One Day Only - Frankenstein Exhibition National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
- Michelle's Monologues
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 10
With the upcoming release of Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's famous novel on Netflix, the National Library of Scotland is holding a 'pop-up' display of Frankenstein-related material including the star attraction - a letter from Mary Shelley to Sir Walter Scott! Here is everything you need to know about the one-day-only Frankenstein Exhibition on Friday 7th November at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.
One Day Only - Frankenstein Exhibition National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
About Frankenstein
The origins of the Frankenstein novel go back to the year 1816 – now known as the Year Without a Summer – when volcanic ash from an eruption the previous year at Mount Tambora in Indonesia created signification climatic disruption.
That year, Mary (Wollstonecraft Godwin) and Percy Shelley joined Lord Byron, John Polidori, and Claire Clairemont for a stay at the Villa Diodati on the shores of Lake Geneva. With no sun to be seen, the group, largely confined indoors, challenged one another to compose ghost stories. Mary Shelley conceived Frankenstein at the time, and the novel was published two years later. It is considered to be one of the earliest – if not the first – example of a science fiction novel.
The book tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a Swiss student of natural science who creates an artificial man from pieces of corpses and brings his creature to life.
About Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley (Mary Wollstonecraft) was born in London (August 30th 1797 - Feburary 1st 1851). The only child to Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin. Her parents were both well-known figures who featured prominently in the London literary scene. She is said to have been deeply influenced by the writings of her parents. Eloping with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley on the 30th December 1816. She edited and promoted the works of Percy.
As a teenager, Mary Shelley stayed in Dundee (1812 - 1814). Making occasional visits to Edinburgh, Shelley’s 1818 novella features Edinburgh with a reference to St Bernard’s Well in Stockbridge when Victor Frankenstein travels through the city on his way to Orkney.
Over two hundred years ago, Mary Shelley, at age nineteen, published the gothic novel Frankenstein. Today, a classic of English literature.
Today, while visiting Edinburgh's Old Town, you might like to step into the real world of Frankenstein? Housed in a 19th-century church, Mary Shelley's tale gets real! Frankenstein is a unique themed bar on George IV Bridge. Each evening after dark, the room comes alive with ambient music and smoke filling the air, before Frankenstein makes his dramatic appearance! Did you know you can also drink his blood in a test tube? Don't worry, it's a cocktail (wink).
About The National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland is the nation’s living memory – preserving the past, enriching the present, and inspiring current and future generations through access to knowledge, culture, and innovation. Charting the DNA of Scottish society by documenting, preserving, and sharing precious collections that capture our past and present. Supporting education, promoting inclusivity, empowering informed citizenship, and contributing to the economic and social fabric of the nation. Striving to understand Scotland’s place in the world and to explore connections with our neighbours near and far. Reflect Scotland. Rich, diverse, unfiltered.
On Friday 7 November, the latest Frankenstein film will be released on Netflix. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the eponymously named Frankenstein was partly filmed in the environs of the National Library of Scotland’s George IV Bridge building in Edinburgh in 2024. You may also recognise other famous landmarks including the Royal Mile and areas like Parliament Square and Writer's Close. Keep an eye out for other incredible filming locations used.
The display will take place for one day only – Friday 7 November from 11am until 4pm at the National Library at George IV Bridge in Edinburgh. No booking is required and entry is free.
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