Edinburgh City Chambers, Edinburgh

The Edinburgh City Chambers serves as the official meeting place for the City of Edinburgh Council and its predecessors. The existing building, which holds a Category A listing, was originally intended as the Royal Exchange and was designed by John Adam, with some modifications made by John Fergus. During its construction, a number of small streets, commonly referred to as "closes" in Edinburgh, were incorporated into the site, running from north to south. The Royal Exchange structure partially occupied the space above these blocked-off closes, which are now underground. These underground closes were closed to the public for many years but have since been reopened as 'The Real Mary King's Close'.

The main building is situated behind the High Street, separated by a courtyard with an arched open arcade that faces the street. Within the courtyard stands a notable bronze statue of Alexander Taming Bucephalus, created by John Steell.

***Harry Potter Tour***
Inside the Chambers there is a Hollywood-style plaque installed as tribute to the winners of the prestigious Edinburgh Award which is presented to the outstanding citizens of the city.

In 2008 J.K. Rowling received the award, following which her hands were cast in bronze and placed in the chambers’ courtyard.