Last time we visited some of Edinburgh’s top free museums including the National Museum of Scotland, Writers’ Museum and more. Let’s continue with the top free Edinburgh art galleries to visit when in Scotland’s capital city.
Greyfriars Bobby ©MDHarding
Top Free Edinburgh Art Galleries to visit in Scotland
Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery is located directly on Princes Street, with an array of exhibitions. During the year there is also a number of specialist exhibitions from Van Gogh, Monet and coming soon is Rembrandt – Britain’s Discovery of the Master. With well-stocked gift shops and delicious snacks and hot meals from Contini.
Scottish National Gallery ©MDHarding
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A short walk from Princes Street to Queen Street is the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Once inside the gothic red sandstone building, the Great Hall welcomes you with its colourful, decorative frieze and captivating star constellation ceiling. A must visit!
Scottish National Portrait Gallery ©MDHarding
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
A fifteen-minute walk from Queen Street down to Belford road is Neoclassical building, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. There are two buildings Modern One and across the street Modern Two. Both housing a wide collection of both Modern and contemporary art including Surrealist Dada and Italian/Scot sculpturist Eduardo Palazzo. See Eduardo’s studio before enjoying a sweet treat or more in the cafe. Don’t miss a stroll around the sculpture park, with it’s manicured lawns and structured paths.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art ©MDHarding
City Art Centre
Currently, the Science Festival is taking place at the City Art Centre until mid-April. Join in the fun with activities, workshops and discussions. The centre is also home to one of the finest collections of Scottish art, host to touring photography and design exhibitions.
City Art Centre ©MDHarding
Fruitmarket Gallery
Opposite the City Art Centre on Market Street behind Waverley Railway Station is The Fruitmarket Gallery, home to contemporary art. Hosting a wide range of both Scottish and International artists. From now until early June you can see the Slip Slide Splice exhibition – Lee Lozano. There is also a gift shop including a large selection of books on photography, design and the arts.
The Fruitmarket Gallery ©MDHarding
I hope you have enjoyed reading and inspired to visit Edinburgh and it’s many free art galleries. Is there a free attraction that you loved, that I haven’t mentioned? Please do comment/share below. Happy Travels:) x