Doors Open Days

An annual nation-wide festival which offers free access to over a thousand venues across Scotland, the festival aims to ensure that the country’s spaces and stories, both new and old, are made accessible to everyone to discover and enjoy.

Edinburgh’s programme takes place from 27 to 28 September 2025. Whether you want to peek inside an 18^th century farm steading, visit the oldest and largest law library in Scotland, explore behind-the-scenes of a 140 year old theatre, or take a tour of a working courtroom, this is a great way to see inside many of the city’s fascinating buildings, many of which are not normally open to the public.

Visitors will be able to take part in a range of events, including tours and workshops to celebrate the theme of this year’s programme: Architectural Heritage: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future.

Some of the venues taking part in the Edinburgh 2025 programme include:

• McEwan Hall, University of Edinburgh. This iconic Grade A listed building was presented to the University in 1897 by William McEwan as a ceremonial hall for graduations and as a gift to the people of Edinburgh.

• Abbey Strand Centre, Holyrood. Discover more about the colourful past of this 500 year old building at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which has had a variety of uses, including a 16^th weapons store and a sanctuary for debtors in the 19^th century.
• Adam Smith’s Panmure House. This is a rare opportunity to see the Edinburgh home of Adam Smith, the Scottish economist and philosopher who was a key figure during the Scottish Enlightenment. Visitors will have the chance to explore the house at their own pace, plus, a selection of artefacts uncovered during the restoration of Panmure House will be on display, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of Adam Smith and the House’s former residents.
• Royal Observatory Edinburgh. This working site is where cutting-edge science takes place every day. Meet astronomers and engineers who work here, get hands-on with astronomy crafts and the chance to handle meteorites, as well as taking a tour of the telescope dome.

• Edinburgh Central Library. Since opening in 1890, this expansive library has been providing a valuable service to Edinburgh residents and visitors. Behind the scenes tours will offer an insight into this remarkable building.
• National Galleries of Scotland, Granton Art Centre. Wall to wall with paintings, see where some of the National Galleries of Scotland’s magnificent collection is stored when it’s not on public display.
• The Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh. A place of innovation and technological advancement, the Bayes Centre is the University of Edinburgh’s Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Discover more on a guided tour.
• Northern Lighthouse Board. This impressive building on George Street has been the headquarters of the Northern Lighthouse Board since 1832, distinguished by a miniature working lighthouse at the entrance. It is from here that the network of lights across Scotland and the Isle of Man are remotely monitored.

Pre-booking is required for most events. The full Edinburgh programme is available on Doors Open Days.