Museum on the Mound, Edinburgh - A sidewalk at Helsingborg, Sweden
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Museum on the Mound Edinburgh

4.5
·771 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover the history of money and banking in Scotland at this free, engaging museum on Edinburgh's iconic Mound.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Museum on the Mound, Edinburgh - A sidewalk at Helsingborg, Sweden

Museum on the Mound Edinburgh

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the history of money and banking in Scotland at this free, engaging museum on Edinburgh's iconic Mound.

4.5
(771 reviews)

"A free museum about history of money. Surely recommend if you really wanna know the history of money and finances in the UK."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy this fascinating museum without spending a penny! Donations are welcome.

⏰ Allow an Hour

You'll need about 60 minutes to fully explore the exhibits and try the interactive games.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The £1 Million Display

The £1 Million Display

Main Exhibition Hall

See a staggering amount of cash in a single display case – a truly unique sight!

Scotland's Oldest Banknote

Scotland's Oldest Banknote

Banking History Exhibit

Discover the origins of Scottish currency and its evolution through historical artifacts.

Interactive Safe Cracking

Interactive Safe Cracking

Security Exhibit

Test your skills and try to crack the safe – a fun, engaging challenge for all ages!

Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big Rewards

This museum offers free admission, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option in Edinburgh. Plan for about an hour to explore the fascinating history of money and banking. It's a great way to experience a less crowded, more personal museum visit. Reddit

Location & Timing

Situated on The Mound, between the Old and New Towns, it's easily accessible. Consider an evening visit for fewer crowds and beautiful city views, as suggested by travelers. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Start your day with history
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Museum Context at 📍 40 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW - there are many Harry Potter shops in edinburgh but this one has by far the best selection of merch and photo ops! Located on the street that inspired diagon alley. I got the cuuuutest black family tree tote bag and I’m obsessed 😍 #BookTok #harrypotter #potterhead #edinburgh #fyp
@readmhorbooks
87.4K likes • 431.7K views

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy this fascinating museum without spending a penny! Donations are welcome. Reddit+1

⏰ Allow an Hour

You'll need about 60 minutes to fully explore the exhibits and try the interactive games. Reddit

MUSEUM OF THE MOUND #scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 To fascynujące muzeum, znajdujące się w historycznej siedzibie Banku Szkocji, prezentuje świeże spojrzenie na pieniądze – i wiele, wiele więcej. Sztuka i design, technologia, przestępczość , handel i bezpieczeństwo . Muzeum na Kopcu to muzeum w Edynburgu w Szkocji, które koncentruje się na pieniądzach , monetach i ekonomii . Znajduje się w budynku Centrali B...
henlub50
2.1K likes • 0 views
Evening stroll in Edinburgh. Best time to take pictures and explore. And avoid big crowds. 📍Museum on the Mound. #edinburgh #edinburghcity #hiddenedinburgh #edinburghscotland #visitedinburgh #scotlandtravel #scotlandtrip #scotland_greatshots #travelphotography #travelgram #instatravel #travelpics #affordableluxury #instatravel #voyage #ecosse #cityviews #city_features #cityphotography #architectu...
allthingsnice1900
129 likes • 0 views

📸 Evening Ambiance

Visit in the evening for beautiful city views and fewer people. Instagram

💰 See £1 Million!

Don't miss the impressive display of one million pounds in cash. InstagramReddit

Beautiful buildings all around💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💜 📍Museum on the Mound (just off the Royal Mile) • • #edinburgh #scotland #visitscotland #travel #edinburghscotland #thisisedinburgh #edinburghlife #visitedinburgh #edinburghsnapshots #travelphotography #edimburgo #unlimitededinburgh #igersscotland #edinburghstory #edinphoto #lovescotland #uk #travelblogger #discoveredinburgh #edinburghspotlight #instaedinb...
edinburgh_love
125 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission Gem

Enjoy this fascinating museum without spending a penny! Donations are welcome. Reddit+1

⏰ Allow an Hour

You'll need about 60 minutes to fully explore the exhibits and try the interactive games. Reddit

📸 Evening Ambiance

Visit in the evening for beautiful city views and fewer people. Instagram

💰 See £1 Million!

Don't miss the impressive display of one million pounds in cash. InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Engaging trails and interactive exhibits make it great for families. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(771 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Museum on the Mound for its fascinating exhibits on money and banking history, especially the unique £1 million display and interactive safe-cracking game. It's highly recommended as a free, educational, and surprisingly engaging experience, perfect for families and those seeking off-the-beaten-path attractions. Some find it less engaging if they aren't interested in finance, but most agree it's a worthwhile hour-long visit.

"I had such a great time at Museum on the Mound! It’s not your typical tourist attraction, there were hardly any crowds, and that made it feel very peaceful and personal. The collection of old money and banking history is fascinating, and it’s laid out in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re not an expert. There’s also a fun little game you can play during your visit, which I found exciting. Its not every day a museum lets you win something! I’d highly recommend stopping by if you want something off the beaten path that’s still fun, educational, and surprisingly interactive."

Fikha Rahmadina

"A free museum about history of money. Surely recommend if you really wanna know the history of money and finances in the UK. I thoroughly enjoyed the museum but its boring for some people. Allow yourself a good 1 hour there and do try cracking the safe open. The staff is friendly as well. It’s all free so give it a try."

UK Photo Journey

"Great free-entry museum. You learn some interesting things about the history of money and banking in Scotland and the UK, but also some cool facts about other countries. It's worth a visit. Put aside about 1 hour of your time if you intend to go in."

Cristina Berci

What People Like

Free admission
Fascinating history
Interactive games

What People Dislike

Can be boring for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Museum on the Mound is located on The Mound, a central street connecting the Old and New Towns. It's easily walkable from Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Reddit You can also use public transport to the city center and walk from there. The nearest major transport hubs are Edinburgh Waverley train station and various bus stops along Princes Street. Reddit

On-street parking in central Edinburgh can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If you must drive, look for city center car parks like the one at Waverley Station or on St James Street. Reddit

Look for The Mound, a prominent street situated between the National Gallery and the University of Edinburgh's School of Divinity. The museum is housed within the historic Bank of Scotland building on this street. Reddit

Yes, numerous bus routes stop in the city center, close to The Mound. Check Lothian Buses for specific routes and schedules that serve Princes Street or George Street. Reddit

While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the museum, many central Edinburgh attractions are working towards better accessibility. It's advisable to contact them in advance if you have specific needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Museum on the Mound is completely free! While there's no charge, donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the museum. Reddit+1

No, advance booking is not typically required as entry is free. You can usually just walk in. However, for special events or group visits, it's always best to check their official website. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Museum on the Mound website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Yes, the museum is very child-friendly with interactive exhibits and trails designed to engage younger visitors. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! While entry is free, donations are highly encouraged and appreciated to support the museum's operations and exhibits. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the fascinating history of money, banking, and finance in Scotland and beyond. Highlights include Scotland's oldest banknote and an impressive display of £1 million in cash. InstagramReddit

Most visitors find that 1 to 1.5 hours is sufficient to explore the exhibits thoroughly and enjoy the interactive elements. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers interactive experiences, including a popular safe-cracking game that visitors of all ages enjoy. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or areas within the museum. Instagram

The 'game' often referred to is the interactive safe-cracking challenge, where visitors can try to open a safe. It's a fun and engaging activity. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Museum on the Mound itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, its central location means there are numerous dining options nearby on Princes Street, George Street, and the Royal Mile. Instagram

You'll find a wide variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants within a short walking distance. From quick bites to sit-down meals, there are options to suit all tastes and budgets. Instagram

While there isn't a dedicated dining area, it's generally best to consume outside food before or after your visit. Check with the museum directly for their specific policy on this. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The £1 million display is a unique photo opportunity. The building itself, the historic Bank of Scotland headquarters, is also architecturally stunning, especially when lit up at night. Instagram

Personal photography is usually permitted, but it's wise to look for signage indicating any restrictions on flash photography or specific items. Instagram

Yes, the museum is located on The Mound, and the surrounding area is beautifully lit in the evenings, offering great opportunities for cityscapes and architectural shots. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museum on the Mound is a fantastic, free option for families visiting Edinburgh. Children will be entertained by the interactive elements, particularly the safe-cracking game, which is a highlight for many younger visitors. Reddit The museum offers child-friendly trails that make learning about money and banking history engaging and fun. Reddit

It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing with an activity that's both educational and enjoyable. The manageable size means you won't exhaust little ones, and the free entry makes it an easy choice for a budget-conscious family outing. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Museum on the Mound is an absolute must-visit. Admission is free, making it one of Edinburgh's best value attractions. Reddit+1 You can immerse yourself in history and learn about finance without spending a single penny, though donations are appreciated. Reddit

It's a perfect addition to a day of exploring other free attractions in Edinburgh, such as the National Galleries or walking the Royal Mile. The museum provides a substantial experience for zero cost, offering a rich insight into Scottish financial history. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Money in Scotland

The Museum on the Mound offers a captivating journey through the evolution of money and banking in Scotland. You'll discover the stories behind Scotland's unique banknotes, which have a distinct design and history compared to those in the rest of the UK. The museum showcases examples of early Scottish currency, illustrating the country's rich financial heritage. InstagramReddit

Beyond just currency, the exhibits delve into the broader history of banking, investment, and insurance. Learn about the establishment of key financial institutions and their impact on Scottish society and economy. It's a chance to understand how finance has shaped the nation over centuries, presented in an accessible and engaging manner. InstagramReddit

One of the most striking displays is the sheer volume of cash, with a chance to see what £1 million looks like in a single, secure case. This visual representation provides a tangible sense of financial scale and is a popular talking point for visitors. InstagramReddit

Exploring The Mound

The Museum on the Mound is situated on The Mound, a significant and picturesque thoroughfare in Edinburgh. This elevated area connects the historic Old Town with the Georgian New Town, offering stunning views and architectural contrasts. It's a central point that many visitors pass through, making the museum an easy addition to their itinerary. InstagramReddit

Architecturally, The Mound is impressive, featuring grand buildings like the National Gallery of Scotland and the University of Edinburgh's School of Divinity. The museum itself is housed in the former Bank of Scotland headquarters, a building with its own historical significance. InstagramReddit

Visiting The Mound, especially in the evening, provides a beautiful backdrop for photography. The area is well-lit, enhancing the grandeur of the buildings and offering a lovely ambiance for an evening stroll. Instagram+1

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