Edinburgh Art Museums To Visit
Summer has arrived, school is out, and it's the perfect time to explore Edinburgh's art scene, which offers a rich and diverse array of experiences that cater to all tastes and interests. Take the opportunity to explore some remarkable galleries and museums, each offering a unique perspective on the world of art. Whether you're looking to appreciate classic masterpieces or contemporary creations, Edinburgh has something to offer, and here are just a few places to go visit.
Scottish National Gallery
Where: The Mound
Hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm
Free admission | some paid exhibitions
Home to world-class international and Scottish art from 1300 to 1945, immerse yourself in this breath-taking art collection. Experience paintings by internationally renowned artists such as Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and the Impressionists. Marvel at spectacular views over Edinburgh and discover the work of pioneering artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys. Plus there is a year round programme of free family activity, for all ages and stages.
Modern One and Modern Two
Where: 73 & 75 Belford Road
Hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm
Free admission | some paid exhibitions
Home to all things contemporary. Discover displays, shows and installations from the leading artists of today. Get ready for captivating, light-hearted and all-encompassing experiences. On arrival at Modern One you will be in awe of the striking land feature in front of the gallery designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks. Explore the grounds and discover further sculptural works by other major artists.
The wacky and the wonderful. Modern Two’s collection of intriguing artworks shows the departure from traditional styles, in search of new forms and expressions emerging in the late 19th and early 20th century. Take a journey through experimentation, abstraction, and mind-bending creative explorations. Modern Two is located across the road from Modern One and sits atop its own expansive green space.
National Portrait Gallery
Where: 1 Queen Street
Hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm
Free admission | some paid exhibitions
A neo-Gothic palace dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, this gallery is a hidden gem right at the heart of Edinburgh. The art tells you stories of the land and its people, through the medium of imagery. Find other familiar faces when you discover contemporary portraits of pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé and Tilda Swinton in the galleries above. You will spot recent pioneers in science, sport and the arts and sit alongside famous historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and Charles Edward Stuart.
The King's Gallery
Where: Palace of Holyroodhouse
Hours: Every Monday, Thursday, Friday (Thursday 25 Apr 2024 - Friday 20 Sept 2024)
Most Gallery school sessions are £1 per pupil. Children in P1 and below are free
On offer are self-guided visits of The King's Gallery to pupils from the UK. The current exhibition at The King's Gallery is Style and Society: Dressing the Georgians. These visits are perfect for pupils from Second Level to Senior Phase requiring a general or focused visit. During this self-guided visits pupils can collect a multimedia guide which has a tour suitable for young adults upwards. Visit includes access to The King's Gallery
Talbot Rice Gallery
Where: The University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge
Hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm
Free admission | some paid exhibitions
With a 19th century former natural history museum and a contemporary white cube to fuel its engine, Talbot Rice Gallery is dedicated to exploring how the University of Edinburgh can contribute to contemporary art production today and into the future. Solo exhibitions provide international artists with access to University research and collections, whilst conceptual group exhibitions foreground key political and social issues. Raising the volume on female self-empowerment, exploring frontiers in the age of Brexit, or interrogating debt at a time of the cost-of-living crisis, Talbot Rice Gallery positions itself at the forefront of research and creative practice.
City Art Centre
Where: 2 Market Street
Hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm
Free admission | some paid exhibitions
The City Art Centre’s aim is to champion historic and contemporary Scottish visual and applied arts. Artworks from our Nationally Recognised collection of Scottish art are displayed on a rotating basis. Visitors can also enjoy our richly diverse programme of changing exhibitions, which include historic and modern Scottish painting and photography, as well as contemporary art and craft. The art collection is one of the finest in Scotland, and includes works by the most important Scottish artists from the 17th century to the present day. It encompasses drawings, prints, photographs and sculpture as well as paintings, and numbers over 4,500 items.
Dovecot
Where: 10 Infirmary Street
Hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm
Free admission | some paid exhibitions
Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh and a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft and design. Established in 1912, Dovecot continues a century-long heritage of collaboration with international artists to make exceptional handwoven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs. Alongside the tapestry studio, Dovecot run an exciting programme of exhibitions and events to further explore contemporary art, craft and design.
The Fruitmarket
Where: 10 Infirmary Street
Hours: Open daily, 11am–6pm
Free admission
A free, public space for culture in the heart of Edinburgh, Fruitmarket provides inspiration and opportunity for artists and audiences. They programme, develop and present world-class exhibitions, commissions, publications, performances, events and engagement activities, opening up the artistic process. Creativity makes space for meaning, and they create a welcoming space for people to think with contemporary art and culture in ways that are helpful to them.
At Studio 48 we believe in the power of art and our classes for adults and children alike are designed to foster creativity and self-expression in a supportive environment. We invite you to join us to book your class today and become part of a vibrant, creative journey!