The interior of the Playfair Library, a neo-classical building with a long red carpet and painted ceiling, columns and statue busts

Playfair Library

Venue

Venue information

Address for Playfair Library

University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
EH8 9YL

Contact information for Playfair Library

Overview

Your visit to Playfair Library

We ask that you arrive at the venue in plenty of time as latecomers may not be admitted.

Please note that there is no cloakroom facility to store belongings, but there are three coat rails at the entrance to the Playfair Library. You should not bring bags larger than 30cm x 30cm x 15cm to our venues.

Getting here

  • Pay and display parking on Chambers Street (limited free parking for Badge holders, spaces first come, first served)
  • Bus Stop (South Bridge): 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 45, 49, 51, 52, N3, N30, N37, X29, X62, X95
  • Bus Stop (George IV Bridge): 23, 27, 29. 41, 42, 67
  • Taxi drop off point is the Old College entrance way on South Bridge
  • Waverley Station 0.4 miles
  • Edinburgh Bus Station 0.7 miles 

Access

Venue Accessibility  
  • 16 steps to Reception, 41 steps from Reception to Library
  • Step-free access available; tell front of house upon arrival and they will escort you. Route includes one slight curb (2 cm), gentle ramp with steep initial rise, and lift.
  • Lift specifications: door width (80cm); lift depth (122cm)
  • Accessible toilet
  • Assistance dogs are welcome and can be looked after by venue staff
Auditorium Accessibility
  • Limited seating – this venue is for an exhibition and people are able to move around the space freely
  • Mix of carpeted and hard floors

Safety

Your safety and security at International Festival events is of the utmost importance to us. Please note that bags may be subject to security searches.

If you spot anything suspicious during your visit to the International Festival, please do let a member of the team know.

Events

  1. The Legacy of Slavery