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City Art Centre

ArtPhotographyClosed · Opens 10amFreeEdinburgh Waverley

The City Art Centre is Edinburgh's gallery for Scottish visual and applied arts, home to the city's nationally Recognised collection of Scottish art from the 17th century to today. Works from the collection are shown on a rotating basis alongside a changing programme of historic and modern painting, photography, contemporary art and craft. It occupies a 1899-1902 building on Market Street, built as an extension to The Scotsman newspaper offices and converted into a gallery in 1980. Entry is free; some temporary exhibitions are ticketed.

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Plan Your Visit

Getting there

2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE, United Kingdom

Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley, St Andrew Square (tram)

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
Wed10:00–17:00
ThuToday10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

Free

Free entry; charges apply for some temporary exhibitions.

Accessibility

Level access at the main entrance; escalator and lift to all floors; accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Nearby

Fruitmarket

ArtFree1 min walk

Stills: Centre for Photography

ArtFree1 min walk

Museum of Childhood

ChildrenFree3 min walk

The Writers' Museum

Local HistoryFree4 min walk

Visitor Information

Is City Art Centre free to visit?
Yes, general admission to City Art Centre is free. Free entry; charges apply for some temporary exhibitions.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of City Art Centre?
City Art Centre is open Open daily 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30).. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is City Art Centre?
City Art Centre is located at 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE, United Kingdom, in the Old Town area of Edinburgh. The nearest stations are Edinburgh Waverley, St Andrew Square (tram).
What can I see at City Art Centre?
Six floors of Scottish art, from Raeburn to Eardley and Paolozzi, in a former newspaper warehouse beside Waverley station. Current highlights include Gifted: New Acquisitions at the City Art Centre, Carla van de Puttelaar - Facing the Law: Portraits Past & Present, Jean F. Watson: An Artistic Legacy.
Do I need to book City Art Centre in advance?
City Art Centre is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free entry; charges apply for some temporary exhibitions.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit City Art Centre?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is City Art Centre accessible?
Level access at the main entrance; escalator and lift to all floors; accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Macfack / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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