Our Museum tops poll

The Royal Museum building proves the most popular building of its era in a recent poll.

The poll, run by the Edinburgh Architectural Association (EAA), set out to discover the best-loved buildings in the Lothians and Borders.
 
A popular choice, gaining 75% of votes cast, the poll confirms the Museum’s place in the affections of citizens and visitors alike. One voter described the building as “a space that makes you feel lifted and relaxed…a ‘people’ space great for all kinds of events that can be enjoyed by all ages.”

The Museum beat other iconic buildings of its time such as the Bank of Scotland HQ on the Mound. Jenners, the National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament also triumphed in their categories.

Robert Black, President of the EAA, commented, “It’s encouraging to see so many votes cast by members of the public for buildings created in the Lothians and Borders over the last 150 years. The Museum is a personal favourite, as it was a major influence on my decision to become an architect. The built environment, in all its forms, is our cultural heritage and should be embraced through exploration, education and debate.”

The Royal Museum building was designed by Captain Francis Fowke of the Royal Engineers, who based his design on the Crystal Palace from the Great Exhibition of 1851. The adjacent Museum of Scotland building opened in 1998. Together they form the National Museum of Scotland complex.

View the results and images of the winning buildings at www.eaa.org.uk.