Doors Open Days

75 buildings, many off-bounds to the general public during the year, throw open their doors for the annual Doors Open Day. The 2009 Doors Open Day takes place over the whole weekend for the first time.

Organised by the Cockburn Association, Doors Open Day features free tours, activities, exhibitions and/or talks which bring the history or everyday use of a building to life.

Buildings participating vary from rock climbing at Alien Rock (a former church building at Newhaven harbour) to going backstage at the Traverse Theatre, Queen's Hall, Dance Base, or Church Hill Theatre in Morningside.

This will be be the first opportunity to see inside the Burns monument on Regent Rd since it was restored as part of the Twelve Monuments Restoration Project, learn more about the restored time ball clock at the Nelson Monument, or ask the architect at the City Chambers about the restoration of the Main Chamber and ten storey central staircase.

Many sites also organise additional free activities for children and families.

Not all buildings are open both days so you should check the program for specific buildings opening times. Events at some buildings, like the National Library of Scotland's behind-the-scenes tours, require you to book ahead.