Monuments Garden – Edinburgh, Scotland - Atlas Obscura

Monuments Garden

An ornate "graveyard" for some of the country's forlorn building relics. 

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Hidden amid this region, located near the rear of the Museum of Edinburgh, lies a tranquil courtyard comprised of various pieces of stonework. They are compiled from various buildings that no longer exist or were saved from being tossed into the rubbish heap.

The garden is divided into two spaces. The interior consists of a few select items ranging in time periods and subject matter. There is also an interactive machine that allows you to explore the history of a select number of objects. This provides visitors access to more detailed information during inclement weather. 

The exterior cloister is laid out in such a manner that it allows sightseers to ramble among the assorted pieces at their leisure. Included are several headstones that display the way the Scots viewed memorializing their dearly departed. There are also other stone creations including varying manor houses that depict family crests and coats of arms. 

Know Before You Go

Entry to the museum is free of charge. To access the garden, one has to climb up to the second floor and head to the back, veering right. Look for the glass double doors.


Occasionally, the gate off the adjacent Bakehouse Close is open and can be accessed by those with physical disabilities.


Bakehouse Close may be familiar to fans of the television series Outlander.

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September 18, 2020

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