About the exhibition
Find out about Scotland’s fascinating parliamentary history in our permanent exhibition. There’s no need to book in advance.
Interactive timelines explore Scotland’s parliamentary history from its first recorded meeting in 1235. The exhibit covers Scotland’s political union with England in 1707 and the 1997 referendum that led to a Scottish Parliament with devolved powers.
Discover how people have campaigned for change over the years, in areas such as health and LGBT+ rights. Watch video interviews with campaigners and hear firsthand how changing the law has positively impacted people in Scotland.
In the exhibition, you can see a copy of the 1998 Scotland Act. This Act established the Scottish Parliament.
The exhibition will also introduce you to the work that our committees and MSPs do to make Scotland a better place to live.
There’s content in British Sign Language (BSL) and Gaelic.
More information
Plan your visit
For opening times, parking information and more, go to our plan your visit page.
Don't forget to stop at our shop and café during your visit!
Accessibility
- Some display information is low so that wheelchair users can easily read it
- Videos have subtitles and BSL interpretation
- Although there is no seating in the exhibition area, there are portable seats available for visitors to use. These seats are available in the main hall, adjacent to the exhibition
Visitor guidelines
For all visits, please:
- remember that this is a working Parliamentary building
- obey all instructions from Parliamentary officials
- keep all bags with you or place them in the baggage store or public lockers
- do not display banners, flags or political slogans, including on clothing and accessories
- do not smoke in the building
- do not eat or drink, except in the café
- return your “Visitor” lanyard and pass, when leaving
- collect any items retained by Security as you go out
Location
Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
Days and times
Monday to Saturday
10am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm)
Price