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Exhibitions events in Edinburgh

Scroll down to view the upcoming Exhibitions events taking place throughout Edinburgh or use the filters to narrow down the results.

Events in Edinburgh

Maps: Memories from the Second World War

9th March 2024 - 26th January 2026

Through personal stories, photography and memorabilia, this exhibition at the National War Museum charts the creation and use of maps during the Second World War.

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Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000

17th May 2025 - 8th March 2026

Scheduled to complement John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, this survey exhibition examines the wider context of post-war Scottish art.

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Hooked: 500 Years of Addiction

30th May 2025 - 13th February 2026

From heroin to gambling, from alcohol to love, explore the history of addiction at Hooked, an exhibition at the Physicians' Gallery.

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Dear Library

20th June 2025 - 18th April 2026

To mark our 100th birthday, the National Library of Scotland presents a special exhibition, 'Dear Library'.

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ARTIST ROOMS

12th July 2025 - 31st May 2026

Discover three of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art at Modern One this summer with a series of free ARTIST ROOMS displays in Edinburgh.

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IKEA: Magical Patterns

18th July 2025 - 17th January 2026

IKEA Museum's Magical Patterns exhibition comes to Dovecot Studios, celebrating 60 years of innovative textile design.

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We Are The Witches. We Are, Hear

1st August 2025 - 30th August 2026

This is an exhibition of textile artwork by 70 wise women artist using their craft to Challenge, Disturb and Disrupt. Catch it at The House of Smalls in August!

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Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture

13th September 2025 - 31st May 2026

Featuring examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and photography, the exhibition at City Art Centre spans almost 400 years of artistic production.

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Making a Statement: Craft & Activism in Edinburgh

17th September 2025 - 26th January 2026

This colourful and vibrant exhibition brings together historic objects and contemporary protest material to explore the recent explosion of 'Craftivism' in Edinburgh.

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Drawing the Italian Renaissance

17th October 2025 - 1st March 2026

This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, brings together a wide range of drawings from this revolutionary artistic period, including 45 drawings never exhibited in Scotland before.

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Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer

18th October 2025 - 19th April 2026

Take to the skies and discover the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer at the National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait.

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Picking up the Thread: The Past, Present and Future of Tapestry

20th October 2025 - 14th February 2026

Dovecot is delighted to welcome a wonderful variety of artists to show their work in The British Tapestry Group’s celebration of its 20th anniversary.

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Méabh Breathnach

8th November 2025 - 8th February 2026

In Bodies of Work (in progress), Méabh Breathnach uses ceramics, metal and the body as materials, tools, and sources of inspiration in the creation of both sculptural and functional objects.

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Michael Fullerton

22nd November 2025 - 1st March 2026

A major exhibition by Glasgow-born artist Michael Fullerton comes to the City Arts Centre!

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Turner in January

1st January 2026 - 31st January 2026

Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!

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Exhibition: Scotland at Night

9th January 2026 - 29th January 2026

This exhibition at the Scottish Storytelling Centre is a captivating compilation of night photography highlighting the beauty, geology and compelling history of Edinburgh and beyond.

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Paper Trails

10th January 2026 - 31st January 2026

Paper Trails presents a focused selection of works on paper by &Gallery’s represented artists this January.

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Society of Scottish Artists Annual Exhibition

11th January 2026 - 4th February 2026

Film, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, paintings and prints by contemporary and emerging artists from across Scotland and overseas feature in this extensive and thought provoking exhibition.

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Small Paintings

17th January 2026 - 1st February 2026

Small Paintings, now in its 12th year, features over 500 small, original paintings from some of Scotland's most notable contemporary artists. Catch it at Morningside Gallery from 17th January!

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CATALYST: Art as Activism - A Heart in Exile

31st January 2026 - 29th March 2026

A Heart in Exile brings together three bodies of work that trace the inner landscape of migration; its fractures, its expansions, and its quiet, unresolvable tensions.

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CATALYST: Art as Activism - All Day, Waiting For Another Sun to Rise

31st January 2026 - 29th March 2026

Within this show at Summerhall, Molly Wickett reimagines a post-apocalyptic landscape through a queer and disabled lens.

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CATALYST: Art as Activism - Any Body Home

31st January 2026 - 29th March 2026

Any Body Home features works developed during the Hugo Burge Foundation x Summerhall residency Art as Activism (2024), along with other pieces exploring related themes.

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CATALYST: Art as Activism - Net Worthy

31st January 2026 - 29th March 2026

Net Worthy explores how capitalism drives biodiversity loss through its emphasis on extraction via industrial agriculture and aquaculture to produce perpetual profit.

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Drawing the Italian Renaissance: BSL Tour

31st January 2026

Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.

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Giants

31st January 2026 - 14th September 2026

Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family friendly exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland!

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The Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition

31st January 2026 - 1st February 2026

Are you planning your wedding in Scotland and looking for the best Edinburgh wedding suppliers? Then come along to The Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition, one of the largest wedding shows in Scotland!

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Time & Motion Studies - Exhibition by Nick Devison

31st January 2026 - 20th February 2026

Nick Devison uses printmaking as a medium for exploring ideas, solving problems and creating new visual connections. Don't miss his exhibition, Time & Motion Studies, at Upright Gallery.

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The Biba Story: 1964–1975

6th February 2026 - 27th June 2026

The Biba Story explores how fashion phenomenon Biba blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label, sparking a revolution in how people shopped.

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Shorthair & All Breed Championship Cat Show

14th February 2026

The annual GCCF Championship Cat Show will be held on Saturday 14th February at West Lothian College Sports Hall, Livingston. It's a purr-fect day out for cat lovers everywhere!

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Classic Trucks & Tractors

28th February 2026 - 1st March 2026

From the organisers of Truckfest comes Classic Trucks & Tractors, a brand-new show on 28th Feb & 1st March 2026 at the Royal Highland Centre.

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The Scottish Motorcycle Show

7th March 2026 - 8th March 2026

The Scottish Motorcycle Show returns to the Royal Highland Centre on March 7th & 8th with all the latest models, major manufacturers, and breath-taking live action!

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100 Best Australian Wines Festival with Matthew Jukes

21st March 2026

The 100 Best Australian Wines Festival with Matthew Jukes is back at The Edinburgh Academy on Saturday 21st March, following its great success last year!

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The Scottish Tattoo Convention

28th March 2026 - 29th March 2026

The Scottish Tattoo Convention returns to the O2 Academy Edinburgh in March 2026, bigger and better than ever!

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Edinburgh Science Festival

4th April 2026 - 19th April 2026
Various Locations Edinburgh

Exploring the theme Going Global, Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 will showcase the research and innovation created through international partnerships that address shared challenges!

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The Edwardians: Age of Elegance

24th April 2026 - 6th December 2026

The Edwardians: Age of Elegance explores the glitzy world of two of Britain's most fashionable royal couples – King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary!

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Edinbrick - A LEGO Model Show

9th May 2026 - 10th May 2026

Edinbrick is back for 2026! Edinburgh's biggest LEGO Model Show, will be held on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May at Meadowbank Sports Centre.

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The Scottish Kennel Club: Double Championship Dog Show

14th May 2026 - 17th May 2026

The Scottish Kennel Club is delighted to be holding, once again, its double (All Breed & General) Championship Show in May 2026.

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British Pipe Band Championships

30th May 2026

The pipes are calling you to the Royal Highland Centre on 30th May for the British Pipe Band Championships.

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Truckfest Scotland

1st August 2026 - 2nd August 2026

Scotland's biggest and best truck show returns to Edinburgh's Royal Highland Centre on the 1st and 2nd August 2026, it's a great day out for the family!

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Edinburgh Festival Fringe

7th August 2026 - 31st August 2026
Various Locations Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Fringe returns from 7th to 31st August 2026 with artists and performers taking to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste.

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Flora, Fauna & Fabric, Where Art Meets Fashion!

16th October 2026 - 19th October 2026

Scottish artists/designers Adrienne Kerr and Elizabeth Martin unite their shared love of nature, storytelling, and textile in this exhibition at Dundas Street Gallery!

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Comic Con Scotland

24th October 2026 - 25th October 2026

Comic Con Scotland, one of Europe's largest pop culture conventions, returns to the Royal Highland Centre on 24th and 25th October 2026!

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Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
The Chocolatarium
Fayre Play
Cancer Research UK
King Pins

Exhibitions Events in East Renfrewshire

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:

Exhibition On Screen: Degas

Exhibition On Screen: Degas

18th January 2026

With exclusive access to view rare and diverse works, this film tells a fascinating story of Degas' pursuit for perfection through both experimentation with new techniques.

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Exhibition On Screen: Turner and Constable

Exhibition On Screen: Turner and Constable

22nd March 2026

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable's intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition.

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Exhibition On Screen: Frida Kahlo

Exhibition On Screen: Frida Kahlo

20th May 2026

Exhibition on Screen is delighted to bring Frida Kahlo back to the cinema for the attention it deserves, don't miss it at Eastwood Park Theatre on Wednesday 20th May!

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Exhibitions Events in Fife

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:

Gu’un the fish n’ that

Gu’un the fish n’ that

5th January 2026 - 2nd March 2026

Gu’un the fish n’ that is an immersive sound installation by East Anglian based artist Beverley Carruthers, celebrating the migrant worker and their importance to the fishing industry.

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From These Parts: Scotland, Art and Identity

From These Parts: Scotland, Art and Identity

18th October 2025 - 15th February 2026

Join us at Wardlaw Museum for this exhibition and uncover Scotland’s identity through the creativity of its artists!

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The Herring Year : Following the Fish, the Fleet and the Folk around the Coast

The Herring Year : Following the Fish, the Fleet and the Folk around the Coast

5th January 2026 - 2nd March 2026

Every year the shoals of herring moved around the coasts of Britain and every year an army of workers followed them. This exhibition, by local artist Jake Brown, illustrates the routes they took.

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Exhibitions Events in Glasgow

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:

Daytripping

Daytripping

20th September 2025 - 17th January 2026

Daytripping at Platform is a collection of evocative photographs documenting the joy of day trips, celebrating people and place, taken by photographer Alan Dimmick.

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Gartnavel Royal Summer House Residency

Gartnavel Royal Summer House Residency

21st October 2025 - 1st October 2026

Project Ability artists and inpatients from Gartnavel Royal Hospital reflect on ideas of comfort and disturbance in nature, with visits to the Gartnavel Summer House and gardens.

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Abandoned: International Photography Exhibition

Abandoned: International Photography Exhibition

7th January 2026 - 31st January 2026

The Glasgow Gallery of Photography are hosting a month long photography exhibition, with the theme Abandoned at their exhibition space on High Street during January!

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Exhibitions Events in Lanarkshire

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:

Wild Heart of Nature - Showcase of Zaneta Threlfall

Wild Heart of Nature - Showcase of Zaneta Threlfall

7th February 2026 - 4th May 2026

North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre welcomes a showcase exhibition of award-winning Polish photographer Zaneta (Zan) Threlfall, from February to May!

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North Pole Express

North Pole Express

15th November 2025 - 17th January 2026

North Pole Express at North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre is an enchanting winter exhibition for families and younger visitors!

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Exhibitions Events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:

Deco

Deco

Selected dates between 17th December 2025 - 31st January 2026

The Art Department is delighted to announce a new exhibition Deco, exploring the Art Deco movement, stemming back to the early twentieth century when Art Deco first burst onto the world stage.

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Micro Layouts Model Railway Show

Micro Layouts Model Railway Show

22nd March 2025 - 22nd March 2026

Join Renfrewshire Model Railway Club, Cupar Model Railway Club and Leven Valley Trains for the Micro Layouts Model Railway Show on Saturday 22nd March!

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Urban Sketch

Urban Sketch

1st May 2026 - 30th May 2026

Urban Sketch at The Art Department in Paisley is a month-long exhibition featuring work by artists from the Urban Sketchers movement!

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Exhibitions Events in Stirling

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:

Made in Stirling Editions: Scottish Legends and Lore

Made in Stirling Editions: Scottish Legends and Lore

16th January 2026 - 15th February 2026

'Made in Stirling Editions: Scottish Legends and Lore' houses the work of multiple talented artists and makers from the collective, each finding inspiration in the country they call home.

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The Man Who Could Paint Anything – The Legacy of Thomas Stuart Smith

The Man Who Could Paint Anything – The Legacy of Thomas Stuart Smith

1st March 2023 - 1st January 2028

This exhibition showcases some of The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum’s remarkable art collection.

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Events in Other Areas

Sponsored Links

Cancer Research UK
Escape The Past
The Cookbook Shop
The Cogency
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
The Chocolatarium
Fayre Play
Cancer Research UK
King Pins
Cancer Research UK
Escape The Past
The Cookbook Shop
The Cogency
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show
Watch the iconic McEwans Hall in Edinburgh come alive with Enlightenment, a spectacular sound and light show, set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!
Snowdrop and Spring Interest Walks
Experience the scents, sights, and emerging delights of early spring on a guided Snowdrop and Spring Interest Walk through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh!
Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Edinburgh Zoo Giant Lanterns
Edinburgh Zoo's award-winning Giant Lanterns event is back this winter, for the first time in six years, with a never-before-seen theme, featuring all things aquatic!
Edinburgh Nuclear Bunker Tour
Don't miss an amazing opportunity to see part of Scotland's Cold War History on the Barnton Nuclear Bunker Tours every Saturday and Sunday!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall