People’s Story Museum welcomes public back after outcry over closure

The People’s Story Museum in Edinburgh has reopened to the public after a temporary closure.

The working-class history museum, on the city's Royal Mile, had been shut since the summer due to lack of staffing caused by a recruitment freeze. The council originally proposed to keep the museum closed until April 2025 as it grapples with a £26.7m gap in its budget for next year.

However the proposal led to a public backlash, with high profile figures across Scotland accusing the council of trying to airbrush the city’s working class roots and raising fears that the museum would never reopen.

The proposal was eventually rejected by the council, which said it was committed to reopening the museum before the end of the year.

The museum will now resume its regular opening schedule. City of Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day and culture convener Val Walker visited the museum this week to meet with staff as final touches were made and doors reopened.

“The People’s Story is a valuable part of Edinburgh’s cultural heritage,” said Day. “Earlier this year, facing increased budget challenges, the museum was temporarily closed and it was proposed that it would remain so during the autumn and winter months.

“However, thanks to the incredible support and feedback from the public for the museum, we worked to secure the necessary funding and resources to reopen and to be able to offer this museum to residents and visitors.”

“Whether you’ve never visited before or it’s been a while since your last trip, now is the perfect time to rediscover the museum. Explore the exhibits that bring to life the authentic voices of Edinburgh’s people through oral histories and written accounts.

“Some of the many highlights include displays of Friendly Society regalia, banners, and materials that reflect the city’s rich, diverse communities. We look forward to welcoming you back to experience these powerful stories first-hand.”

Walker said: “I am thrilled that we have now reopened, and I hope visitors take the opportunity to rediscover the rich stories the museum holds.”

Community activist Jim Slaven, who led the campaign against the museum’s closure, said on X: “A good day for Edinburgh. The People’s Story has reopened. Thanks to all who made it happen. Collective action and inclusive dialogue work. We’ve shown that. Again. Let’s learn lessons and move on. Let’s make our working class museum a world leader. And let’s do it together.”

The museum offers an insight into the lives of Edinburgh's working-class people, with displays including tableaux, original objects, images and personal stories. Displays are based around the words of Edinburgh’s people, taken from oral history reminiscences and written sources.

The collection focuses on the history, culture, crafts and trades, and the people of Edinburgh but also as a place to explore contemporary issues, events and opinions.