the University of Edinburgh.

About one third of the museum’s collection is related to pathology, anatomy and zoology. This includes anatomical teaching models, human skeletal remains, dried and fluid preserved specimens. The rest of the collections include phrenology, pharmacology, anthropology, ethnography, forensics and artworks.

The museum displays a number of unique objects including the skull of George Buchanan (tutor to James VI), a dissected body demonstrating the lymphatic system injected with mercury (dated 1788) and the skeleton of notorious murderer William Burke (1829).

In 2016 the Anatomical Museum was awarded ‘Accredited’ status by Museums Galleries Scotland.

Opening times

The Anatomical Museum is open to the public on select days only. Click on the link below for dates of open days and events.

At other times the museum is a study space for medical students and there is no visitor access.

Anatomical Museum opening times

Access

The museum is housed within the Old Medical School building on Teviot Place between McEwan Hall and middle meadow walk.

Entrance to the museum is through the archway on Teviot Place, then across to Doorway 3. A ramp allows access through Doorway 3.

For open days and events the route up to the museum will be well signposted.

There are six flights of stairs up to the museum. A lift is a available to the museum (3rd floor) and also the anatomy lecture theatre and elephant skeletons (1st floor).

Two disabled parking spaces in the courtyard in front of the museum entrance at Doorway 3.

Toilets are on the ground floor, including an easy access toilet.

Restrictions

Due to the law which governs the display of human remains, strictly no photography or filming is permitted in the museum.

Please note, under 16s should be accompanied by an adult. Parents are asked to use their own discretion when deciding to bring younger children to the museum.

Contact details