The Story Of Greyfriars Museum

Following improvements made to the Kirk in 2012, Greyfriars Kirk has been recently awarded 4* status by Visit Scotland and the Scottish Tourist Board. The Story of Greyfriars Museum attracts some 20,000 to 25,000 local and international visitors a year. The Kirk's rich heritage boasting such historic events as being the first church built in Edinburgh after the Reformation, the signing of the Deed of Convenant in 1638, and the display of an American flag that once hung in the White House. The flag was gifted to the church and recalls that the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in the New World and the opening of Greyfriars took place on the same day: Christmas Day 1620.

One of its stories has become world-renowned and even the subject of a film: Greyfriars Bobby, the little dog who waited by his master’s grave for years and whose statue sits opposite the church gates on the fountain Candlemaker’s Row.

From April to October The Kirk, Story of Greyfriars Museum and shop is open Monday to Friday 10.30am to 4.30pm and Saturday 11.00am until 2.00pm. Free admission.

Outside these times, it may be possible for group visits (minimum 12 people) to arrange a time for escorted tours of the Kirk and Story of Greyfriars Museum. Phone the Kirk office for more information. There is a small charge per head for this service.