Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the richest museums and libraries of Scotland:
City Art Centre
Edinburgh City Centre 2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE Tel: 0131 529 3993 A leading exhibition space with 6 galleries, housing Edinburgh's Scottish Art collection, opened in 1980. One of the UK's most visited exhibition centres, which has previously hosted exhibitions from Star Trek to Egyptian artefacts. Daily :10am – 5pm Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Some exhibitions may have an admission charge. Licensed cafe. Open on Sundays (12pm - 5pm) in July and August. Opening times may vary for special exhibitions - telephone for further details. Website: www.cac.org.uk
Collective Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre 22-28 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1NY Tel: 0131 220 1260 Artist run contemporary art gallery. Wide selection of art periodicals. Organisers of the New Work Scotland Programme - a series of debut exhibitions by Scottish-based artists, Audio Arts - interviews archive and the Artist's Digital Resource. Opened daily except Mon and Tue Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Winter opening hours: Wed - Sun 12pm - 5pm. Art Tours available - contact the gallery for details. Disabled access. Artists membership scheme. Creative Creche on the 1st Sunday of the month, 3pm - 5pm, for children aged 2-10 years. Website: www.collectivegallery.org
Dean Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS Tel:0131 624 6200 / 332 2266 (recorded info) Opened in March 1999 as the home for the Eduardo Paolozzi gift of sculpture and graphic art, the Gallery of Modern Art's Dada and Surrealist collections, a library and archive centre, and a temporary exhibition space for modern and contemporary art. Opened daily till 5 p.m. Price(s): Free (permanent collection) Concession(s): Free (permanent collection) Special exhibitions have an admission charge, £1:50 - £5.00. Licensed cafe, shop. Closed 25, 26 Dec. Extended hours on Sunday during Festival. Free bus service between the four National Galleries, departs from here 40 mins past the hour, from 11:40am. Website: www.nationalgalleries.org
DOM Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre 8 Advocate's Close, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1PS Tel: 0131 225 9271 Artist-run gallery based in Edinburgh's oldest house. Works on display constantly change and can include sculptures, tapestries, paintings, ceramics, woodcarvings, stained glass and glassworks. Opened daily 11am - 5:30pm Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Items made or designed by the artists are on sale in the gallery shop. Website: www.dom-arts.com
Edinburgh College of Art
Edinburgh City Centre Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9DP Tel: 0131 221 6009 Edinburgh's Art College holds regular public exhibitions in the Andrew Grant Gallery and also the Sculpture Court. Opened daily. Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Disabled facilities. Website: www.eca.ac.uk
Edinburgh Printmakers Workshop and Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre 23 Union Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3LR Tel: 0131 557 2479 An artists' studio and gallery dedicated to contemporary fine-art printmaking, with a two-level gallery and studio space for etching, lithography, photography, screenprinting and relief printing. Portfolio of over 500 original prints for sale. Opened all days except Mon and Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Yearly membership scheme for workshop facilities. A programme of workshops and courses is available (details on the Printmakers website). Work by resident artists is on show and there is a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions. Website: www.edinburgh-printmakers.co.uk
Fruitmarket Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre 45 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF Tel: 0131 225 2383 Acclaimed art space exhibiting Scottish, British and International contemporary art. Home of the permanent public art work 'Northern Lights' by Peter Fink. Opened all days Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Winter opening hours: 11am - 5pm (Mon-Sat), 12pm - 5pm (Sun). Some exhibitions may have an admission charge. Cafe, bookshop. Disabled access. Gallery tours and guides available. Extended opening hours during the Festival. Website: www.fruitmarket.co.uk
Inverleith House
Edinburgh North Royal Botanic Garden, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Tel: 0131 248 2943 / 2983 Designed by David Henderson in 1774, Inverleith House was the original home of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (1960 to 1984). Offers an innovative programme of temporary exhibitions, talks and events which embrace the arts and sciences. Closed Tuesday Price(s) Free Concession(s): Free Opening times vary: Nov-Feb 10am-4pm, Mar-Apr 10am-5:30pm, May-Oct as above. Closed 25-28 Dec, 31 Dec - 4 Jan. Disabled access. Sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Andy Goldsworthy on permanent display in the gardens. Website: www.rbge.org.uk
Museum of Childhood
Edinburgh City Centre 42 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TQ Tel: 0131 529 4142 The world's first museum to be dedicated solely to the history of childhood, opened in 1955. Contains five galleries with toys and games, both contemporary and antique, from around the world. All days except Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Some reproduction toys for children to play with. Regularly holds events, with special activities organised during school holidays, and temporary exhibitions. Disabled facilities. Open on Sundays during the Festival. Website: www.cac.org.uk
Museum of Edinburgh
Edinburgh City Centre 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD Tel: 0131 529 4143 Home to important collections of Edinburgh history, from prehistoric times to the present. Exhibits include Greyfriars Bobby's collar, the original model used to create his bronze statue, the National Covenant signed in 1638, and Scottish pottery. All days except Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Formerly Huntly House Museum. Regular programme of temporary exhibitions. Also houses a collection of items related to Field Marshall Haig. Open Sun 2pm-5pm during the Festival. Limited wheelchair access. Website: www.cac.org.uk
Museum of Flight
Edinburgh East East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian EH39 5LF Tel: 01620 880308 Two massive hangars, part of a historic WWII airfield, are packed with planes, rockets, models and memorabilia. The huge range of aircraft includes the Hawk, Vulcan bomber, Spitfire, Soviet MIG, and the 100 year old Hawk. Opened daily 10:30am - 5pm Price(s): £3.00 Concession(s): £1.50 (18 and under free) Free parking, tearoom, shop. Disabled access. Open to 6pm Jul and Aug, closed 25 and 26 Dec and 1st Jan. Website: www.nms.ac.uk/flight
Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh City Centre 1 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Tel: 0131 247 4422 Presenting the history of Scotland from its geological beginnings to the 20th century. Discover Early People, Industry and Empire, Scotland Transformed and the centrepiece exhibition, The Kingdom of the Scots. Plus get hands-on at the Discovery Centre! Opened all days Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Sound guides and guided tours, exhibIT multimedia resource room, disabled facilities, Textphone 0131 247 4027. Cafe and restaurant, toilets, baby changing. Website: www.nms.ac.uk
National Gallery of Scotland
Edinburgh City Centre The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL Tel: 0131 624 6200 Opened in 1859, now home to Scotland's greatest collection of European paintings and sculpture from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. Includes a comprehensive collection of the major names in Scottish art. Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 10am - 5pm 10am - 5pm 10am - 5pm 10am - 7pm 10am - 5pm 10am - 5pm 10am - 5pm Price(s): Free (permanent collection) Concession(s): Free (permanent collection) Regular programme of temporary exhibitions (some charge admission fee, £2 - £5). Closed Dec 25, 26 only, extended hours during Festival. Shop. Regular free bus service between the four National Gallery sites, departs from Mound on the hour from 11am. Website: www.nationalgalleries.org
National Library of Scotland
Edinburgh City Centre George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW Tel: 0131 226 4531 Founded over 300 years ago as the library of the Faculty of Advocates. The library houses a major collection of books published in the UK. Three reading rooms give access to journals, newspapers, manuscripts and pre and post 1800 printed books. All days Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Open during the Festival until 8pm, Mon - Fri. The library's map collection of over 1.6 million items is housed at the Causewayside site. Website: www.nls.uk
National War Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh City Centre Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG Tel: 0131 225 7534 Exploring the Scottish experience of war and military service during the last four centuries, this six gallery museum is located within the Castle's Museum Square. Displays are brought to life by the personal recollections of individual Scots. Opened daily 9:45am - 5:30pm Price(s): Included in Castle admission charge Concession(s): Included in Castle admission charge Formerly The Scottish United Services Museum. Closes at 4:30pm Nov - Mar. Disabled access, shop, reference library (by appointment). Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Newhaven Heritage Museum
Edinburgh East Pier Place, Newhaven Harbour, Edinburgh, EH6 4LP Tel: 0131 551 4165 Discover the origins of Newhaven, dating back to the start of the 16th century. The museum tells the story of life as a fishwife or fisherman through reconstructed sets, historic photographs, and first-hand accounts of people's lives. Al days 12pm - 4:45pm except Sunday Price(s):Free Concession(s): ree Disabled facilities. "Hands-on" exhibits - dress up as a fisherman, have a go at net making or knot tying, and more. Last admission 15 mins before closing. Website: www.cac.org.uk
No 28 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh City Centre 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4ET Tel: 0131 243 9300 A National Trust for Scotland property in which the Regency furniture complements the 20th century Scottish paintings by Cadell, Peploe, Hunter and others. Opened daily. Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Coffee house, Gift Shop, restaurant at No 27. Website: www.nts.org.uk
North Edinburgh Arts Centre
Edinburgh North 15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh, EH4 4TZ Tel: 0131 315 2151 Arts centre with studio theatre, recording suite, performance spaces, workshop, gallery, cafe / bar and creche. All days except Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Cafe opening hours: 10am - 4pm Mon - Fri, 11am - 3pm Sat. Bar opens one hour before evening performances. Website: www.northedinburgharts.co.uk
Nu St Space
Edinburgh City Centre 14 New Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8DW Tel: 0131 558 9408 A diverse range of exhibitions showcasing the work of emergent and more established artists. All days 11am - 6:30pm except Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Part of the Out Of The Blue arts complex. Cafe/bar. Website: www.outoftheblue.org.uk
Patriothall Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre 1d Patriothall, off Hamilton Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5AY Tel: 0131 225 1289 An artist led exhibition space with regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Contributing artists are predominantly young, emerging artists living and working in Scotland. All days 12pm - 5pm Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Opening times may vary. Disabled access.
Queensferry Museum
Edinburgh West 53 High Street, South Queensferry, EH30 9HP Tel: 0131 331 5545 With magnificent views of both Forth bridges, the museum traces the local history, the building of the bridges, and the wildlife of the Forth estuary. See the full-size model of the Burry Man - good luck charm or banisher of evil spirits? All days except Tue and Wed Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 1PM AND 2:15PM (not Sun). Last admission 30 mins before closing. "Hands-on" exhibits include telescope and sound unit. Website: www.cac.org.uk
Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh City Centre 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Tel: 0131 552 7171 Exhibition Hall located within the Gardens in which regular exhibitions are held. All days till 15:30 Price(s): Free (donations welcome) Concession(s): Free (donations welcome) Disabled access. No animals except guide dogs. Open daily except Dec 25, Jan 1. Exhibition Hall open later in spring/summer months. Garden closing times vary. Terrace cafe. Website: www.rbge.org.uk
Royal Museum
Edinburgh City Centre 11 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Tel: 0131 247 4219 Contains 36 galleries, housing outstanding international collections from Science and Industry, The Natural World and The Decorative Arts. Exhibitions are displayed on 3 floors and balconies overlooking the main hall. Home to the Lumiere cinema. All days. Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Some temporary exhibitions have an admission charge. Sound guides, guided tours, disabled facilities, Textphone 0131 247 4027, NMS picture library, toilets, baby changing, shop, cafe and tearoom. Rockwatch Geology Club for ages 8-16 yrs, meets monthly. Website: www.nms.ac.uk
Scottish Mining Museum
Edinburgh South Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, EH22 4QN Tel: 0131 663 7519 A new visitor centre at which you can learn about how coal is created and extracted from the ground, experience what it was like at the pitface and hear about life in the mining communities via two audio-visual shows and a 'Magic Helmets' tour. Daily 10am - 5pm Price(s): Adult £4.00, family season ticket £10.00 Concession(s): £2.20 Open 10am - 4pm December to January. Family ticket: 2 adult + 3 children. Restaurant, shop, disabled facilities. Website: www.scottishminingmuseum.com
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Edinburgh City Centre Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR Tel: 0131 624 6200 / 332 2266 (Info) Set in extensive leafy grounds, featuring a stepped S-shaped landform by Charles Jenks, which provide the setting for a range of sculptures. The collection of approx. 5000 pieces ranges from prints and paintings to contemporary video installations. Opened daily. Price(s): Free (permanent collection) Concession(s): Free (permanent collection) Licensed cafe with garden terrace, shop. Print room open by appointment. Regular temporary exhibitions (some charge admission fee, £1.50 - £5.00). Closed 25, 26 Dec. Extended hours during Festival. Free bus service between National Gallery sites. Website: www.nationalgalleries.org
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Tel: 0131 624 6200 / 332 2266 (recorded info) Built in the 1880's, the gallery provides a unique visual history of Scotland. All the portraits are from Scottish history, painted by a range of major European and American masters. The gallery also displays sculptures, miniatures and photographs. Opened daily. Price(s): Free (permanent collection) Concession(s): Free (permanent collection) Some special exhibitions have admission charge, £1:50-£5.00. Licensed cafe, shop. Closed 25, 26 Dec. Extended hours during the Festival. Free bus service between the four National Galleries, departs from here 15 mins past the hour, from 11:15am. Website: www.nationalgalleries.org
Scottish Poetry Library
Edinburgh City Centre 5 Crichton's Close, Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DT Tel: 0131 557 2876 A collection of written works, tapes and videos with an emphasis on 20th century poetry written in Scotland, in Scots, Gaelic and English. Also features historic Scottish poetry and contemporary works from all over the world. Regular children's events. All days except Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Closed 23rd Dec to first working day in Jan. Website: www.spl.org.uk
Stills Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre 23 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP Tel: 0131 622 6200 One of Scotland's most prestigious independent galleries with an international reputation for quality, innovative exhibitions. Specialising in photographic work, the gallery also houses an open access digital imaging lab and darkroom facilities. All days except Sun and Mon Price(s): Gallery free (fees for courses and workshops) Concession(s): Contact Stills for details. Extensive range of photography and digital imaging courses and workshops. Membership scheme, facilities available for hire in 3 hr sessions. Regular temporary exhibitions upstairs@Stills. Disabled users welcome. Bookshop. Cafe Odile.
Talbot Rice Gallery
Edinburgh City Centre University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH8 9YL Tel: 0131 650 2211 Housing two gallery spaces, The Torrie or 'Red' Gallery exhibits the permanent collection of paintings and bronzes, including the Torrie and Hope Scott Collections. The 'White' Gallery is used for up to seven temporary exhibitions each year. All days 10am - 5pm except Sun and Mon Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Open Monday (10am - 5pm) and Sunday (2pm - 5pm) for Festival Exhibition. Partial disabled access. The Red Gallery can be hired for small functions, tel: 0131 650 2093. Website: www.trg.ed.ac.uk
The Netherbow Centre
Edinburgh City Centre 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR Tel: 0131 556 9579 / 2647 Art exhibition area with regular temporary exhibitions. The venue covers a range of arts, including drama, poetry, storytelling and puppetry. All days except Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Cafe, workshop rooms, disabled facilities, baby changing facilities. Website: www.storytellingcentre.org.uk
The People's Story
Edinburgh City Centre Canongate Tolbooth, 163 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN Tel: 0131 529 4057 Located in the 16th century Tolbooth, this museum reconstructs the lives, work and leisure of Edinburgh people, from the late 18th century to the present. Truly a museum with a difference, experience the sights, sounds and smells of the past! All days except Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s) Free Includes a 20 minute video presentation. Open Sun 12pm - 5pm during the Festival. Disabled facilities. Group bookings available by appointment. Website: www.cac.org.uk
The Queen's Hall
Edinburgh City Centre Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9JG Tel: 0131 668 3456 (admin) A variety of exhibitions are held monthly in the gallery space. Works are available for sale on a commission basis. All days 9am - 5pm except Sun Price(s): Free Concession(s): Free Licensed bar, cafe. Disabled facilities. Friends of The Queen's Hall Scheme, venue available for hire. Website: www.queenshalledinburgh.co.uk
Writers' Museum
Edinburgh City Centre Lady Stair's Close, Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2PA Tel: 0131 529 4901 Dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland's great literary figures. Rare collections include early editions, manuscripts, portraits, photographs, and personal belongings of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. All days 10am - 5pm except SunPrice(s): Free Concession(s): Free Regular exhibitions featuring prominent Scottish writers and contemporary authors. The Makars Court contains inscriptions commemorating the work of famous Scottish writers from the 14th century to the present. Open Sun 2pm - 5pm during the Festival. Website: www.cac.org.uk
