A former Victorian warehouse. Transformed into a modern gallery. This is the City Art Centre. Opened in 1980 it quickly became Scotland’s leading temporary exhibition space. It houses Edinburgh’s fine art collection. A collection boasting over 4000 pieces. Paintings drawings prints sculptures and photographs. Mostly by Scottish artists the works span centuries. From the late 17th century to the present day. The collection includes a stunning array of Scottish Colourists.
The City Art Centre isn’t just a gallery. It’s a vibrant hub. A place where history and modernity meet. It offers a licensed cafe. Enjoy a coffee or a full meal. Admire the mural by William Crosbie RSA. It depicts scenes from Edinburgh’s life and history. There’s also a shop. It stocks gifts and publications. Related to the exhibitions of course.
The building itself is impressive. Designed by Dunn and Findlay it was originally built in 1902. It was part of the Scotsman newspaper office. Then it housed the city’s fruit and vegetable market. Today it’s a stunning example of Beaux Arts architecture. Six floors of public galleries are accessible. By lift or escalator. Even disabled visitors have convenient access. The City Art Centre has been a runner-up in the prestigious Thistle Award. It was for its effective marketing campaign in 1995-96.
The City Art Centre has hosted incredible exhibitions. Everything from Michelangelo drawings to Star Trek. It continues to showcase both historic and contemporary Scottish art. Its commitment to accessibility is commendable. The Visual Guide caters to neurodivergent visitors. The Centre also offers British Sign Language tours and described tours for the visually impaired. The City Art Centre truly champions the visual arts. Making them accessible to all. It does so in a beautiful historic setting. Right here in the heart of Edinburgh.