Galleries
Edinburgh is blessed with galleries and museums. That is hardly surprising as the history of Edinburgh and indeed arts goes back away into antiquity. Not only are the arts and crafts inside those buildings of importance,the building themselves are of historic value. The beauty of the galleries and museum in Edinburgh are that most are in walking distance of one another. Most of the arts galleries are owned by the National Galleries of Scotland and in some entrance is free. I have done the research. All you have to do is follow the links. Arts are very complicated and a lot of time can be wasted while on holiday looking for what interest you. This can be done in the comfort of your own home well before you come to Edinburgh. You will know where to go, what you are looking for, and above save time and money. So lets get cracking...Royal Scottish Academy
The Royal Scottish Academy has occupied it's present building since 1826. Exhibitions space has recently been modernised, and the aim of the academy is to cultivate visual arts in Scotland. It is a privately funded institution led by eminent artists. Understanding and enjoying the visual arts is of paramount importance to the Academy. In addition to hosting many exhibitions, the latest which can be found on their web page, the Academy administers awards's and scholarships for artists living in Scotland. The Academy also has extensive archives of important work covering the last 200 years. Some of those are available to researchers by appointment only. Contact can be made here or by telephoning 0131 225 6671. Entrance is free.
National Gallery of Scotland
The National Gallery of Scotland is situated to the rear of the Royal Scottish Academy taking pride of place where the Mound meets Princes Street. After the Castle it is the second most visited place in Edinburgh. It is home to a fantastic collection of art and one of Europe's premier staging of international exhibitions. This venue houses the Scottish national collection of art and you will stumble across masterpieces from Rembrandt to Van Gogh and from Rubens to Monet. Visitors facilities are excellent boasting a restaurant, cafe and IT gallery and a help desk. it does not matter where you are from the exhibitions are displayed in a International context. The web site keeps you abreast of what is happening and what is being exhibited. Contact can be made here or by telephoning 0131 624 6200. Entrance is free. The National Galleries of Scotland run a free bus service between all of the Galleries
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Portrait Gallery is a magnificent building that overlooks the New town of Edinburgh. It gives an unusual history of Scotland from portraits of the very people who made the history of Scotland. It was the first Portrait Gallery in the world and a favorite from locals and visitors alike. It is within 5 to 10 minutes walking distance from the two previous mentioned galleries. The portrait gallery houses portrait from Mary, Queen of Scots to David Hume and from Robert Burns the National Bard to Sir Walter Scott. Visitor facilities are good and the gallery houses a print room giving educational sources of information for scholars and students alike. This facility is by appointment only. Contact can be made here or by telephoning 0131 624 6200. Entrance is free. The National Galleries of Scotland run a free bus service between all of the Galleries
The Dean Gallery
The Dean Gallery is one of the more recent purchases of the National Galleries of Scotland. It was opened in 1999 in a building that was a former orphanage, designed by Thomas Hamilton in 1830. The gallery contains a large selection of dadiasm and surrealist art and literature. The gallery has an outstanding archive and artist books collection. Facilities include a cafeteria, library, picnic area, research facilities for students, shop and study facilities. The research facilities are by appointment only. The gallery is set in parkland where you can discover sculptures by important artists. The Edinburgh born sculpture Sir Eduardo Paolozzi has a substantial amount of his work on display. Contact can be made here or by telephoning 0131 624 6200. Entrance is free but there may be a charge for special exhibitions.The National Galleries of Scotland run a free bus service between all of the Galleries
Gallery of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art is situated across the road from the previous mentioned gallery. It is set in lovely parkland and the lawn was re-landscaped in 2002 by Charles Jencks. The gallery shows works of art and exhibitions from about 1900 onwards. That includes work by Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol amongst others. The building was erected in 1882 and was then John Watson's School and of Neoclassical design. The gallery moved to it's present site in 1984. The collection now numbers some 5000 items ranging over the many aspects of modern art. Contact can be made here or by telephoning 0131 624 6200. The National Galleries of Scotland run a free bus service between all the Galleries.
Talbot Rice
The Talbot Rice Gallery is part of the University of Edinburgh and was opened in 1975. It is named after David Talbot Rice a Professor of Fine Arts and is one of Scotlands leading Galleries of visual art rooted in a academic situation. The gallery plays a key part in the cultural life of the City of Edinburgh drawing a international audience by hosting dynamic exhibitions and events. The gallery consists of three venues the White Gallery, the Georgian Gallery and the Round Room. It is free.
Other Links
Bourne Fine Art |
0131 557 8362 |
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City Art Centre |
0131 529 3993 |
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Landings Gallery |
0131 225 1501 |
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Open Eye Gallery |
0131 557 1020 |
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The Scottish Gallery |
0131 558 1280 |