City Art Centre

About City Art Centre

Enjoy a visit to the City Art Centre, a main Edinburgh art gallery with one of the best collections of Scottish art. We show interesting exhibitions from our own collections and from all over the world. We can also tempt you with an attractive shop located on the ground floor.

The City Art Centre has a busy programme of exhibitions which change regularly to suit the interests of our visitors. People come to see favourites from the City’s nationally Recognised collection of Scottish art; new work from local or international artists or exhibitions from other countries. Exhibitions of historic and modern photography, contemporary art and design, architecture and the built environment are staged in a rolling programme. We have shown Egyptian and Roman objects and even featured artwork and costumes from the Star Wars films.

An escalator and lift help you move around six floors, and you can be refreshed by sampling the menus in the café, or buy art books, cards, handbags and jewellery from our ground floor shop.

The City Art Centre is conveniently placed near to the Waverley rail station in the city centre.

Upcoming Events at City Art Centre

In Focus: Scottish Photography

7th July 2018 - 12th May 2019

This exhibition showcases the City Art Centre’s photographic collections, charting the development of fine art photography in Scotland from the 19th century to present day.

Robert Blomfield: Edinburgh Street Photography | An Unseen Archive

24th November 2018 - 17th March 2019

This exhibition displays a selection of Robert Blomfield's stunning private archive, documenting the dramatic shifts taking place in Edinburgh’s urban landscape during the 1960s.

A Car for Women and Other Stories: Opening

22nd February 2019

You are invited to the Opening of 'A Car for Women and Other Stories' and will include a short film and a performance by singer/songwriters inspired by Dorothée’s Pullinger story.

Reading and Writing Audacious Women

23rd February 2019

In this relaxed reading and creative writing session, we'll consider what goes into making the most bold and gutsy heroines, before having a go at creating our own.

Write to Remember

23rd February 2019

Everyone has a story to tell. Whether it's for yourself or others, this women only workshop will start you on the fascinating journey of writing the story of your life.

Travellers Tales: new places, new challenges

23rd February 2019

Audacious Women Festival: Three women share very different experiences of journeying to new places, and what this means in their lives.

Drawing Real Women

23rd February 2019

Move beyond mainstream and perfected representations of women in this safe, playful and supportive workshop and have a go at depicting yourself or other beloved females.

The Art of Batik

23rd February 2019

This workshop at City Art Centre will introduce some simple techniques and show you how to make a beautiful batik panel as part of the Audacious Women Festival.

This Is Me: Dance Party

23rd February 2019

Join dance artist Hayley MacDonald for a dance and performance workshop exploring individuality, expression and confidence. Come and be The Greatest Show Woman!

Gilding Workshop

23rd February 2019

Add some sparkle to your artwork. Learn some basic gilding techniques and apply them to a name or a word you would like to decorate in this workshop at City Art Centre.

Exploring Your Political Pathway

23rd February 2019

Come and meet other women interested in politics and learn more about what it takes to stand for election at all tiers of Government in this workshop at City Art Centre.

Raising Voices: A Creative Writing Workshop

24th February 2019

This creative writing workshop will build confidence, explore resistance & empowerment, and celebrate connections within the group. Part of the Audacious Women Festival.

Scared To Sing?

24th February 2019

Are you one of the many women who have always believed you can't sing, but wish you could? Explore your voice in a friendly, safe place!

Storytelling Workshop

24th February 2019

The ability to tell a good tale can be the key to success in many situations. Margaret Bennett will help you bring your stories to life in this workshop as part of the Audacious Women Festival.

Boost Your Confidence on a Bike

24th February 2019

Does lack of confidence sometimes spoil your fun? Aneela McKenna has great tips to conquer your fears and make every bike ride the best ever.

Make Your Audacious Dream Reality

24th February 2019

No matter where your goal lies, a Vision Board can help bring focus and put a spotlight on the 'what' and the 'why' of your dream.

Get Connected: A Social Media How To

24th February 2019

Do you want to stay connected and informed but aren't sure where to start? This workshop will give you the confidence to begin.

Storytelling and Survival: Book Launch with Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre

25th February 2019

We invite you to join us for the launch of an anthology of creative writing, art work and storytelling from Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre’s Storytelling and Survival Group.

A Car for Women and Other Stories: Exhibition

25th February 2019

The exhibition tells the story of Dorothée Pullinger and the other "girl engineers" who sought professional engineering training in Galloway during WW1.

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