Explore East Lothian's rich history through museums, archives, and libraries offering free entry, historic exhibitions, and nearly 10,000 online images.

The John Gray Centre is a multifaceted cultural institution combining a museum, library, archive, and archaeology service dedicated to preserving and sharing East Lothian's heritage. Visitors can explore almost 10,000 historic images from the archives collections showcasing local events, people, and places, with many available to view and purchase online. The centre features a free museum with a changing programme of exhibitions, including displays like 'Visions of Haddington' combining local artwork with historical context. | The centre serves as a comprehensive resource for family and local history research, offering access to historic records, poor law indexes, and information on East Lothian's connections to broader historical narratives such as the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Special events and celebrations throughout the year, including the LH50 anniversary programme in 2026, provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. The venue is particularly suitable for families interested in local history, genealogy research, cultural exhibitions, and learning about East Lothian's heritage through both physical exhibitions and online collections. | With free entry, indoor facilities, and family-friendly learning programs, the John Gray Centre welcomes visitors seeking to discover their local heritage or explore the region's rich historical archives in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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4 months ago

Came here to see the Charlie Horn temporary exhibition but hadn't realised that there is a permanent exhibition on East Lothian's history as well as a reference library. It's well worth a visit. Very friendly, helpful, and welcoming staff will travel up to see more as they rotate the temporary exhibition space.

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Amy Carr

6 months ago

Spent some time here exploring local history really easy to get around and full of interesting spots. The area has a relaxed feel, with lots of cafes to stop at, and the 90 minutes free parking.

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bob “Florida bob” peter

a year ago

Nice area to wounder around lots of cafes and more free parking up to 90 min

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Viktoriia Tkachenko

2 years ago

A nice small museum to visit. The Haddington is a small town community in Lothian 40 minutes from a Edinburgh on a bus. There is a small galery and a a short film about Lothian. on a lower floor of the Building there a library . Near by there a small park with Playground . If you would like to come to the Haddington this is a first thing to see.

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Adam Corkett

6 years ago

A great little museum upstairs. Certainly worth a look if you are interested in the local history, probably take 30 to 45 minutes for those who like history museums (90 seconds for those who can't keep still). Young kids might last 20 minutes with the dress up and stamping activities.

Reviews last updated: 15 February 2026