The 8 Best Exhibitions in Edinburgh That Will Leave You Inspired for Days
I grew up visiting a lot of museums, and I have my grandmother to thank for that. Now that I’m older, I still find myself visiting galleries and museums, not just to admire works I’ve seen growing up, but also to refresh my mind with new exhibitions now and then.
There are dozens of ongoing and upcoming exhibitions in Edinburgh that display a colourful array of works and relics across a myriad of topics. If you’re keeping an eye out for fresh things to marvel at, here are the top local exhibitions that I highly recommend you visit (and keep on your radar!).
Ongoing Exhibitions
Through Line
– Media from museumsgalleriesedinburgh
Address: City Art Centre, 2 Market Street
Contact Details: +44 131 529 3993
Operating Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: From Saturday, November 9, 2024 to Sunday, March 2, 2025
Admission Fee:
Adult: £5
Child: £3
Through Line is a contemporary art exhibition that brings together four dynamic showcases spanning a variety of mediums. It features renowned artists such as David Connearn, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Susan Mowatt, and Andrew Lamb, to name a few.
You’ll discover a vibrant mix of ceramics, paintings, prints, poetry, textiles, jewellery, and drawings, all reflecting the artists’ deep dive into diverse art practices. If you’ve got a soft spot for exploring different mediums, this exhibition is well worth a visit.
Tips:
- If you know someone who loves art but is visually impaired, you can sign them up for a tour at the City Art Centre. The tour only happens on specific dates, usually in the afternoon. You can learn more about described or guided tours for the visually impaired here.
- Don’t miss out on the various events and programmes during the exhibition’s run time. There are lectures, talks, workshops, and so much more in store for visitors. Check out their timings and schedules throughout the time the exhibition is ongoing on this page.
Cold War Scotland
– Media from nationalmuseumsscotland
Address: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers St
Contact Details: +44 300 123 6789
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: From Saturday, July 13, 2024 to Sunday, January 4, 2026
Admission Fee: Free
If you’re a fan of digging into Scotland’s rich and sometimes surprising history, let me nudge you toward Cold War Scotland. This isn’t your usual museum fare. It’s a deep dive into how our wee corner of the world played a massive part in a global standoff.
The exhibition shares how the Cold War shaped Scottish politics, culture, and activism. For tourists and first-time visitors to Scotland or Edinburgh, it’s a must-see experience that truly sheds light on our unique role in this global conflict.
Tips:
- If you or someone in your group needs a wheelchair, you can borrow one free of charge when you arrive. Just pop by the information desk to check availability. Keep in mind, though, that they’re offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so you won’t be able to reserve one ahead of time.
- This exhibition offers special curated tours on select mornings before the museum officially opens. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy a quieter, more in-depth experience.
These tours kick off about an hour before the doors open to the public, but spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early! Check out the schedules and details online to secure your spot.
Four Seasons in Faith: Worship in Edinburgh Throughout the Year
– Media from edinburghmagazine
Address: Museum of Edinburgh, 142 to 146 Canongate
Contact Details: +44 131 529 4143
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: From Friday, November 29, 2024 to Monday, April 21, 2025
Admission Fee: Free
The Four Seasons in Faith: Worship in Edinburgh Throughout the Year exhibition was inspired by the museum’s previous project, “Keep the Faith.” This time around, the exhibition digs deeper into stories of Edinburgh’s spiritual landscape through art.
Many items on display here were donated by members of major world religions all over the world, with many of them sharing stories about their faith. You’ll learn and gain insight into their traditions, spiritual journeys, and deeply personal contributions.
Tips:
- Since the museum offers free admission, it may be a good idea to leave a small donation of at least £5 before or after your visit to the exhibition. They run largely on donations and grants, and donations of any amount are a huge help to the upkeep and maintenance of the museum!
- Be sure to check out the family learning area. It’s a gem! Kids (and adults too) can dive into creative activities like puzzles and hands-on detective challenges. There’s a snug reading nook for some downtime and a section with replica objects to spark their curiosity.
Disrupting the Narrative
– Media from natalia.culture.heritage
Address: The Writers’ Museum, Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Cl
Contact Details: +44 131 529 4901
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: From Friday, August 23, 2024 to Saturday, August 23, 2025
Admission Fee: Free
The Writers’ Museum’s Disrupting the Narrative exhibition offers a powerful perspective through the works of four Edinburgh-born writers of colour, delving into the city’s complex role in the transatlantic slave trade.
This thought-provoking display sheds light on history through a “decolonising lens,” reimagining how museums along the Royal Mile share their stories.
Featuring evocative poetry and storytelling, it strives to create a more inclusive narrative of Edinburgh’s past and its cultural identity.
Tips:
- Can’t get enough of the exhibition? Don’t worry, other parts of the exhibition continue on over at the Museum of Childhood and the Museum of Edinburgh. You can find poetry pieces there as well, all free of charge.
- The museum is relatively small, with stairs connecting the exhibits across its levels. If you’re visiting with someone using a wheelchair, the staff are on hand to assist and make the experience smoother. For detailed information on accessibility, refer to this helpful guide!
Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection
– Media from johnpow37
Address: Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen St
Contact Details: +44 131 624 6200
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: Ongoing until Sunday, March 16, 2025
Admission Fee: Free
Photography has long been a cherished art form, and I’ve always enjoyed exploring photography exhibitions whenever they appear in the city’s museums. One standout is Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection.
This exhibition offers a captivating glimpse into Scotland’s history, culture, and heritage through the lenses of renowned photographers like Donald McLellan, Zed Nelson, David Eustace, and Don McCullin.
Tips:
- Don’t forget to pack light before visiting the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. They only accept small bags here, but they do offer locker rentals for £1 a piece in case you bring a bag too big. You’ll spend a little more, but it may come in handy!
- Have little ones tagging along? Swing by the gallery on a Friday for Family Fridays! With fantastic activities and events designed for young art enthusiasts and families, it’s a brilliant way to keep the kids engaged while enjoying a dose of culture. Learn more about it here.
Maps: Memories from the Second World War
– Media from nationalmuseumsscotland
Address: National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill
Contact Details: +44 300 123 6789
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:45 am to 5:45 pm
Exhibition Dates: From March 9, 2024 to January 26, 2026
Admission Fee: Free
Do you love history? Then the Maps: Memories from the Second World War might be your cup of tea because the exhibition sheds light on the 3,000 million maps made during WWII for Allied, Soviet, and German forces.
Here, you’ll get the chance to see dozens of war memorabilia including aerial photos, war diaries, and more up close. There are a lot of war relics to explore here, with some you may have never even seen before.
Tips:
- While entrance to the exhibition is free, do note that entrance to Edinburgh Castle, where it is located, isn’t. You’ll need to purchase tickets separately, and I highly recommend that if you are planning to visit anytime soon, do it in the morning. This way, you’ve got plenty of time to explore the castle grounds and the exhibition on the same day.
- If you need a wheelchair, you can borrow one for free. Just pop by the museum shop kiosk and ask!
Upcoming Exhibitions
Nurture Through Nature with Children’s Books
– Media from museumsgalleriesedinburgh
Address: The Museum of Childhood, 42 High St
Contact Details: +44 131 529 4142
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Exhibition Dates: From Saturday, April 26, 2025 to Sunday, September 7, 2025
Admission Fee: Free
The Museum of Childhood is a go-to spot for my little ones, and let me tell you, it’s not just for the kids; adults will find plenty to enjoy too! The museum’s upcoming exhibition, Nurture Through Nature with Children’s Books, is one I’m particularly excited about.
The exhibit will feature books from the past 150 years, packed with stunning illustrations and poetry, and provide a glimpse into how nature has inspired generations. It also offers lessons about mental health and well-being that are just as relevant today.
Tips:
- Pay attention to the many green spaces that the exhibition features in their collection. You’ll find that they hint at visiting some of the city’s best parks and green spaces. I highly recommend taking note of them and visiting them after dropping by the exhibition!
- The museum is free to enter, but if you’re able, I’d suggest leaving a small donation; around £5 is great. It’s a lovely way to help keep the place running strong for years to come, so future generations can enjoy it just as much. Of course, there’s no pressure to donate, it’s entirely up to you!
Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine
– Media from nationalmuseumsscotland
Address: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers St
Contact Details: +44 300 123 6789
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Exhibition Dates: From Saturday, January 25, 2025 to Sunday, April 27, 2025
Admission Fee: Free
If you want to learn all about the high stakes and hard work put into creating the COVID-19 vaccines, then Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine at the National Museum of Scotland should be on your radar.
It’s an upcoming exhibition that features stories, historic objects, and even modern inventions that have, in one way or another, helped scientists and doctors create vaccines during the pandemic. It also sheds light on Scotland’s response during that time.
Tip:
- If you’re in need of ear defenders, you can grab a pair for free at the ticket desk on Level 3. There’s also a small selection of sensory backpacks available at the information desks by the main entrance and tower entrance. Just a heads-up: these can’t be reserved ahead of time, so it’s first come, first served!