HM General Register House stands at 2 Princes Street, at the eastern end of Edinburgh’s New Town. Robert Adam designed this Neoclassical building to hold Scotland’s national records; construction ran from 1774 to 1786. Its balanced stone exterior and central dome give the archive the form of a civic monument. This is primarily a place for consulting records in the Search Room, not a museum with a regular visitor exhibition. It suits anyone researching Scottish history or interested in the architecture of public institutions.
Robert Adam’s design
Robert Adam planned the building while living in England. His brothers James and John helped with the plans and oversaw construction, which took place from 1774 to 1786.
Classical symmetry shapes the exterior, with a central dome as its defining feature. The building’s formal design reflects the purpose for which it was made: keeping national records in a dedicated public institution.
An archive, not a museum
HM General Register House holds Scotland’s national records. Its public role is centred on access to records and historical documents, including research in the Search Room. There is no regular tourist exhibition or traditional walking tour described for the building.
That makes it most useful to visitors with a specific research interest, or to those who want to see a significant civic building from the outside. Staff can assist people using the archive.
Planning research
Arrange your visit in advance if you intend to work in the Search Room. A computer also needs to be booked ahead of time. The building is at 2 Princes Street, close to the Wellington statue, at the eastern end of the street.
FAQ
Can you visit HM General Register House as a tourist?
The building is primarily open to people consulting records in the Search Room. It does not have a regular tourist exhibition or traditional walking tour.
Do you need to book to use the Search Room?
Book ahead if you plan to conduct research there. Reserve a computer in advance if you need one.
Where is HM General Register House?
It is at 2 Princes Street, at the eastern end of the street near the Wellington statue.
