Museum Collections Centre

Broughton Market itself is the site of the 19th century flesh, fish and poultry market. It was later built as a works and garage and in 1994 was taken over by the City of Edinburgh Council as a Museum store. It  was refurbished in 2004 with the help of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

See some of the diverse collections of the City of Edinburgh Council Museums that are currently in storage: this is where we conserve the heritage of the city for the future. Knowledgeable staff can show objects of general interest relating to working life, domestic life and the community life of the Edinburgh area.

Most of our objects relate to Edinburgh and surrounding area, from cannon balls to carved stones, from hairdryers and early televisions to fittings from old buildings, there are collections relating to bygone industries and long gone organisations.

Scottish manufacturing may be of specialist interest, but has produced  beautiful quality and decorative pottery and glass. There is something for everyone in the childhood section from dolls houses to train sets. All objects have stories to tell us, who made them, who used them and what they were for - we can tell you some of these stories. See the past in the present. Many objects are boxed for conservation although there is still much on open display for viewing.

Collections are available for research by appointment with the relevant curator. General tours are on the first Tuesday of the month at 2 pm and 3pm, or by appointment.