More than 100 venues will throw their doors open to the public this weekend, September 26 and 27, as part of Scotland’s biggest heritage festival.
Doors Open takes place every year, offering people free access to buildings, unique experiences and a new perspective on the spaces that help shape Edinburgh.
Churches, historic buildings, museums, galleries, businesses and modern homes welcome visitors for a look behind the scenes.
This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine, invites participating venues and visitors to explore how Edinburgh’s built heritage is being protected, adapted for new uses, and reimagined for the future.
We’ve already featured some of the buildings in the Capital which will be opening their doors to the public:
Scroll through the 23 buildings featured here and decide which ones you want to visit.
And look out for more to come.
17. Freemasons' Hall, George Street
Freemasons' Hall in George Street is the headquarters of Scottish freemasonry and the historic building - with its elegant stairway under beautiful gilded dome and the spectacular Grand Hall - is steeped in the history of Scottish freemasonry throughout the world. There will be full access to the 'public areas' of the building, including the Grand Hall, the Grand Committee Room, the Museum and Library. Address: 96 George Street, EH2 3DH. Open: Saturday, September 26, 11am - 4pm.
18. Library of Mistakes, Melville Street Lane
The Library of Mistakes first opened in March 2014 and moved to its current premises in March 2022. The library's collection is focused on business and financial history, the errors made and the lessons to be learned. There will be talks during the day and a chance to tour the collection. Address: 33A Melville Street Lane, EH3 7QB. Open: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 10am - 3pm. There will be short talks about the library at 10.30am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 3pm.
19. The Lost Close
The Lost Close is a hidden underground space just off the Royal Mile. The original close was buried after the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824 and lay hidden for nearly 200 years before being rediscovered during renovations in 2019. Today, The Lost Close is home to small group whisky and gin tastings, led by expert storytellers. It has partnered with the Old Edinburgh Club for Doors Open Day to provide tours and share their ongoing research. Tours on the hour - book in advance: ttps://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/98595a9c-a432-4727-9ad9-84008cbc4d99/experience/1234782 Address: 1 Barrie’s Close, EH1 1RF. Open: Saturday, September 26, 11am-5pm | Scottish Civic Trust
20. The National Robotarium
This is a world-leading centre for robotics and artificial intelligence. Visitors will be able to tour its hi-spec labs for Human-Robot Interaction, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, watch live demonstrations of cutting-edge robotics and AI technology, and meet quadruped robotic dogs and the humanoid robot Ameca. Suitable for ages 5+. Online booking is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/doors-open-days-2026-at-the-national-robotarium-4860520/ Address: Boundary Road North, Third Gait, Heriot Watt University, EH14 4AS. Open: Saturday September 26, 10am-4pm. | Scottish Civic Trust