Welcome
The People’s Story explores the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people at work and play from the late 18th century to today. Visitors can see displays showing a bookbinder’s workshop, a wartime kitchen and much more, all packed with real objects. You can even see a former jail, an original part of this historic building.
The People’s Story is housed in the Canongate Tollbooth, a Royal Mile landmark built in 1591 and used in the past to conduct burgh affairs, collect taxes and as a jail. Visitors can imagine the ghostly rattle of the jailor’s keys as they peer into an original cell.
Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Ground floor exhibition spaceVisitor receptionGround floor accessible toiletFirst floorAccess with steps
There are steps from the main entrance to:
Second floor: exhibition space and third floor: video roomHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
For further information on accessible travel in Scotland, go to Transport Scotland.Travel by public transport
If not using public transport and travelling via foot to Princes Street, we recommend travelling via Jeffrey Street, then Market Street opposed to via the Royal Mile. Jeffrey Street is downhill, sloped and wheelchair accessible as there are no stairs.
Travel by taxi
If you require a taxi, please contact the front desk and they will be happy to help you.
Parking
The Museum is located on the Royal Mile, which gets very busy during the day. There is no on-street parking and restricted drop-off areas. However, there is a bus stop with a dropped kerb outside the museum. A quick drop-off is then possible, but it is difficult to wait for people for a long period of time.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
It is a push and pull door. The desk is on the opposite side of the door so the staff can help you anytime.
Getting around inside
Lift
Lift to first floor exhibit
Ticket/ information desk
Visitor reception
Large print guides are available at the main desk, please ask to borrow it. The reception is always staffed if you have any questions or queries concerning your visit.
Ground floor exhibition space
The ground floor layout is open plan and then, some on the display labels are not readable from a seated position.On some days, there are volunteers in the space who would be happy to answer your questions about the exhibits.
Public toilet
Ground floor accessible toilet
There is also a baby changing facility is the accessible toilet room.
First floor
You can access the first floor both by stairs and lift. There are 16 steps up to the first floor and a banister.
Second floor: exhibition space and third floor: video room
The second floor exhibit is not accessible for wheelchair users. There is also a video room located on the top floor but accessible via a narrow staircase. the door at the top of the stairs is 750mm wide and only 1650mm high.
Getting around outside
Customer care support
Large print guides are available at the main desk in the entrance.
Emergency evacuation procedures
There is an evacuation chair for wheelchair users on the first floor which the staff are trained to use.
Customer care support