Surgeons' Hall houses one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World. Developed as a teaching museum for students of medicine, its fascinating collections, including bone and tissue specimens, artefacts and works of art, have also been open to the public since 1832, making it Scotland’s oldest museum.The History of Surgery Museum traces the story of surgery in Scotland from 1505 to the present day through objects, images and artworks. The Pathology Museum is the oldest purpose-built museum that still houses its original collection in Scotland.  The Dental Museum incorporates the outstanding object and art collection of Menzies Campbell, and is one of the top dentistry collections in Britain.

In 2012 the Museum was host to the exhibition "Watching on the Heights: The Life and Work of Joseph Lister" and the "60 Years of Surgery" exhibition launched for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.  This year, Surgeons' Hall Museum will be hosting a new exhibition, entitled " Words and Deeds: Women, Warfare and Caregiving", which will be launching to coincide with the "Women in Warfare: From Troy to the Trenches" conference at Edinburgh University.

Note: The museum displays human remains which some people may find unsettling. The recommended is 10+; under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.