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

Beneath the Surface

16th November 2019 - 1st March 2020

This exhibition features work by nine contemporary artists based in Scotland with the artworks having an economy of gesture in common - a limited tonal palette or a monochrome colour plane.

Personal Narrative and Mindful Stitch

25th January 2020

Taking inspiration from the artworks in City Art Centre's 'Beneath the Surface' exhibition you will explore the meditative and mindful potential of stitch in this workshop on 25th January!

Landscape Abstractions: A Window of Memory

26th January 2020

Join us at City Art Centre on 26th January for this workshop with artist Rachael Forbes where you will develop an abstract interpretation of an important landscape to you.

A line, a strip, a field of colour: Tapestry Masterclass

2nd February 2020

Join tapestry artist Fiona Hutchison at this masterclass and examine how the warp and weft of woven tapestry lends itself to exploring minimalism.

BSL Interpreted Tour of ‘Beneath the Surface’

15th February 2020

Join us at City Art Centre on 15th February for a BSL interpreted tour of 'Beneath the Surface', an exhibition featuring work by nine contemporary artists based in Scotland.

Minimalism in Focus: Subtraction and Extraction

28th February 2020

Taking inspiration from City Art Centre's 'Beneath the Surface' exhibition, this painting class with Erik Petrie looks to explore themes used by the exhibiting artists.

Ways into Abstraction: Printmaking Workshop

29th February 2020

Inspired by the exhibition 'Beneath the Surface' at the City Art Centre, join artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb for a printmaking workshop using simple monoprinting and relief methods.

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