Reviews of The People's Story Museum. (Museum) in Edinburgh (Edinburgh).

The People's Story Museum

444 Reviews

208 Comments

Museum

Local history museum

The Royal Mile, 163 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN, United Kingdom

Description

Information of The People's Story Museum, Museum in Edinburgh (Edinburgh)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The People's Story Museum

Popular times

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Saturday

Reviews of The People's Story Museum

Y. P.

The People’s Story is a delightfully quirky & inventive *free* museum in Old Town that uses mannequins & donated artifacts/accounts to paint a picture of life in Edinburgh in the 18th through 20th centuries. I learned a lot & the staff were so friendly/knowledgeable. Definitely recommend.

H. C.

Excellent story of Edinburgh history and culture

L. B.

Great place for a history lesson of Scotland

P. D.

Fascinating - and well worth visiting.

P. B.

This is an absolute must visit museum when visiting Edinburgh

C. R.

It does talk about the people' s life.

P. B.

We enjoy Much

J. R.

fantastic and really interesting place

R. C.

Closed there for work

k. k.

Excellent for a free exhibition

M. R.

Very enjoyable worth a visit

H. M.

Very well put together museum, also a little bit upsetting to see the ways that some people were left to live in, in the early days. Great and informative and really makes you feel lucky and realise how much help we actually have these days.

s. m.

Great place for adults and kids

R. c.

I dont like it very much

K.

Good council run museum .

S. J.

Very nice

C. B.

Worth a visit while you are there

S. A.

I love it Nice environment

G. M. (.

Simply Amazing!!! ✨❤✨ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

M. G.

A lot of interesting information

D. B.

Nice view into the past

E. M.

A good museum to visit

A. S.

Good time to know what life looks like in the 20th century in Edinburgh.

A. B.

Nice!

A. M.

Great museum !

D. R.

It free

T. R.

amazing

B. H.

Fantastic place!

S. G.

Nice

t. s.

Good

W. N.

Cool

g.

Love this museum

Y. L.

Great

L. R.

It's a very simple museum, free entrance, that tells you a bit about how Irish people lived along the centuries.

L. C.

Enjoyable

K. N.

Excellent

K. O.

Very interesting

C. T.

Very interesting

M. F. L.

Very interesting

R. S.

Like a movie!

J. G.

Worth a wee visit

L. K.

Incredible place

J. A. L. P.

(Translated) Very interesting museum where it is told, through different stories, how people have lived throughout time in Edinburgh. Highly recommended and free. I loved it. (Original) Museo muy interesante en donde se cuenta, mediante diferentes historias, como ha vivido la gente a lo largo del tiempo en Edimburgo. Muy recomendable y gratuito. Me ha encantado.

I. D.

(Translated) Free entrance. In this museum you can go through the history of Scotland staged by montages made with life-size mannequins, the approximate duration of the visit is 45 mins - 1 hour, it is worth it if you are walking around Edinburgh and have a while to visit it. (Original) Entrada gratuita. En este museo podrás recorrer la historia de escocia escenificada por montajes realizados con maniquíes de tamaño real, la duración aproximada de la visita es de 45 mins - 1 hora, merece la pena si estas paseando por Edimburgo y tienes un rato para visitarlo.

d. f.

Delightful, interesting small museum that documents and displays the lives of ordinary people. Free entry but well worth a donation.

C.

(Translated) Interesting historical museum to discover the life of the Scottish people in the past. (Original) Musée historique intéressant à faire pour découvrir la vie d’antan des écossais.

K. A. K.

(Translated) The Folk History Museum is located on Canongate, on the Royal Mile. This museum gives an insight into the working class of Edinburgh from the late 18th century to the present day. The collection focuses on history, culture, and craftsmanship, all based on the words of the inhabitants (oral history). The museum has 3 galleries and a film room. Entry is free. Open from Monday to Sunday. Enjoy💚 (Original) Muzeum Historii Ludowej mieści się na Canongate, przy Royal Mile. Muzeum to daje wgląd w klasę robotniczą Edynburga od końca 18 wieku po dzień dzisiejszy. Kolekcja skupia się na historii, kulturze, rzemiośle a wszystko to w oparciu o słowa mieszkańców ( historia mówiona). Muzeum posiada 3 galerie i salę filmową. Wejście jest bezpłatne. Czynne od poniedziałku do niedzieli. Enjoy💚

Y. K.

(Translated) As a history buff, I've always wanted to see a place on the people themselves looking back on the timeline. This is the perfect place for that. The museum is free, in front of an excellent free museum as well (also about the history of the city with impressive and ancient objects). The museum presents wax dolls in chronological order of time - from ancient times to today. I was really excited about the antique preserved items - and oh! I was thrilled with the presentation of the wax dolls. You really get the audience into their own world. There was too much text for my taste throughout the museum. I haven't read anything in text ... The building of course is perfect. An intriguing experience for history lovers and people who are curious about how people once lived in the city. (Original) בתור חובבת היסטוריה, תמיד רציתי לראות מקום על האנשים עצמם בהסתכלות אחורה על ציר הזמן. זהו המקום המושלם לכך. המוזיאון חינמי, מול מוזיאון מעולה חינמי גם כן (גם כן על ההיסטוריה של העיר עם חפצים מרשימים ועתיקים). במוזיאון מוצגות בובות שעווה לפי רצף כרונולוגי של זמן- מהעת העתיקה להיום. התלהבתי ממש מהחפצים השמורים העתיקים- ואו! התלהבתי מהפרזנטציה של בובות השעווה. ממש מכניסים את הקהל לעולם משלהם. היה יותר מידי טקסט עמוס לטעמי ברחבי המוזיאון. מרוב טקסט לא קראתי כלום... הבניין כמובן מושלם. חוויה מסקרנת לחובבי היסטוריה ואנשים שסקרנים לגבי איך אנשים חיו פעם בעיר.

M. P. C.

(Translated) Museum that tells the story of the life of the Scots through different reproductions of everyday scenes using mannequins and objects from different times. Admission is free and your visit does not take long. It is worth going to take a look if you are walking along the Royal Mile! (Original) Museo que cuenta la historia de la vida de los escoceses a través de diferentes reproducciones de escenas cotidianas mediante maniquís y objetos de las diferentes épocas. La entrada es gratuita y su visita no lleva mucho tiempo. Merece la pena entrar a echar un vistazo si estáis paseando por la Royal Mile!

A. D.

(Translated) Interesting little path on the life and crafts of the Scots. Some things are really curious and unusual. I recommend it because it is a quick but informative route, as well as free! (Original) Interessante piccolo percorso sulla vita e i mestieri degli scozzesi. Alcune cose sono davvero curiose e insolite. Lo consiglio perché è un percorso veloce ma istruttivo, nonché gratuito!

A. O. O.

(Translated) Interesting depiction of the history of the Scots from the cold and dark years of the 18th century to the present day. The top floors are reserved for the trades and activities of the Scots. It's free! (Original) Interessante rappresentazione della storia degli scozzesi dagli anni freddi e bui del XVIII secolo fino all'età contemporanea. I piani più alti sono riservati ai mestieri e alle attività degli Scozzesi. È gratuito!

P. R. M.

(Translated) Another free museum in Edinburgh, here you will be able to learn about the life of the people of the city since its formation, both from when the Old Town only existed until practically today, if you take your time you will learn a lot of curious facts, as well as noting that the museum has restrooms. (Original) Otro museo gratuito de Edimburgo, aquí podréis conocer la vida de las gentes de la ciudad desde la formación de esta, tanto desde que solo existía la Old town hasta prácticamente la actualidad, si os tomáis vuestro tiempo aprenderéis bastantes datos curiosos, además destacar que el museo dispone de baños.

M. G.

(Translated) A place to see not just for curiosity. The reconstruction of what life was like a few decades ago should make us better appreciate the countless comforts we can enjoy today. (Original) Un luogo da vedere non solo per curiosità. La ricostruzione di come avveniva la vita pochi decenni fa dovrebbe farci meglio apprezzare le innumerevoli comodità di cui possiamo godere oggi.

L. B.

(Translated) really great.....free very educational with very attentive staff and giving lots of info (Original) vraiment super.....gratuit très pédagogique avec un personnel très à l’écoute et donnant de nombreuses infos

A. G. (. G.

(Translated) Another of the free museums in the city that is well worth it. It tells the story of the Scottish people. Very entertaining visit. (Original) Otro de los museo gratuitos de la ciudad que merece mucho la pena. Cuenta la historia del pueblo Escocés. Visita muy entretenida.

J. G. (.

Good for some ideas of how people lived in the past. The museum was in the middle of a refurb as it was off season.

N. B.

(Translated) Museum that shows life in the city at different times. I think that for children it can be interesting because it has many figures that reproduce customs and others, perhaps for adults it is a bit boring. (Original) Museo que muestra la vida en la ciudad en diferentes épocas. Creo que para los niños puede ser interesante porque cuenta con muchas figuras que reproducen las costumbres y demás, quizás para los adultos es un poco aburrido.

J. A. G. F.

(Translated) A great place to see how the people of Edinburgh lived especially the poorer people free entry (Original) Un gran sitio para ver como vivía la gente de edimburgo especialmente la gente con menos recursos entrada gratuita

I. A.

(Translated) Excellent museum, with several representative paintings of life in the city! Make the visit... (Original) Excelente museu, com vários quadros representativos da vida na cidade! Façam a visita...

F. T.

(Translated) Small but very nice museum. (Original) Petit musée mais très sympa.

R. A.

(Translated) Free museum with reconstructions of period stories. (Original) Museo gratuito con ricostruzioni di storie d'epoca.

5. S. d. v. &. S. o. t. r.

(Translated) a museum that tells us the history of the people by exploring the life of ordinary Edinburgh people at work and while playing, from the late 18th century to the present. Visitors can see in displays showing a bookbinding workshop, war kitchen and more, filled with real objects. You can also see a former prison, an original part of this historic building. The History of the People is housed in the Canongate Tollbooth, a landmark on the Royal Mile, beautiful and much photographed. Built in 1591 and used in the past to conduct business, collect taxes and as a prison. Outwardly beautiful and inside absolutely not to be missed (Original) un museo che ci racconta la storia del popolo esplorando la vita delle persone ordinarie di Edimburgo al lavoro e mentre giocano, dalla fine del XVIII secolo a oggi. I visitatori possono vedere nei display che mostrano un laboratorio di legatoria, una cucina di guerra e molto altro ancora, piene di oggetti reali. Si può anche vedere un’ex prigione, una parte originale di questo edificio storico. La Storia del Popolo è ospitata nel Canongate Tollbooth, un punto di riferimento nella Royal Mile, bellissimo e molto fotografato. Costruito nel 1591 e usato in passato per condurre affari, raccogliere le tasse e come prigione. Estrernamente bellissimo e dentro assolutamente da non perdere

I. C.

Das Museum bietet einen ganz anderen Blick auf geschichte und stellt den Alltag und das Leben der durchschnittlichen Bevölkerung in den Mittelpunkt. Auf jeden Fall sehenswert und eine gute Ergänzung zu Museen und Führungen über Adel, Klerus & Co. (Translated) The museum offers a completely different view of history and focuses on everyday life and the life of the average population. Definitely worth seeing and a good addition to museums and guided tours about nobility, clergy & Co.

S.

(Translated) A fascinating insight into the life of the common man in Scotland throughout history. Lots of visual material and dressed dolls for a lifelike experience. Very interesting! (Original) Een boeiende inkijk in het leven van de gewone man in Schotland doorheen de geschiedenis. Veel visueel materiaal en aangeklede poppen voor een levensechte ervaring. Heel interessant!

N. ́. D. B.

Ein kleines aber feines Museum welches zeigt wie damals gelebt und gearbeitet wurde... Das Museum öffnet um 10 Uhr und schließt um 17 Uhr.. Eintritt ist frei.. An der Eigangstür kann man beim verlassen des Gebäudes eine Spende hinterlassen. (Translated) A small but fine museum which shows how people lived and worked back then... The museum opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Admission is free. You can leave a donation at the entrance door when you leave the building.

C. G.

(Translated) In addition to being very accessible and educational, this museum is beautiful. A big thank you to the volunteers and a special mention for welcoming the children. We will definitely be back. (Original) En plus d'être très accessible et pédagogique, ce musée est beau. Un grand merci aux bénévoles et une mention spéciale pour l'accueil des enfants. Nous reviendrons avec certitude.

J. R.

Great displays and info. Worth the visit.

C. R.

(Translated) It's a small, big place but it's a good place to go when there's no place to go. The mannequins and the model display in the free entry are good, and it is not bad. (Original) 작고 크게 볼건 없지만 딱히 갈만한 곳이 없을때 가기 괜찮은 곳. 무료입장에 안에 마네킹이나 모형 전시는 좀 잘 되어져있어 나쁘지 않습니다.

C. R.

(Translated) I am a nurse. Enjoy like a dwarf. Recommended if you like anatomy, I was blown away. Family tickets £16, girls got a bit bored. (Original) Soy enfermero. Disfrute como un enano. Recomendable si OS gusta la anatomía, aluciné. Entradas familiar 16£, las niñas se aburrieron un poco.

g.

(Translated) A curious place to visit, a small museum with situations recreated with mannequins. Old and curious objects. It is worth visiting. (Original) Sitio curioso para visitar, museo pequeñito con situaciones recreadas con maniquís. Objetos antiguos y curiosos. Merece la pena visitarlo.

y. ..

(Translated) Very nice museum (Original) Très beau musée

B. B.

(Translated) Nice museum, but so much reading material that you can stay for a very long time. Unfortunately I didn't have that time. (Original) Leuk museum, maar zo vreselijk veel leesvoer dat je erg lang kan verblijven. Die tijd had ik helaas niet.

S. D.

(Translated) Very interesting. Small but well staged. Lots of exciting documentation to read. Free entrance 😊 (Original) Très intéressant. Petit mais bien mis en scène. Beaucoup de documentation passionnante à lire. Entrée gratuite 😊

G. C.

(Translated) Nice little museum almost at the end of the Royal street. What I liked the most is that it is free. (Original) bonito y pequeño museo casi al final de la Royal street. Lo que más me gustó es que es gratuito.

H. K.

(Translated) Nice museum, free entrance (Original) Leuk museum, gratis entree

G. L.

(Translated) Admission is free, there are many wax figures, showing the lives of citizens. (Original) 免費入館，有許多蠟像，展示市民生活。

A.

Ein tolles Museum. Echt eingerichtet und kostenlos. Auf jedenfall einen Besuch wert! (Translated) A great museum. Really set up and free. Definitely worth a visit!

T. S.

Lovely museum telling the peoples story of Edinburgh

G. P.

(Translated) Small and free and well worth it. Another perspective of Scottish history by part of its people (Original) Pequeño y gratuito y vale mucho la pena. Otra perspectiva de la historia escocesa ppr parte de su pueblo

H. P.

Nettes kleines Museum mit Alltagsdingen! (Translated) Nice little museum with everyday things!

G. M.

(Translated) Interesting museum in a very beautiful building. Free and worth the detour! (Original) Musée intéressant dans une très belle bâtisse. Gratuit et vaut le détour !

M. S.

(Translated) Small museum very quickly visited very interesting on 19/20th century Scottish life (Original) Petit musée très vite visité très intéressant sur la vie 19/20eme siècle ecossais

M. G.

(Translated) Great for shelter from the rain (Original) Отлично чтобы укрыться от дождя

A. C.

(Translated) Free museum, it's good to spend a while, you see things and you're entertained. But nothing from the other world. (Original) Museo gratuito, para echar un rato está bien, ves cosas y te entretienes. Pero nada del otro mundo.

V. R.

(Translated) Interesting museum, few like this. About people's stories. (Original) Interesante museo, pocos cómo este. Sobre las historias de las personas.

M. A. S.

(Translated) Original, made in an old house. There are mannequins representing the history of Edinburgh (Original) Original, hecho en una antigua casa. Hay maniquís representando la historia de Edimburgo

V. M.

(Translated) I loved knowing the other side of the monarchies ... The real people who forged the country (Original) Me encanto conocer la otra cara de las monarquías... La gente real y que forjó el pais

E. B. N.

(Translated) It is tiny but it is worth visiting and on top of that it is free (Original) Es pequeñito pero merece la pena visitarlo y encima es gratuito

T.

Excellent for understanding the nuance of historic Edinburgh in colorful ways! All ages appropriate. And FREE

P. G.

(Translated) Interesting museum of the history of the people (Original) Interesante museo de la historia de las personas

Y. T. T.

(Translated) Walking and shopping, there are many good places for shopping (Original) 边走边逛，有许多购物的好去处

J. B.

(Translated) Nice place could spend many hours there (Original) Dejlig sted kunne godt bruge mange timer der

S. A. G. S.

(Translated) Free museum about Edinburgh people, workers etc (Original) Museo gratuito sobre la gente de Edimburgo, trabajadores etc

F. B.

(Translated) I really recommend it if you visit Scotland. (Original) La verdad que lo recomiendo si visitas Escocia.

S. W.

(Translated) Learn about the life of the people of Edinburgh for nearly a century (Original) 了解愛丁堡人民近百年生活

J. C. F.

(Translated) See the people of the time. In your day to day. Super interesting. (Original) Ver la gente de la época. En su día a día. Super interesante.

E. S.

interessantes kleines Museum, Eintritt frei, (Translated) interesting little museum, free entry,

S. E. E.

L. R.

(Translated) Excellent display on how people lived (Original) Excelente muestra sobre cómo vivía la gente

C. W.

We stumbled upon this unique gem of a museum by chance. It was free (donations encouraged) and very fun. The layout is architecturally interesting and the building has a fascinating history. I particularly enjoyed trying on all the clothes upstairs.

P. M.

(Translated) Wonderful stained glass. A fabulous temple (Original) Maravillosas vidrieras. Un templo fabuloso

C.

Von außen unscheinbar, innen aber sehr interessant! (Translated) Unassuming from the outside, but very interesting inside!

J. B. D. L. C. D.

(Translated) I review the times through which Edinburgh has passed. (Original) Repaso a las epocas por las que ha pasado Edimburgo.

J. P. M. D. P.

(Translated) Well, admit more care. Limited (Original) Bien, admite más cuidado. Limitado

P. M.

M. V.

F. D.

Interessante Einblicke in die Lebensweise der Menschen in Edinburgh. (Translated) Interesting insight into the way people live in Edinburgh.

B.

M. T.

C. B.

(Translated) Very interesting and free (Original) Très intéressant et gratuit

L. L.

A museum in "the old style". Meaning lots of texts and display with mannequins and not much modern technology. The People's Story Museum tells the tale of the normal people of Edinburgh and how they lived, it is unfortunate though that they tell very little personal tales. Maybe these simply don't exist anymore, but it seems odd that there are not any bits or pieces of diaries to be found anywhere in the historical records. Therefore it seems like a rather general tale that is there to be told. This is a tale that does get overlooked in other museums that focus on the bigger picture of history, and the grand tales of kings and queens of the past. By the way, be prepared for old-museum-smell: a tad dusty, lots of old wood, and the windows haven't been opened in a while making the air rather stale. Still, for a nice little break from walking outside this place is a good hide out to kill half an hour to an hour. It is free, running on volunteers and donations only so you get to choose if you want little museums like these to continue to exist. In the history of Museums themselves they are invaluable as they portray a part of history themselves.

K. P.

This was a fascinating museum to visit, with two floors that can easily be navigated around using the signs. Exhibits show the history of the working class in Edinburgh and their conditions, including models, artefacts and images, while the toilets were kept fully clean!

G. B.

(Translated) Done very well! (Original) Fatto benissimo!

P. R. C.

(Translated) It is to see how things were before (Original) Es ver como era antes las cosas

M. R. B.

(Translated) Simply wonderful. (Original) Maravilloso simplemente.

M. S.

J. G.

(Translated) Curious balcony on its facade (Original) Curioso balcón en su fachada

M. G.

А. Р.

(Translated) Great museum (Original) Отличный музей

L. G.

M. L.

Interesting little museum detailing the lives, living conditions and livelihoods of the people of Edinburgh from the 1800s to present day.

S. C.

Hadn't visited here before so popped in for a quick visit - a good size, with a focus on the 'real' people of Edinburgh, rather than the famous names. It covers up until the early 1990s and some things are a bit dated, but for a free museum can't complain! Particularly enjoyed the room with the various professions, and how they compared men to women. There are some stairs, but there also appeared to be a lift for those with mobility issues. A small gift shop and toilets are available.

K. R.

Great museum, really good for adults and children , definitely worth a visit

R. C.

Wow! Everyone should go there. I decided to skip on the Castle and the classic museums as I felt I had done enough of that and went to the People's Story. I would recommend this to everyone that is interested in learning more about the people and society of Edinburgh through the years, as told through real people of Edinburgh! There's a lot of very interesting information and testimonies about an array of subjects. It is free but I'd recommend donating anything you can affors to keep this going, it really was worth it!

M. X.

Awesome, intimate museum. What I love about this country is that "small" doesn't mean insignificant or shoddy. The layout and display were very informative. The curators wanted convey a sense of appreciation and pride in the working people whose contributions aren't acknowledged in the fancier, larger museums. It's conveniently located to several major landmarks/attractions like Museum of Edinburgh and Canongate Kirk. Only self-guided tours. The space is small and there are 3 floors. There are elevators.

D. C.

Very interesting, stimulating place.

J.

A great little find on the Royal Mile! We just stumbled across it - free to get in, and tells the story of life in Edinburgh over the centuries...makes you appreciate how hard it was to live in earlier times in the UK, particularly in Victorian times. Gave it a 4 out of 5 as the video on the top floor is difficult to hear on the TV...and maybe a little difficult to understand if you're not a native Scot...perhaps subtitles underneath on screen?

J. B.

This is probably the coolest small museum in Edinburgh that nobody outside of Scotland has heard of. The story of the people and their struggles and lives is incredible, honest, and endearing. Go to this place! Make a donation to keep it alive. Ask lots of questions, the staff wandering around are happy to chat with you.

J. Y.

Visited with my wife. Anyone interested in social history MUST go. Staff really helpful with one giving a very good impression of Edinburgh's favourite bus driver aka James Bond (Sean Connery). Exhibits very clear helping the visitor to understand changes to employment, housing etc. over 2 Centuries. Will return.

B. S.

The couple that run this shop are exceptional. Small but creative space. Great for by gifts and personal use. If you like alternative then take a peak inside this magical place.

A. W.

We had an amazing visit to the Peoples Story Museum today, it was a fantastic insight into Edinburgh life in a by gone age. The staff were very welcoming,warm, friendly and informative. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

F. B.

For those who want to know about the history of the people in Edinburgh through the years this is a great place. It is free, the images and characters at the sceneries are very "real"'. Does not take long to see it all.

G. T.

A museum about common people and their daily lives and history in Edinburgh

K. L.

I enjoyed learning about the history of the lower and middle class of Edinburgh residents. It was a welcomed change of pace from the lives of royalty. And I really enjoyed all the real(istic) stories of local people from the times that they talked about.

C. K.

I’d read The People’s Story was unique in that it focused on Edinburgh’s working-class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century. Being part of the American working class, there’s an unspoken kinship between working folks. I love the fact The People’s Story was all about regular folks (like me) and what their struggles. I loved the layout of the museum; it took me on a journey from the humble beginnings as a jail to the 20th century and the “punk” area. What I loved mostly was hearing the words of Edinburgh’s people from their own mouths. The displays and recreations were fascinating, but hearing it from the mouths of the people who lived it was chilling and captivating. If visiting Edinburgh, make time to visit The People’s Story.

E. G.

Different view of what it was like living in Edinburgh over the past many years. Some personal stories of people living in the area during different times. When you walk in, they suggest walking all the way to the top and take your time coming back.

Z. H. (. S.

A very interesting place to visit and get to know about the people in Scotland. They describe the lives of common people, the public and the female. People's culture and taste is emphasized here and the trend to gender equality can be shown here. And it's free!

N. T.

Free to enter and enjoyable by all, some great stories of peoples lives that takes you back through the ages and let's you get a feel for what Glasgow was really like. This is a great place to while away an hour.

N. P.

Free entry to the 16th century tolbooth houses a social history museum tracing city life. It gives a unique insight into Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century. It is displayed over 3 floors tableaux, original objects, images and personal stories to reveal their fascinating history. Individual tours soaking Scottish history at your own pace. Took us nearly an hour. Free toilets on the top floor. I recommend combining with a visit to the museum of Edinburgh on the opposite side of the Royal Mile.

A. G.

Great wee museum. Free. Interesting arrangement of glimpses into the past and recent past spread out over a few floors. An hour or so here will do it. Combine it with a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh which is directly across the road.

S. K.

It may not look appealing to some people but it is a great place to discover how people used to live in the city. It goes through history and shares stories... plus the place has free entry.

M. N.

When visiting somewhere Iike to learn a bit of it's history. This was a great place to do that. Loved how passionate the staff were and it really got through to the two 11 year olds we were with. What more could you want for free? Definitely worth taking a small part out of your day to visit.

J.

One of the few museums that deserve 5 stars among all the cities I´ve visited. It is about the life of ordinary people in Edinburgh from 16th century till now, and this is a change, where all palaces and pretty buildings speak about the rich (bastards). Don´t fool yourself, you are ordinary so this is your museum. This tells how your life would have been should you have been born 200 years ago. Includes gender perspective which is very necessary. Escape the brainless flock queueing at castle of Edinburgh and don´t miss this one.

P. T.

Quirky museum just off the 'Royal mile'. Very educational about local living conditions and industry over the last 100 years or so. Definitely worth a visit (and free admission of course 👍)

J. M.

Quirky social history of Edinburgh. Worth a browse. Not too large so won't suck up loads of time browsing every detail. Free toilets on the top floor.

P. P.

great museum. lovely exhibition. FREE!! And the friendliest most flexible staff i have ever encountered in a museum. not to be missed if you visit edinburgj with a schoolgroup

J. B.

The People's Story has the sights and sounds of Edinburgh from a bygone era. Younger children will enjoy the replica rooms while older visitors might like the exhibitions of various protests and struggles.

B. B.

Just a small musuem free of charge. Some nice displays and a bit of an insight into the recent history of Edinburgh's inhabitants worth a look.

N. V.

It's an OK place to drop by for an hour or even less and check it out, some scenes are quite interesting. But by and large it's not a big missing if you skip the place.

D. M.

What a lovely and interesting place. It brings back a lot of happy memories. It's free entry but well worth a donation

M.

Old-fashioned but interesting museum chronicling the history of Edinburgh’s working class. Friendly staff, and free admission.

F. R.

Small museums that shares the occupations of peoples in Edinburgh

m.

What an interesting museum that covers the life and work of ordinary people. It's a medium sized museum over three floors with a mixture of mock-ups, exhibits and history lessons. Essentially the museum is all about the the working classes of Edinburgh over the last 200/300 years. The first floor gives a glimpse of how hard life would've been for the poorest working in the lowest status jobs 300 years ago. Then as you move up the floors, the exhibits turns towards pre-modern times and the typical jobs of the working classes, with lots of exhibits and information about jobs such as dockers, malters, fish-wifes etc and the rise of unionism that lead to better working conditions. Finally on the third floor covers the modern period with lots of mock-up such as typical working class house, wash-houses (laundrettes washing by hand I think). A fantastic visit.

r.

Fascinating insights into the people's history of Edinburgh. Entrance by donation, with a lovely gift shop and friendly informative staff.

R. T.

Excellent museum. Free entry. Good depiction of local life and history. Well worth a visit.

S. R.

Interesting museum. But it feels a bit dated and in need of a refresh. No interactive exhibits so get ready for a lot of reading!

R. E.

Gorgeous, it's a small place, full of history, not the one with big H, but the one of common people like me and you. Take a visit!

P. D.

A great old building in the toolbooth good stories and friendly staff up in the attic area there is a movie room the wind blows through the stonework and is quite creepy,good fun

A. B.

Very nice museum but I think it could be more interactive stuff to make it more interesting.

R. H.

Great free place. Covers history from way back till 1980s. Well worth the visit.

L. R.

Interesting history about how people lived in Edinburgh during different time periods and located in the Tollbooth, which is cool in and of itself.

H. S.

Gorgeous , I liked it a lot there is different stories about people's history in Edinburg in addition the staff were so friendly.

D. V.

Very interesting and lively evocation of the working class. I found it a bit too one-sided and political correct. But a must see still.

B. T.

We revisited here today after approx 10 years. It was fabulous! We went in especially to see if there was still the kitchen display of a tenement flat....it was still there, we were thrilled! The kitchen is almost identical to my husband's nana's house; she lived in the same street from where the display in the museum came from. We got talking to a museum guide, very pleasant, knowledgeable chap.

C. M.

Such an interesting museum! It has a flowing story and the artifacts are relevant and help in the story telling!

A. R.

very interesting social history museum. The real stories of people are detailed and really bring you close to their era.

L. N.

I am so pleased I took the time to step inside very interesting and simply but effective displays and interpretation

E. C.

Great place to visit. Be warned lots of stairs but really interesting.

C. B.

Quite interesting showing life for people in Edinburgh thru the ages. Glad im alive today!

T.

Absolutely fascinating social history of Edinburgh beautifully displayed. Well worth a visit.

I. B.

A place that you want to walk in with its special outlook.

H. M.

An interesting, well set out museum on Royal Mile. Spent over an hour there.

O. S.

A museum about living in 16th-18th century Edinburgh,jobs and earning of different occupations are exhibited here.

I. B.

Nice to hear about the working man for a change. A stark contrast to the story told by the castle.

m. j.

Very interesting little museum, showing the social history of Edinburgh. Free entrance but it's nice to give a donation

h. k.

Anything about Edinburgh deserves five stars in my opinion... have never been disappointed...

N. W.

One of the very interesting museums. Don't miss it.

T. L.

Very thorough and a great way to connect with the lifestyles of people in centuries past.

C. S.

Didn't enter, but captured a photo of the lovely sign outside.

A. S.

Great little place loads of info

M. A.

Lovely little museum, great friendly and knowledgeable staff.

J. C.

Enjoyed it, plus side as with most other museums, it was free.

G. C.

Lovely little place, good varied food and friendly service, fully recommended!!

W. P.

Excellent free admission friendly staff well worth a visit

O. F.

Nice and cosy. Would like to see more people's story:)

C. C.

Very nice museum with very friendly staff, the exhibits give you a sneak peek into the lives of the ordinary people of Edinburgh over the centuries, worth a visit

G. G.

What a fantastic place takes you right back to how things were 50 odd years ago

m. m.

Free museum about life through the eras living in Edinburgh. Half way along the Royal Mile

M. J.

Free entry, informative, staff helpful. You should visit

S. B.

A great little museum suitable for all ages.

E. B.

Great display of history. Loved the building and the area.

R. W.

Loved this place! Great history of working-class Scots

K. P.

Interesting, and hilarous if you know the history behind the wax figures

M. M.

Small museum with fun facts about the old days in the city

T. W.

Good day out and to see one of my old work calleg on fillm on the top floor

J. N.

Great museum and place to learn about Edinburgh past!

K. H.

Great little museum, well worth looking out for, tells the story of ordinary people.

l. h.

Nice museum with more modern history.

A. L.

Really interesting. Makes you realise how lucky we are.

A. B.

Very interesting and free, what more could you ask?

C. B.

Very interesting museum lots to see

T. M.

Provides good information about people's lives in Edinburgh through the centuries

M. G.

a bit of history. worth a look.Free entrance

C. T.

Interesting learning the history... worth a visit

A. O.

Interesting stories. Makes you go back in time.

A.

One of Edinburgh's museums covering the capital's history and life of it's people.

L. B.

Very interesting and nice displays.

V. B.

Very interesting displays in an atmospheric setting. Staff were helpful and informative. A real eye opener into the lives of ordinary people. I will go back there.

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