It’s a chance to venture into those places you pass all the time but never go inside.
Edinburgh’s Doors Open Days are next weekend - Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. More than 100 buildings in the Capital are taking part, offering visitors a glimpse behind the scenes.
Doors Open is Scotland’s largest free festival of culture, architecture and heritage. It happens on different dates in different places. Midlothian and West Lothian have already had theirs. East Lothian’s falls this weekend, the same as Edinburgh’s.
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 21 buildings featured here and decide which ones you want to visit.
And look out for more to come.
5. National Library of Scotland, Causewayside
The National Library of Scotland’s Causewayside Building is an iconic piece of modern architecture purpose built to house the library's collections. Map display; drop-in games and craft activities for all ages; and an opportunity to try interpreting old hand writing. Behind the scenes tours must be pre-booked: https://www.nls.uk/whats-on/doors-open-day-tours-causewayside/ Address: 33 Salisbury Place, EH9 1SL. Open: Saturday, September 26, 12-4.30pm. | Scottish Civic Trust
6. National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge
The National Library of Scotland building on George IV Bridge was opened in 1956.It is the country’s largest library, with over 34 million items in its collection, including not only books and manuscripts, but newspapers, magazines, sounds and film collections, maps and more. Doors Open Day activities include drop-in games and activities for all ages. Behind-the-scenes tours are already sold out. Address: George IV Bridge, EH1 1EW. Open: Sunday September 27, 10am - 4pm. | NLS Photo: Eoin Carey
7. National Records of Scotland
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) collect, preserve and produce information about Scotland's people and history and make it available to inform current and future generations. The records, from the 12th to the 21st centuries, touch on virtually every aspect of Scottish life. Robert Adam’s neoclassical General Register House General Register House is their main building. Activities include free family history taster sessions and tours of the building. Visitors are asked to book tours in advance: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/national-records-of-scotland-13420221531. Address: 2 Princes Street, EH1 3YY. Open: Saturday September 26, 10am-4pm. | Scottish Civic Trust
8. Newhaven Church of Scotland
The main church building was converted to flat 20 years ago and the church now meets in the basement. The multi-purpose space serves both as a worship place and also a community facility. There will be stalls showing some of the activities and tours of the converted flats in the heart of the original church. Address: 7 Craighall Road, EH6 4ND. Open: Sunday, September 27, 1-5pm. | Google