In 2027, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions will mark 50 years since Visitor Centres Ltd began running and caring for the attraction on 1 January 1977, and it wants the people who have visited, worked and made memories there to be at the heart of the celebrations.
From childhood holidays and school trips to first dates, family traditions and days out, visitors are being invited to share their memories, stories and photographs for a special Camera Obscura Memory Wall, which will feature both at the attraction and online during the anniversary year.
Visitors have been enjoying the attraction on Castlehill since 1853, when entrepreneur Maria Theresa Short opened her Observatory and installed the Camera Obscura that remains at the heart of the experience today. Over the decades, millions of people have climbed the stairs, looked through rooftop telescopes, watched Edinburgh appear on the Camera Obscura table and discovered an ever-changing collection of illusions and interactive exhibits.
The team hopes to uncover the personal stories behind those visits. These could include an exhibit that has long since disappeared, an old photograph from the rooftop, getting married at the AutoWed, visiting on a school trip decades ago, braving the Vortex Tunnel, returning with children after visiting as a child, or even working at Camera Obscura. Whatever the memory, the team would love to hear it.
Andrew Johnson, General Manager, said, “Camera Obscura has been part of so many people’s Edinburgh memories over the years, and we’d love them to help us tell that story. The photographs and memories tucked away in family albums are just as important to us as dates in the history books.
“We’re really excited to see what people uncover, from school trips and family days out to first dates and memories from former members of staff. We hope to share these memories and show just how many generations have enjoyed special moments here and help bring our history to life throughout our anniversary year.”
Selected memories and photographs will be shared as part of Camera Obscura’s 50th anniversary celebrations throughout 2027.
Anyone with a story, memory or photograph to share can email the team here.
