Housed in an old noble’s city mansion and hidden away in a quiet courtyard, this museum provides an enlightening look at the lives of Scotland’s most famous writers.
Climb the narrow staircases of a secluded 17th-century house to find the Writers’ Museum. This quirky attraction focuses on the work of Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott in three rooms dedicated to their lives. The historic location cements the appeal of this little-known site in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Look for the museum in an old home, known as Lady Stair’s House, which dates back to 1622 and once belonged to a Scottish noble family. It remained in private hands until it was given to the city in 1907.
Start your visit downstairs. The rooms here are dedicated to the work of Robert Louis Stevenson and visitors are greeted by one of his novels being read aloud over the speakers. The displays include items such as the writer's personal effects and a first edition A Child’s Garden of Verses. See the carved ring and other artifacts from Stevenson’s years in Samoa before he died.
The next floor features exhibits on Sir Walter Scott and Scotland's most famous poet Robert Burns. See a reconstruction of a Victorian dining room where Scott wrote. Hear poetry read in authentic Scottish accents. Read information boards about the lives of these famous authors, learn about their literary successes and discover their lesser-known works. Contemporary portraits of the writers hang on the museum walls.
Ascend to the top of the stairwell to look at a replica of a printing press. This scene was modeled on the publication of Scott's novel Waverley. Cross the balcony of the main hall for pictures of other famous wordsmiths from the country and read parts of their works in the mini-library. Purchase copies of the writers’ books and other literary items in the gift shop.
Reach the Writers' Museum in a courtyard next to the Royal Mile, less than a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday every week and Sundays in August. Admission is free.
