The 8 Best Art Galleries in Edinburgh You’ll Want to Spend Hours In
Art has always fascinated me, though I never pursued any artistic hobbies growing up. It wasn’t until I had to write a paper on the Scottish National Galleries that I truly began to appreciate and explore the world of art.
Although I don’t have a particular favourite medium, I’ve always enjoyed discovering the top art galleries in Edinburgh, whether for photography, paintings, sculptures, film, or even textiles and tapestries.
Edinburgh offers so much to explore, and here are a few of my absolute favourites!
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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Address: 1 Queen St
Contact Details: +44 131 624 6200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free for general exhibitions
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, a Gothic-style masterpiece designed by Robert Rowand Anderson in the 1880s, is a flagship of the National Galleries of Scotland, showcasing Scottish portraiture from the 1500s to today.
Here, you’ll encounter portraits of iconic figures like Emeli Sandé, Tilda Swinton, and Billy Connolly, alongside historic Scots such as Mary, Queen of Scots, Charles Edward Stuart, and Robert Burns.
Tips:
- If you don’t want to lug your stuff around while exploring the gallery, you can rent a locker for only £1. I highly recommend only bringing a small bag with you, though. The gallery doesn’t allow bags that are larger than 25 cm wide x 42 cm high x 12 cm deep unless you rent a locker (which may be an added expense).
- If you’re bringing your kids along with you, I highly recommend taking them to the gallery on Fridays. The gallery hosts activities and events for young art enthusiasts and families, so don’t miss out on them! Learn more about Family Fridays here.
City Art Centre
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Address: 2 Market St
Contact Details: +44 131 529 3993
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free for general exhibitions
The City Art Centre is one of my favourite galleries in the city, boasting a collection of over 4,800 works spanning from the 17th century to the present, all crafted by Scottish artists.
You’ll discover pieces by renowned names like John Duncan Fergusson, Joan Eardley, and Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, among many others.
While the team focuses on acquiring contemporary Scottish art from around the globe, the gallery also showcases a selection of historic masterpieces.
Tips:
- If you’re parched after exploring the gallery, you can pay a visit to Mimi’s Bakehouse just by the ground floor. They offer a wide range of brunch food and drinks, but just note that they only accept guests up to 4:30 pm!
- Some exhibitions inside have low lighting, by the way! Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for assistance if you have poor sight in dim lighting. You can also bring a companion with you!
The Fruitmarket Gallery
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Address: 45 Market St
Contact Details: +44 131 225 2383
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free for general exhibitions
The Fruitmarket Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers. This former fruit market, which has been operating as a space for contemporary art since 1974, showcases works by influential artists like Louise Bourgeois and Toby Paterson.
What I love most about it is its focus on homegrown Scottish talent, offering a global platform to artists like Nathan Coley and Louise Hopkins.
With its newly expanded warehouse space for events, plus a bookshop and café, it’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in creativity!
Tips:
- The gallery is completely free for anyone who wants to appreciate art in the city. That said, you’re welcome to donate any amount to the staff members if you want to help the management. They usually have many fundraising events, but you can also contribute by opting to buy food and drinks at the cafe and gifts at the gift shop.
- Folding stools are available for borrowing and can be found in the Information Room. If you’d like to use one or need assistance, please speak to one of the Information Assistants.
Embassy Art Gallery
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Address: 10B Broughton St Ln
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Exhibition times vary, check out this page for more info
Admission Fee: Free for general exhibitions
EMBASSY is one of my favourite spots for contemporary art. Run by volunteers since 2004, this artist-led gallery showcases bold exhibitions, performances, and residencies, spotlighting both local and British talent.
What makes it even more special is its strong connection to the Edinburgh College of Art. It’s a fantastic place to explore fresh, experimental art, and who knows, you might even discover a unique piece to call your own!
Tips:
- If you’re an art student or rising artist, I highly recommend you sign up for a membership at the gallery. This gives you the opportunity to showcase your latest artwork and get free access to the gallery for a year. Annual fees vary, depending on your income as an artist. To learn more, check out this page.
- Note that the gallery is usually open to the public from Fridays to Sundays between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Exhibition dates and times, however, will vary. I recommend taking note of your chosen exhibition’s details.
Ingleby Art Gallery
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Address: 33 Barony St
Contact Details: +44 131 556 4441
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free for general exhibitions
I’ve always found Ingleby Art Gallery to be one of the prettiest galleries in the city. The structure and interiors alone are worth your attention apart from the exquisite collection of contemporary art.
Their exhibition spaces have housed works by David Batchelor, Mirco Marchelli, Kevin Harman, Lubna Chowdhary, and many more artists from all over Britain and the world. You’ll find a plethora of prints, paintings, sculptures, and photos here!
Tips:
- The gallery is situated in a heritage-listed building, and due to architectural limitations, the upper floors are not wheelchair accessible. However, the main gallery on the ground floor can accommodate wheelchair users. Visitors are encouraged to contact the gallery in advance to ensure a ramp is prepared for their arrival.
- Also, note that the gallery can only accommodate one wheelchair user at a time!
Jupiter Artland
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Address: The Steadings, Bonnington House, Wilkieston
Contact Details: +44 150 688 9900
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adults: £9
Child: £5
I’d be lying if I said Jupiter Artland didn’t feel more like an amusement park than a traditional art gallery. This vibrant sculpture park, set within the stunning 80-acre Bonnington House estate, is one of the most unique art spaces in Edinburgh.
It showcases colourful, intriguing works by renowned artists like Antony Gormley, Cornelia Parker, Anish Kapoor, and Phyllida Barlow.
With engaging installations, a swimming pool, and plenty of spots for a picnic, it’s an escape that feels miles away from the city.
Tips:
- The whole outdoor sculpture park could take you a whole day to explore if you want to take your time. Plan at least 2.5 hours to explore, and enjoy the café, parking, and accessible facilities on-site!
- Note that the gate closes exactly at 4:00 pm every day. Plan your visit ahead and drop by in the morning to avoid the crowds and queues at the exit (leaving the parking with everyone else can be quite a hassle).
Dovecot Studios
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Address: 10 Infirmary St
Contact Details: +44 131 550 3660
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adults: £12
Student: £10.50
Child (Under 10 years old): Free
Dovecot Studios, renowned for its tapestry craftsmanship, also hosts exhibitions and events celebrating contemporary art. Known for its hand-woven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a fresh take on the art scene.
What I like most about this art gallery is the tapestry viewing balcony. You can watch resident artists and weavers at Dovecot work on their masterpieces during certain hours of the day!
Tips:
- While general access to the gallery is free, you might have to pay for tickets to paid or special exhibitions. These exhibitions usually limit visitors per day, so I highly suggest booking your tickets online. You can learn more about them here.
- Note that ticket prices to paid exhibitions already include a voluntary donation of 10%. You can, however, request ticket prices without the donation percentage and pay for that instead either at the point of sale, in person, or online.
Stills Art Gallery
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Address: 23 Cockburn St
Contact Details: +44 131 622 6200
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free for general admission
Stills Art Gallery has become one of my favourite places to immerse myself in the world of photography. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve visited, but each time feels like a new discovery.
From striking solo exhibitions by established artists to thought-provoking group shows that mix photography with video and performance, there’s always something that catches my eye.
Plus, it’s free, so it’s the perfect spot to revisit whenever I’m in the mood for something new.
Tips:
- The best way to explore the art gallery is by downloading the Bloomberg Connects digital guide. The app is completely free and gives you access to exclusive audiovisual aids about the different artworks and resident artists in the gallery. This is best used while you’re walking around the exhibitions!
- Take a few minutes to explore the darkrooms and develop your own black-and-white prints. Make sure to inform the staff members about your interest in the activity when you arrive, though!