Art Galleries in Edinburgh

THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Art Galleries

Art Galleries in Edinburgh

  • Traveler favorites
    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
  • Traveler ranking
    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Museums
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
Good for
54 places sorted by traveler favorites
Showing results 1-30 of 54

What travelers are saying

  • Lauren Tyler
    Lancing, UK43 contributions
    Fantastic day out at the botanical gardens in Edinburgh.. perfect weather to boot. Lovely gardens, interesting shipping exhibition and the cafes on site are exceptional, highly recommend the ginger oat bar
    Written March 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JoolzRoolz
    Broxburn, UK7 contributions
    What a fantastic place! Right on my doorstep but hadnt taken the time to visit until the last day of the season.
    Very varied, a relaxed vibe and fantastic lunch in the cafe. All the staff were friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Will be back in 2023! Thank you!
    Written October 13, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul S
    13 contributions
    Popped in after having a lovely lunch at the Dovecot Cafe. Went upstairs to the viewing gallery to see some amazing tapestry and rugs whilst watching the weavres in action on the floor below
    Written January 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim M
    London8 contributions
    I dearly wish that the Edinburgh City Art put on a Celtic Revival Exhibition, especially a retrospective on John Duncan, one of Edinburgh's greatest artists.

    There's three or four of John Duncan's paintings in the City Arts Centre. He brings such beautiful colour and detail to the canvas to bring a wonderful portrayal of Celtic folklore. You can see he was influenced by the pre-Raphaelites especially Rossetti and Italian art frescos.

    The arts centre has the superb Tristan & Isolde the classic mythical Romeo & Juliet tale of forlorn love. They hold the love potion that will make them love each other for eternity, but it was not to be, Isolde is betrothed to King Mark of Cornwall. Tristan is taking Isolde on a ship from Ireland to Cornwall for her wedding. Their tale more or less ends like Romeo & Juliet.

    Go across to the Scottish National Gallery and see Duncan's magnificent Saint Bride. At first glance I did not see Saint Bride, I just was mesmerised by the two angels. The designs on their cloaks details Christ's story. Wonderful.
    Written June 29, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angela T
    2 contributions
    Such an eclectic curation of artists in so many media meant we were glad we’d allowed enough time. Well worth a visit if your anywhere near Portobello.
    Written January 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vessi80
    North Lanarkshire, UK1,070 contributions
    Five minutes from the madness of the Mile , the oldest remaining part of the University
    awaits.
    Firstly, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Old College quadrangle then step into the gallery's modern 'white cube spaces' and its dramatic 19th century gallery.
    The current Festival exhibition here hosts installations and artwork by Celine Condorelli. It's an inventive and inspiring collection and her use of materials is highly original.
    Welcoming ,helpful staff. Free entrance. Kids'activity pack linked to the exhibition available .
    Written July 30, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vessi80
    North Lanarkshire, UK1,070 contributions
    Small , uber stylish gallery and dedicated production hub.
    The Miyako exhibition is stunning and thought provoking . The effect of time on both the human body and our prized personal items is graphic and brave, considering the constant advance of youth driven media (apologise ? ok, a wee bit)
    This iconic Japanese photographer is of the post war generation yet so relevant. The Frida shoes were my Nike Nirvana I suppose but the red diving suit so sums up her political core.
    XXL thanks to John who was 101% in the know and dealt with our questions perfectly. John also let us go through the photographic journal books which showed linked photos from the three collections.
    Ishiuchi Miyako was unknown to me but thanks to the exhibition , I've had a 'wee wake up call' and we all need that post Covid.
    Written August 20, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vessi80
    North Lanarkshire, UK1,070 contributions
    Nestled in Barony Street, away from the crowds. Stylish Interior rooms. The exhibition of Lorna Robertson's new paintings was uplifting and thought provoking.
    Welcoming staff. Well worth a detour.
    Exhibition runs until mid September and is available online.
    Written August 6, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dan
    Newcastle upon Tyne, UK95 contributions
    A great selection of prints & cards. Well laid out and fantastic service to help you choose. Would recommend a look round even if you think you don’t need anything...
    Written October 3, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lou B
    Edinburgh, UK3 contributions
    Great place, lovely stall holders and a great selection of crafts, art, ceramics, all hand made or designed by local Scottish makers.
    Written March 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • artdeco61
    Lincolnshire213 contributions
    The window art attracted us inside and what a wonderful warm welcome we received. This small gallery has lots of exciting work and sculpture wonderfully displayed. The owner is a beautiful lady with so much knowledge of current art works. The displays are very good and the work is exciting and different. We had a great time looking at and hearing about the artists work. Thank you so much for your time and showing us such interesting pieces. Do wish you every success in your venture. Wonderful art galley. We will visit again next time we get back to edinburgh. Highly recommended Rita and Graham from Lincolnshire. What a wonderful birthday I had in edinburgh. Thank you
    Written February 10, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ian C
    London, UK23,970 contributions
    There are two observatories in Edinburgh, the Royal Observatory on Blackford Hill and the City Observatory up on Carlton Hill, along with monuments to Nelson and Robert Burns and the unfinished National Monument with a predominant Greek architectural style reinforcing Edinburgh's title of 'Athens of the North'.

    The history of the 2 observatories is intertwined as the City Observatory was the Royal Observatory before its move to Blackford Hill in 1896.

    The origins of the observatory on Carlton Hill go back to the mid-18th century when a joint private and university observatory was created in buildings which are Gothic in style. Playfair's neoclassical temple with its four wings round a central dome came in 1822 as the Royal Observatory.

    The Observatory was latterly occupied by the Edinburgh Astronomical Society, but they moved out in 2009 and the buildings had various temporary uses until a £1million refurbishment project by Edinburgh City Council in partnership with the Collective contemporary art gallery, restoring the buildings, creating a visitor centre and new art spaces plus, in a new building, a restaurant with incredible views across Edinburgh.

    The Collective specialises in contemporary art and you will either love it or hate it. The current exhibition did little for me, I'm afraid. What would be good if the gallery and Edinburgh Museums could use the exterior spaces for contemporary sculpture - this could be an amazing addition to the location.
    Written February 29, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Richard A
    410 contributions
    Very interesting contemporary exhibitions in a very attractive space. Great staff and a decent looking cafe.
    Written November 2, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vessi80
    North Lanarkshire, UK1,070 contributions
    This spacious, stylish gallery was a joy to visit. Currently it displays a wide selection of Barbara Rae's explosive Lammermuir Landscapes . If you don't have the wall space or the funds, you can still browse at leisure . I did, for nearly an hour.
    Staff here were truly welcoming.
    The exhibition runs until 27th August and is also available online.
    Written August 6, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mi Designs
    1 contribution
    Just home from a few days in Edinburgh and always stop by this gallery. This time Tom Watt was the major exhibition and a total joy.
    The lady in the gallery was very welcoming and we could have talked art all day.
    Written March 3, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh