The house in which James Clerk Maxwell was born will be open from 12 noon until 4pm on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September 2023 for visitors as part of Doors Open Days. Tours are conducted by volunteers. There is no charge, but donations to the Foundation are always appreciated.

14 India Street, in Edinburgh's ‘New Town' is a substantial terrace house, built for Maxwell's father in 1820. James was born there in 1831. The Foundation acquired the house in 1993. The displays include memorabilia in the form of scientific equipment, portraits, manuscripts, and books associated with Maxwell, his family, and his scientific contemporaries. Descendants on both the paternal and maternal sides of Maxwell's family have donated or loaned portraits, furniture, water colours and a beautiful oil painting by Sir John Watson Gordon (1788-1864).

If you have mobility difficulties please note that unfortunately this Georgian house is not wheelchair accessible. Entry is via a short flight of steps from the street, and the display in the house is on two floor levels, also connected by stairs.

Apart from Doors Open Days, tours of the house can normally be arranged by prior appointment. Please see our visits page.

You might also like to combine a visit to James Clerk Maxwell’s Birthplace with the self-guided James Clerk Maxwell walking tour of Edinburgh (on foot or virtual).