Heriot-Watt University Museum

In 2021 Heriot Watt University celebrates 200 years since its foundation as the School of Arts of Edinburgh. From its early beginnings as a centre for the education of Edinburgh’s working classes the organisation has developed into a unique international institution with five campuses.

An exhibition about the history of the University can be found on our website Bicentennial – Heriot-Watt University.

The University’s Museum is located at the Riccarton Campus. The archives include the fascinating early accounts of the School of Arts, which outline the challenges and successes of the organisation’s early years. These include details of the earliest books held in the library and the names of the first wealthy supporters.

Much of the Museum’s collections are now accessible through our website. To find out even more about the history of the estate and the museum collections please take a look here.

For 2021, our Doors Open Day contribution will be a digital glimpse behind the scenes at our archive where you can discover the recently digitised records of the early School of Arts.  Click here to access the presentation.