Walking down the streets in the heart of Edinburg, is like strolling through a massive open-air museum. The Grassmarket, Castle Rock, Arthur’s Seat, and more are steeped in history and portrays the changing arts and culture throughout history. While first-timers might be tempted to stick to these ancient, stunning structures, there is a world to discover in the art museums. Whether you are a history buff or fascinated by the history of Scotland, there is so much to feed your curiosity. From abstracts, sculptures, ancient and contemporary arts to exhibitions representing prehistoric Scotland, the experience will remain with you long after you leave. Discover the vibrant heritage and culture of this country by touring these best art museums in Edinburgh, the UK.
1. The Royal Scottish Academy
This art museum, set on the grounds of the Royal Scottish Academy building, focuses Scotland’s visual arts and holds events, educational talks, and exhibition programs year-round to support artists. This place also features lots of archives and collections, including the 19th-century Francesca da Rimini by William Dyce, and the 17th-century Pastoral Landscape with Roman Arch by Claude Lorrain. The main building features an upscale exhibition spot while in the basement, you will find education areas and visitor amenities. You can also purchase art-inspired, locally made jewelry, designers, as well as contemporary books at the gift shop at the front of the location.
The Royal Scottish Academy
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom
Website: The Royal Scottish Academy
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm
2. City Art Centre
City Art Centre, set in the heart of the capital city, highlights a range of Scottish contemporary and historic applied and visual arts, spanning from the 17th-century to date. The museum rotates exhibitions, ranging from photography, painting, craft, and art from the country’s renowned artists. You can check out over 4,500 items in the galleries, spread out over the six floors. The recent display - Art of Star Wars drew as much as 100,000 people from around the continents. Also, it is home to the award-winning Mimi’s Bakehouse café and a large shop.
City Art Centre
Address: 2 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE, United Kingdom
Website: City Art Centre
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. National Museum of Scotland
Walk down memory lane in this recently renovated museum highlighting items from prehistoric Scotland, arranged in a magnificent seven-level structure. Glance through more than 20,000 objects, ranging from weapons, ornaments, and artwork, each arranged in historical stages. For instance, the first floor, dedicated to prehistoric Scotland, features exhibitions of the life of the first inhabitants. In contrast, the spread within parts of the first and second levels displays artifacts from the Kingdom of Scotland around the first and second centuries. Going upwards will be like unraveling the great history of this country, until present times. And when you finally reach the top, you will be greeted by picturesque vistas of the present-day Edinburgh from the beautiful terrace.
National Museum of Scotland
Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
Website: National Museum of Scotland
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Museum Collections Centre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
More than only art and history, Museum Collections Centre has a large group of objects ranging from diverse topics. Collections from individual subjects, including applied art, the Museum of Childhood, and social history are, however, not displayed for public viewing. They are stored away for use in temporary exhibitions, lent to other museums, and research purposes. The museum organizes tours for people interested in seeing these reserve collections, which include 2000 Queen Victoria clay pipes, pantomime costumes, as well as bicycles, prams, dollhouses, and more from the childhood area. All the pieces in this place tell a story about its existence. You can also view the broad range of other items that are open to all.
Museum Collections Centre
Address: 10 Broughton Market, Edinburgh EH3 6NU, United Kingdom
Website: Museum Collections Centre
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
Edinburgh Tour Guide
Neil Spowart
5. Georgian House
Explore the intricate beauty and collections of a luxurious townhouse, from back in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with a visit to the Georgian House. This beautiful structure, built by Robert Adam, a renowned architect in those days, is a real testament to the country’s impressive architectural art in the Georgian era. This structure was first purchased in 1796 by John Lamont for 2,360 USD (1,800 GBP), who held lavish entertainments and had collections of fineries and silver. However, at the time of Lamont’s death, he was financially challenged, and his son later sold the building. Today, the updated Georgian House features glass, silver, porcelain, furniture, and more, giving insights about the luxuries of that time. Also, with the servant’s rooms on the grounds, it portrays the life of the lower class in that era.
Georgian House
Address: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR, United Kingdom
Website: Georgian House
Make your visit one to remember
Aside from the bustling culinary scenes, art festivals, beautiful landscapes, and ancient structures that abound in Edinburgh, your visit will be incomplete without insights about the rich culture and heritage of these people. Discover arts, artifacts, and other treasures preserved throughout history in these top art museums in Edinburgh, the UK.
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