Brief history of Edinburgh art ecosystem
A well-known city with over 4 million visitors every year, Edinburgh stands as one of the most reputed cities in the world for boasting a rich history, the renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, outstanding architecture, and its contribution to modern art. The city caters a flourishing art scene as it offers some of the most fantastic art galleries showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists.
The 18th century saw the rise of famous portrait painters like Allan Ramsay. With the establishment of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1826, the 19th century brought significant growth, allowing Scottish artists to exhibit and gain recognition. The renowned ‘Scottish Colourists,’ including Francis Cadell, John Duncan Fergusson, Leslie Hunter, and Samuel Peploe, a group of four artists/painters who learned art in Edinburgh in the early 20th century, known for their use of vibrant colours, brushwork, and simplified forms. Also, the 20th century saw a flow of contemporary art alongside modernism. Just like at Elisium Art, we provide exclusive contemporary museum-quality art/paintings to our worldwide collectors.
Sir Rudolf Bing, co-founder of the Edinburgh International Festival, says, “We are similar to a museum. My function is to present old masterpieces in modern frames.” Now the festival has become a prominent international arts festival, displaying diverse artistic disciplines and attracting a global audience.
As the renowned artist Henri Matisse said, “Creativity takes courage.” And Edinburgh, with its rich artistic heritage and thriving contemporary scene, offers ample opportunities to art enthusiasts. For those looking to expand their art collection beyond Scottish art, Elisium Art provides access to a curated selection of luxurious art, offering a unique opportunity to discover and acquire remarkable pieces.
Edinburgh has also housed works by a diverse range of artists spanning periods and styles. The works of famous artists like Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, and Claude Monet can be found in the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Must visit museums for art lovers in Edinburgh
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National Galleries of Scotland – National
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom
Admission fee: Free
The National, formerly known as the Scottish National Gallery, is Scotland's National Art Gallery. Designed in a neoclassical style, it features works of Scottish artists, including Sir Henry Raeburn and several landscapes by Alexander Nasmyth.
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National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
Address: 1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD, United Kingdom
Admission fee: Free
The Portrait is an art museum holding both the national portrait collection and the Scottish National Photography Collection. The gallery narrates the stories of Scotland through portraits of prominent figures from history, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
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Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One & Modern Two)
Address: 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR, United Kingdom (Modern One) & 73 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DS, United Kingdom
Admission fee: Free (May charge for special exhibitions)
Explore Scotland's National Gallery of Modern Art. These two distinct buildings house modern and contemporary art. Modern One features the paintings of Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso and the Scottish Colourists Samuel John Peploe, John Duncan Fergusson, Francis Cadell ,and Leslie Hunter. Whereas Modern Two is home to the famous collection of Surrealism, including the works of Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and Alberto Giacometti.
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City Art Centre
Address: 2 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE, United Kingdom
Admission fee: Free (Temporary exhibitions may charge).
The City Art Centre showcases the finest works of Scottish artists such as Fergusson, Paolozzi, and British artist Eardley. This incredible gallery holds a historic and contemporary Scottish arts and crafts collection, paintings, designs, and photography.
Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artworks in Edinburgh
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Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artists in Edinburgh
Sambit Panda
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Apurba Karati
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Edinburgh Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
Edinburgh beckons art enthusiasts with a rich tapestry of museums, galleries, and hidden artistic gems. This two-day art binge itinerary is designed for travellers eager to immerse themselves in the city's creative spirit.
Day 1: National Treasures and Royal Connections
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Morning
Begin your first day in Scotland by travelling to the Scottish National Gallery in the heart of Edinburgh city. Modern One has the post-war collection, featuring art by Francis Bacon, David Hockney, and several others. Whereas Modern Two houses the Paolozzi Gift, a collection of works by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. You can also view sculptures by artists like Ian Hamilton Finlay, Barbara Hepworth, and Henry Moore in the National Gallery.
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Afternoon
Take a short walk to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson in a neo-gothic style. Discover the story of Scotland through portraits of its most influential and famous figures in history, like Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth l, Mary, and Charles Edward Stuart’s sculpture and portrait. The building’s architecture is definitely worth admiring.
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Mid-Afternoon
Make your afternoon more exciting by visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of King Charles the 3rd in Scotland. It has the King’s Gallery featuring old master paintings, decorative arts, and more. The palace will reopen on 25 February 2025 with its exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography. You will even receive a bonus view by visiting this palace, which is exactly on the opposite end of the majestic Edinburgh Castle.
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Evening
Explore the city’s most picturesque and lively area, the Grassmarket, known for its historic pubs and independent shops. Who doesn’t love to enjoy ice cream at a cozy ice cream parlour? Then try Mary’s Milk Bar’s freshly made gelato at Grassmarket. Select the flavours according to your taste. Wrap up your first day with fun by strolling Grassmarket’s Victorian street, which reminds you of Harry Potter’s famous magical shopping area, Diagon Alley.
Day 2: Modern Expressions and Hidden Gems
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Morning
We bet you won’t want to miss out on this exciting place. Visit Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, which opens from 9 am to 2 pm only on Saturdays at Castle Terrace in Old Town, and if you’re a bibliophile, trust us, you’ll love this place called Armchair Books in West Port, a family run second-hand bookshop and every bookworm dream place to visit.
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Afternoon
Visit the finest spot in Scotland, the City Art Centre, which is part of the museums and galleries in Edinburgh and features Scottish artists from the 17th century onwards. The collections include works of Allan Ramsay, Charles John Holmes, David Martin, and more. Don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity to discover Scotland’s artistic talent. Check out their website for current and upcoming exhibitions and for more detailed information.
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Mid-Afternoon
Explore Stockbridge, which offers various things especially the Stockbridge market on Saunders Street opens every Sunday is packed with handmade soaps and dog treats, jewellery, artisan bread and beers, cheeses like French cheese and charcuterie, and international cuisines, including Indian, Japanese, French, and more.
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Evening
If your visit coincides with the Edinburgh Festival (August), take advantage of the city’s numerous art exhibitions and performances. Look for smaller exhibitions or events outside the festival period at local venues.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
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Bonus Tip
This itinerary offers a blend of iconic institutions and contemporary exploration, catering to diverse artistic tastes. Remember to check opening times and book tickets in advance where necessary, especially for popular exhibitions or during peak tourist season.
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Pro-Tip
A pro tip for navigating Edinburgh on a budget is to take advantage of the city’s excellent bus network. Day tickets offer unlimited travel and are significantly cheaper than individual fares. It allows you to quickly hop between different city areas and explore galleries and museums further afield.
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Secret Weapon
The city’s art scene is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving with new exhibitions, openings, and events. To stay connected, consider subscribing to newsletters from the National Galleries of Scotland or following local art blogs and publications. For a more profound experience, consider attending an artist talk, workshop, or even a life drawing class. It can provide a deeper understanding of the artistic process and connect you with local creatives.
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Expand Your Artistic Horizons
Elisium Art specialises in connecting collectors with exceptional contemporary art from emerging artists around the globe. Our online platform offers a curated selection of museum-quality paintings, providing a seamless and personalised experience for acquiring original fine art. Whether you’re seeking to invest in promising new talent or broaden your artistic horizons, Elisium Art can help you discover and acquire remarkable art from around the globe, extending your artistic journey far beyond the charming streets of Edinburgh.
