Doors Open Days at Deaf Action

Step inside nearly 200 years of deaf history

Deaf Action is opening its doors for Doors Open Days 2026.

Join us at our historic Albany Street home on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September and discover the people, places and stories that have shaped almost two centuries of deaf history in Edinburgh.

Explore Deaf Action

Founded in Edinburgh in 1835, Deaf Action has been supporting and celebrating deaf people for almost 200 years.

As part of Doors Open Days, we’re inviting you inside our Albany Street home for a guided tour of the building and an opportunity to discover some of the history held within its walls.

Guided tours take place at:

12pm | 1pm | 2pm | 3pm | 4pm

Tours last approximately 50 minutes and will be delivered in English with BSL interpretation.

Discover the Scottish Deaf Archives

Your tour will conclude with a special visit to the Scottish Deaf Archives, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore objects, photographs and documents that tell stories from generations of deaf life in Edinburgh.

Among the items on display will be a reproduction of Deaf Action’s original founding constitution, which visitors will be able to look through for themselves.

You’ll also discover photographs documenting the many clubs, groups and people that have been part of the deaf community over the years, from chess, cricket and swimming to snooker, social groups and women’s committees.

Discover objects from our history

There will also be a fascinating collection of objects connected to the history of Edinburgh’s deaf community and Albany Deaf Church.

Look out for:

• A historic robe and hymn books used by the Albany Deaf Church Choir
• The baptismal font from Albany Deaf Church
• The Albany Deaf Church altar and historic chairs
• Bibles connected to Albany Deaf Church and community
• Photographs of deaf clubs, committees, staff and community life throughout the years
• A Bible dating from around 1868–1880, which predates Deaf Action’s Albany Street home and dates from the period when the Society was based at Picardy Place

Together, these objects offer a glimpse into the social, cultural and religious life of generations of deaf people in Edinburgh.

Visit Blackwood Café & Bar

While you’re here, stop by Blackwood Café & Bar, located on the first floor of Deaf Action.

Enjoy a coffee, something sweet or a bite to eat before or after exploring the building.

As a special thank you for visiting us during Doors Open Days, visitors will receive a 10% discount at Blackwood Café & Bar.

Blackwood Café & Bar will be open until 5pm during Doors Open Days.

Simply present your Doors Open Days discount voucher when ordering.

Plan your visit

Doors Open Days at Deaf Action

Saturday 26 September
12pm–5pm

Sunday 27 September
12pm–5pm

Guided tours: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Tour length: Approximately 50 minutes
Cost: Free
Booking: No booking required
Language: English with BSL interpretation

Deaf Action
49–51 Albany Street
Edinburgh
EH1 3QY

Come along, explore our building and discover nearly 200 years of deaf history.