This summer, the Museum of Edinburgh presents two inspiring exhibitions celebrating the powerful relationship between wellbeing, nature, and place, each told through unique creative lenses.
Nature Through Nurture: Wellbeing and the Natural World in Children’s Books
Thu 1 May to Sun 7 Sep 2025
Developed in partnership between the Museum of Childhood and Scotland's Early Literature for Children Initiative (SELCIE) at the University of Edinburgh, Nature Through Nurture delves into the enduring presence of the natural world in children’s literature over the past 150 years.
Flowers, trees, animals, insects and birds feature heavily in children’s books, set in both the real world and imaginary worlds. Children’s books from the last 150 years will be on display with beautiful illustrations, poetry and information about how to find green spaces throughout Edinburgh. The positive influences of nature on mental health and wellbeing will be examined alongside a programme of public events for children and families.
Dr Sarah Dunnigan, Senior Lecturer, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures at the University of Edinburgh and co-founder of SELCIE said:
The partnership between SELCIE and the Museum of Childhood for the Nurture through Nature exhibition beautifully highlights how children's books can connect young readers to the natural world. This collaboration brings together literature, history, and nature in a way that we hope will inspire visitors to explore Edinburgh’s green spaces and reflect on the links between nature and well-being. The project has also made accessible many previously uncatalogued books from the Museum of Childhood collection, with several being displayed publicly for the first time. This collection is of great significance, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.
Wellbeing in the City: Feel-Good Places in and Around Edinburgh
Thu 10 Apr to Sun 31 Aug 2025
Created by participants of photography and creative writing courses run by Access to Industry, this exhibition offers personal and heartfelt reflections on the places in Edinburgh that inspire calm, joy, and connection.
Each member of the photography course has chosen a place in and around Edinburgh that makes them feel good. The group visited every place nominated to take photos and have selected their favourites to present in the exhibition. The creative writing group have produced short pieces of writing about places or activities in Edinburgh that make them feel well.
Helen Murray, Encompass Caseworker form Access to Industry said:
Access to Industry are delighted to have been able to work with Museums and Galleries Edinburgh on the joint project, Wellbeing in the City – feel good places in and around Edinburgh.
We support clients with complex barriers to employment, many of whom have suffered trauma, isolation and marginalisation. This project has been run with our wellbeing through photography group, PAGE, and our Creative Writing group. It has enabled participants to enjoy improved wellbeing on trips they have chosen and reflect on what makes them feel well. We are now extremely pleased to be able to share these places and that sense of wellness with local residents and visitors from far and wide.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said:
These exhibitions beautifully highlight how nature and place shape our sense of wellbeing from childhood through adulthood. By showcasing stories, creativity, and lived experience, this summer the Museum of Edinburgh invites us all to reconnect with the natural world and discover the restorative spaces that exist all around us.
Admission to both exhibitions is free.