This weekend, from the 15th – 17th May, museums around Scotland will be surprising visitors with a series of weird and wonderful attractions for the annual Festival of Museums. The celebrations will include music, dancing, art, workshops and much more. You can find the full programme at www.festivalofmuseums.com but here are our top picks for Edinburgh.
A Scandal in Surgeons’ Hall
Surgeons’ Hall, Saturday 16th May, 7.30 – 11pm, £10
Dance the night away with a traditional Scottish ceilidh band, solve a murder mystery, look into your future with a fortune teller and prepare to be blown away by magic. This event will be held in a spectacular Victorian style so be sure to dress accordingly!
Burke’s Blood – an unexpected discovery
University Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Friday 15th May, 4.30 – 5.30pm, Free
This event will take place in Edinburgh University’s famous Anatomy Lecture theatre, which dates from 1884. The University will lead a tour through some of their rare book collections which unveil the dark side of Edinburgh. Some of the books are connected to the famous Sherlock Holmes author, Arthur Conan Doyle and the famous Burke and Hare killings of 1828.
Capturing the Dark Side
University Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Friday 15th May, 8.00 – 9.30pm, Talk: Free, Workshop: £5
Learn how to capture stunning images in Edinburgh from the creator of Dark Edinburgh Photography. There will be a talk in Edinburgh University’s Anatomy Lecture Theatre followed by the chance for a small group to attend a short practical workshop and walking tour before finishing in a ‘dark’ Edinburgh pub.
Edinburgh Renaissance Band at the Castle
Lauriston Castle, Friday 15th May 7.30 – 9.00pm, £15
Step back in time to the 1600s and enjoy an evening of entertainment worthy of Sir Archibald Napier, the first resident of Lauriston Castle. There will be a rich selection of vocal and instrumental music taken from the Renaissance when Scottish poets and composers were collaborating with fellow writers and musicians across Europe.