Museum on the Mound
About This Museum
Perched on The Mound, this museum sits on what was once a loch, drained to connect Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. It's a place that tells the story of money, but it feels more like a collection of secrets from the vault. You'll find everything from ancient Roman coins to the complex security features in today's polymer notes. The atmosphere is surprisingly hushed and reverent, a quiet temple to capital housed within formidable stone walls.
Collection Highlights
The star of the show is undoubtedly Scotland's oldest banknote, a fragile piece of paper from 1716 signed by William Hogg. Don't miss the million-pound display—it’s just a stack of blank paper, but its sheer size makes you stop and stare. There's also a fascinating exhibit on forgery, complete with confiscated counterfeit coins.
Visitor Information
Best part? Entry is completely free, though it's wise to check their website for opening times as they can be a bit unique. It’s just a short walk from Princes Street, so you can easily pop in after some shopping.
Architecture & Building
Housed in the grand former headquarters of the Bank of Scotland, it's a powerful Victorian building of sandstone, all heavy masonry and serious intent that speaks of security and permanence.
Contact & Location
Address: The Mound, Old Town, City of Edinburgh, Alba / Scotland, EH1 2LU, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 131 243 5464
Website: Visit Website
