Art galleries
National Galleries of Scotland: National
The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
Opening Times
Open everyday from 10am till 5pm
Cost
Free
What they say
Here is a collection of art for you to immerse yourself in. Experience artworks from some of the greatest artists of all time including Titian, Rembrandt and Constable. Dive deeper into Scottish history with painters like Raeburn and Traquair. Enjoy food and drink at the gallery café and restaurant and pick up a stylish memento from the shop.
Whether you are new to the gallery, doing research or just passing by, the National welcomes everyone to explore artworks, discover new things or just simply take time to unwind.
National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD
Opening Times
Open everyday from 10am till 5pm
Cost
Free
What they say
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.
Meet with friends in the welcoming Café Portrait. 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 gallery is decorated in elaborate murals and sculptural embellishments inside and out - really, take time to look up at the Zodiac ceiling in the world-famous Great Hall. Seriously, it is like 2,000 golden stars and 47 constellations! Bedazzling.
National Galleries Scotland: Modern
73 and 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh,
EH4 3DR
Opening Times
Open every day from 10am till 5pm
Cost
Free
What they say
Take a leap forward at the Modern. You will find the many artworks on display to be playful, thought provoking and compelling. Weave your way through two exciting gallery spaces featuring leading artists' works which define the Modern era. Brace yourself for a sensory rollercoaster.
City Art Centre
2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE
Opening Times
Open every day from 10am till 5pm
Cost
Free, although charges apply for some temporary exhibitions
What they say
The City Art Centre houses exhibits works from our nationally recognised collection of Scottish art which 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 Fruitmarket Gallery
45 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF
Opening Times
Open everyday
Bookshop and café 9am to 6pm
Exhibition spaces 11am to 6pm
Cost
Please visit the website for more information.
What they say
Originally built as a fruit and vegetable market in 1938, The Fruitmarket Gallery has been operating as a space for presenting art since 1974.
A mix of art gallery, bookshop and a café, the gallery now aims to promote both established and leading artists, as well as seek out new and emerging talents. Since 2003 the gallery has presented solo exhibitions of work by internationally significant artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Janet Cardiff, Roman Signer and Fred Tomaselli. They have also created high profile opportunities for developing Scottish artists, including Nathan Coley, Louise Hopkins, Toby Paterson and Tony Swain, ensuring an international platform for home grown talent.
The Talbot Rice Gallery
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL
Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm
Cost
Free
What they say
The public art gallery of the University of Edinburgh, The Talbot Rice Gallery is situated in the heart of the University’s historic Old College and is one of Scotland’s leading contemporary art galleries.
Comprising three distinct exhibition spaces, including the contemporary white cube and the neoclassical Georgian space, the building began life as the home of the university’s Museum of Natural History. Today, it is dedicated to exploring how the University can contribute to contemporary art production now, and into the future. As well as featuring a range of solo exhibitions, the gallery also works closely with students of Edinburgh College of Art throughout the year. Their Outreach and Widening Participation programme also aims to bring a love and appreciation of art to many different community groups.
The King’s Gallery
Palace of Holyrood house, Canongate,
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DX
Opening Times
The King's Gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays except during July, August and September when they are open 7 days a week.
1 November - 31 March from 9:30am to 4:30pm
1 April - 31 October from 9:30am to 6:00pm
Cost
Adult £10.00
Child £5.00
Under 5 Free
What they say
Formerly known as The Queen’s Gallery, this gallery is located at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Built between 1999 and 2002, in the shell of the 19th-century Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School, it was renamed The King’s Gallery in 2024.
The gallery shows changing exhibitions of works of art from the Royal Collection, one of the largest and most important art collections in the world.
Collective
City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA
Opening Times
Wednesday to Sunday from 10am till 5pm
Cost
Visit the website for more information
What they say
Collective’s mission is to bring people together around new art. Established in 1984, Collective has long supported new work by artists who are at a pivotal stage in their development. In November 2018, they opened their new home on Calton Hill, featuring the restored City Observatory, City Dome, and a purpose-built exhibition space.
Their programme of exhibitions, walks, and events presents contemporary art in all its diversity, providing artists with the opportunity to make new work, and audiences the chance to see it here first.
When here, be sure to take time to take in the stunning views from Calton Hill, as well as the collection of historic monuments, including the National Monument which was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.
Dovecot Studios
10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT
Opening Times
Gallery & Shop, Monday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Tapestry Studio Viewing Balcony, Monday to Friday: 12pm to 3pm
Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Cost
Visit the website for more information
What they say
A world-renowned tapestry studio, Dovecot Studios is a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft design and textiles, and the only operating tapestry studio in Scotland. Established in 1912, Dovecot continues a century-long heritage of collaboration with international artists to make exceptional handwoven tapestries.
Throughout the year you’ll find an exciting programme of events hosted here, from embroidery and tapestry workshops to exhibition tours and talks. If you’re looking for a unique gift or something to brighten your home, be sure to visit their shop for a wide range of ceramics, textiles and jewellery.
Jupiter Artland
Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BY
Opening Times
Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
Closed during the winter months
Cost
Adult £11.80
Child £7.50
What they say
Set 10 miles outside of Edinburgh, within the picturesque 80 acre estate of Bonnington House, Jupiter Artland is a contemporary sculpture park, where visitors are encouraged to explore the theme of self-discovery.
With no set routes, the park is a whimsical collaboration between the artists and the landscape, with all works personal to Jupiter. The result is a journey where artists are given the freedom to express themselves in the landscape, and the visitors are left to engage with their artwork.