1.Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art,Edinburgh
“The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is an amazing Edinburgh art gallery. This Scottish art gallery is home to Scotland’s outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art. It comprises two galleries, Modern One and Modern Two. This magical modern art gallery in Edinburgh is set in a complex of two large buildings on opposite sides of Belford Road, a short walk to the west of Edinburgh city centre.
This Edinburgh art gallery regularly houses high-profile contemporary art exhibitions and plays host to the Scottish National Galleries’ permanent display of works from its contemporary collection of art. Modern One is the largest of the two art exhibition spaces, and in recent years has held retrospective exhibitions by world-renowned artists like Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin, as well as numerous blockbuster group shows.If you are looking to visit one of the best art galleries in Edinburgh then look no further.
2.FruitMarket Art Gallery,Edinburgh
The Fruitmarket Gallery is one of Scotland’s most important contemporary art spaces, hosting art exhibitions by a range of influential British and international artists with a particular emphasis on high-profile Scots. This brilliant art gallery in Edinburgh is split into two levels and both of which are a good size.
The Fruitmarket Art Gallery hosts individual and also group shows and has lately featured work by very famous artists including Louise Bourgeois, Toby Paterson, Jim Lambie and Douglas Gordon. If you are looking for the best art galleries in Edinburgh city centre then this is one of the best art galleries to visit while in Edinburgh. Not only is the fruit market art gallery one of the best contemporary art galleries in Edinburgh it is an important art gallery within the world of art.
3.Embassy Art Gallery,Edinburgh
EMBASSY art gallery in Edinburgh is an artist-led organisation based in Edinburgh, Scotland. This art gallery programmes art exhibitions, creative performances, British artists and local artists residencies, and events within their art gallery space in Edinburgh. All of their operations run both online and off-site. This great art gallery in Edinburgh aims to support and showcase not only local Edinburgh artists but artists from all over.
Founded in 2004, the Embassy art gallery in Edinburgh is run by volunteers and a rolling committee. This creative committee takes responsibility for curating projects and all aspects of running this special and unique art gallery in Edinburgh. Those who volunteer for this art gallery are also trustees of the charity, who take responsibility for its strategic direction and financial management.
Embassy art gallery is the most long-running and highly regarded of Edinburgh’s grassroots, artist-run art gallery spaces in Edinburgh. Usually exhibiting group shows, entry is open to all members of the gallery, with particular historical links being held between the Embassy and the student body of Edinburgh College of Art. Expect to see a range of raw and contemporary artworks with a similar spirit to the best of an Art College degree show.If you are looking to potentially buy art in Edinburgh then this would be a good call.
4.Jupiter Artland,Edinburgh
Set within the picturesque 80 acre estate of Bonnington House, arts organisation Jupiter Artland is the brainchild of Nicky and Robert Wilson!
Jupiter Artland Foundation is one of Scotland’s most significant arts organizations, providing five art gallery spaces in Edinburgh, it is set within the most stunning and outdoor sculpture collection anywhere in the UK, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and site-specific commissioned artworks from local artists and some of the world’s leading artists. One of the most interesting art galleries in Edinburgh for sure.
Some of Jupiter artlands permanent sculptures and installations across the grounds include works by artists including Phyllida Barlow, Joana Vasconcelos, Helen Chadwick, Antony Gormley, Charles Jencks, Anish Kapoor, Christian Boltanski, Nathan Coley, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Laura Ford, Anya Gallaccio, Andy Goldsworthy, Jim Lambie, Cornelia Parker and Marc Quinn.
It is Jupiter Artland’s aim for every one of Scotlands school children to have the chance to visit or experience Jupiter Artland through either a visit through one of their many digital projects or with a hands-on visit full of interesting and creative activities. If you are searching for art galleries in Edinburgh you might be thinking of large art museum galleries in Edinburgh or large rooms filled with ancient portraits but Jupiter art land is certainly a hidden gem in terms of art in Edinburgh. Being in Jupiter artland feels like you are a million miles from anywhere. The perfect place for an array of creative minds to flourish.
A must-see while visiting is the Jupiter artland swimming pool you are visiting this brilliant art park in Edinburgh then I would suggest setting aside at least 2.5 hours as there is a lot of walking to see everything. Plenty of parking spaces and also food so why not have a Jupiter artland picnic. There are also toilet facilities(including disabled toilets) available too.
Book Jupiter artland tickets here
5.National Portrait Gallery,Edinburgh
“Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.”
The national portrait art gallery in Edinburgh has the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street should definitely be on your list to visit. This wonderful Edinburgh art gallery covers everything from Tudor and Elizabethan portraits from the 15th Century through to modern-day photos of the UK covering a vast array of portraits and styles.
It’s hard the believe that this Edinburgh art gallery is home to 11,000 portrait paintings, drawings, miniatures, and art sculptures, 250,000 photographs dating as far back as the 1840s, and 80,000 portrait prints, silhouettes, and caricatures there really is something for everyone, even if you don’t think you enjoy art galleries.
As per the Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, touring exhibitions visit the National Portrait Gallery throughout the year, and are always worth visiting, although may include an additional entrance fee. Past exhibits include LGBTQ+ History Month and digital photography award entries. They also run occasional late-night openings with a DJ and drinks at a pop-up bar. Keep an eye on which events and exhibitions are taking place throughout the year
Why not visit the national portrait gallery cafe and shop to end your visit.
6.City Art Centre Edinburgh
Another gallery in Edinburgh and at the very heart of the city. You can find this art gallery opposite Waverly train station which is very convenient for those traveling to Edinburgh by train. The City Art Centre Gallery displays historic and contemporary art with a Scottish focus.
This Edinburgh gallery tends to rotate its vast collection throughout the year with a mix of Scottish painting, photography, and contemporary arts and crafts. The vast Edinburgh gallery is spread over six large floors ( these can be accessed by escalators and a lift), this is an impressive collection of art and well worth a visit. With such a rich, diverse collection, you could lose yourself for hours in this great Edinburgh art gallery.
If you are peckish while on your visit to this gallery then Mimi’s Bakehouse can help fill your belly. They are known for their award-winning cakes and a large variety of cakes. Entry to the City Art Centre is usually free, although there may be an entry charge for some exhibitions. Click for information on current and future exhibitions at the art gallery.
So if you are sat googling Art Galleries Edinburgh right now, get your things and head off to the City art center gallery, Edinburgh.
7.National Museum Of Scotland, Edinburgh
The much loved Nation Museum of Scotland is situated right in the center of Edinburgh not far from the world-famous royal mile and Edinburgh castle. This art gallery and museum in Edinburgh is very large, sprawling in fact. The museum is very informative and very easy to access for everyone. Being right in the heart of Edinburgh city center means this Edinburgh museum is massively popular but don’t let that put you off because even on a busy day it feels comfortable. It is free entry and a cafe and shops inside as you would expect.
Collections range from artifacts from ancient Egypt to the remains of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep.
“Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, science and technology, art, design and fashion, and Scottish history, all under one roof. Fire your imagination at the National Museum of Scotland, one of the UK’s top 10 visitor attractions.
Our diverse collections take you on a journey of discovery through the history of Scotland, the wonders of nature, art and design, science and technology, and world cultures – all under one roof. A range of new safety measures has been put in place. Please book a timed entry ticket online in advance of your visit. Please note spaces with a high number of interactive displays and high-touch areas, such as the Imagine, Explore and Adventure Planet galleries, are temporarily closed.”
A MUST visit art gallery and museum in Edinburgh!
8.Stills Art Gallery,Edinburgh
Stills is a unique and very interesting art gallery in Edinburgh that focuses largely on photography, with changing exhibitions that often incorporate multidisciplinary elements such as video or performance. Well-established artists like Andres Serrano show here, as do emerging Scottish artists. There are solo shows, group shows, and awards exhibitions, making for a different experience every time you visit. Best of all, the gallery, which is centrally located, is open to the public and completely free.
Stills is a centre for photography based in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. With over 40 years of history, we’ve got a lot of experience to share. Our art exhibitions, production facilities and range of creative, educational opportunities allow anyone to discover, enjoy and understand photography.
Stills art gallery in Edinburgh was established in 1977. Since that time it has become a champion for the important and powerful role that the medium of photography plays in the world today.
To find out how to visit, click here
