Discover the history of the National Library of Scotland at George IV Bridge as we celebrate our 100th birthday.
2025 marks the centenary of the National Library of Scotland. Visit new displays and listen to an audio tour to discover the history of the Library over the past 100 years.
Audio tour and printed trail
Explore the Library at George IV Bridge with an audio tour and accompanying printed trail. The tour will guide you through the building to discover fascinating facts, amusing tales, and surprising secrets, featuring voices from the Library's past and present.
Centenary mural
See our new mural which has been designed by students from Edinburgh College to mark our 100th birthday. The mural is displayed in the Library's entrance archways.
Staircase display
Discover archival material which documents the design, construction and opening of the Library's flagship building at George IV Bridge in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. This single case display is accompanied by historic photographs of the Library.
Treasures exhibition
Visit new displays in our Treasures exhibition which tell the story of how we were founded, and see two of our nationally-significant founding documents – the Glenriddell Manuscripts and the Order of the Massacre of Glencoe.
Images reproduced with permission from Charles Main.
Opening hours
Monday: 10am to 7pm
Tuesday: 10am to 7pm
Wednesday: 10am to 7pm
Thursday: 10am to 7pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
16 June: Our reading rooms will close at 3pm, and the building at 4pm.
19 June: The building will close at 5pm.
Celebrating 100 years
Find out more about how we're celebrating our history this year and also looking ahead to how we can ensure the National Library of Scotland continues to thrive for the next 100 years.
