10 best art galleries in Edinburgh to buy your next art piece
If your home’s feeling a little bare, it might just be missing that one incredible piece of art to breathe new life into the space. Whether it’s a bold painting or a striking sculpture, adding a masterpiece can completely transform a room and make it feel like a true reflection of your style.
Plus, when you’re surrounded by beautiful art every day, it can spark your own creativity and inspire fresh ideas.
The good news is that Edinburgh is overflowing with amazing galleries, each offering something special and different. From contemporary works to classic pieces, there’s no shortage of talent to explore.
We’ve rounded up our absolute favourite galleries in the city to give you a glimpse into its vibrant art scene. Ready to buy your next masterpiece? Let’s dive in and see what these spots have to offer!
1. The Red Door Gallery
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Address: 42 Victoria St
Contact details: +44 131 477 3255
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: £
The Red Door Gallery is a lively art space that’s been part of the local scene for over 21 years. It showcases and sells artwork from more than 150 Scottish and UK artists, making it a must-visit for art lovers and collectors.
The gallery offers a wide range of affordable contemporary art prints, including quirky illustrations and digital pieces. These works are accessible and appealing to both serious collectors and casual visitors.
Besides prints, the gallery has a great selection of handmade gifts and designer products. You’ll find unique jewellery made from wood, acrylic, and silver. They also have homewares like cushions, tea towels, and tote bags by local artists.
Pro tip:
If you love stationery, check out their postcards, notebooks, and greeting cards. They feature original artwork, so they can be a great addition to your collection.
2. &Gallery
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Address: 3 Dundas St
Contact details: +44 131 467 0618
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Price: £££
Since 2017, &Gallery has been a key part of Edinburgh’s New Town art scene. It showcases a mix of abstract and minimal art through painting, drawing, and sculpture. It features both emerging and established artists from Scotland, the UK, and beyond.
What sets &Gallery apart is its carefully curated exhibitions, which often explore abstract and minimalist themes. These exhibits encourage a deeper connection with art and showcase various forms of art, such as traditional paintings, detailed sculptures, and expressive drawings.
The gallery keeps things fresh with a mix of solo shows for individual artists and group exhibitions that highlight diverse voices in contemporary art.
The gallery is also dedicated to promoting new talent, giving emerging artists a chance to shine alongside more established names.
Pro tip:
If you want a more intimate experience, contact them through their phone number to book a private viewing. It will let you connect deeply with the artwork without the usual distractions.
3. Morningside Gallery Ltd
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Address: 94 Morningside Rd
Contact details: +44 131 447 3041
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Price: £££
Established in 2003, Morningside Gallery Ltd. has become a cornerstone for Scottish art lovers. It offers a delightful mix of paintings and ceramics.
The gallery is dedicated to contemporary Scottish art and features an impressive lineup of both seasoned artists and fresh talent.
You might find yourself captivated by a landscape piece that perfectly captures Scotland’s rugged beauty or a thought-provoking artwork that blends humour with cultural narratives.
The gallery is proud to represent a diverse group of artists. For example, Julian Mason’s paintings beautifully depict the Highlands and Islands, while Gordon Mitchell’s works bring a whimsical touch to familiar scenes.
Pro tip:
If you don’t want to visit the gallery, check out their website. It features a cool online catalogue with new artwork, artist profiles, and the option to buy directly.
4. Watson Gallery
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Address: 39 Queen St
Contact details: +44 131 225 7053
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
Watson Gallery is a cool, contemporary spot that showcases a mix of both well-known and up-and-coming artists. Even though it’s a newer spot, it’s quickly becoming a must-visit for anyone into art. The place has a great vibe with a variety of styles and mediums on display.
Antonio Massa’s vibrant floral pieces bring nature to life with colourful, classic still-life techniques. Colin’s dramatic portraits use bold colours and expressive strokes, drawing inspiration from Impressionism and Fauvism.
There are plenty of other artists featured here, each with their own unique style. And if you’re looking for a gift, the gallery offers gift vouchers, so you can choose something special for yourself or someone else.
Pro tip:
Take the time to chat with the staff. They can help you learn more about the artists and pieces you’re interested in and even recommend works that suit your style and budget.
5. Edinburgh Printmakers
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Address: Castle Mills, 1 Dundee St
Contact details: +44 131 557 2479
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: £££
Edinburgh Printmakers is all about printmaking and visual arts. Since it opened in 1967, it has become the UK’s first open-access printmaking studio and one of the largest in Europe.
It’s located in a renovated building called Castle Mills, which used to be a rubber factory and brewery. The location is pretty fitting for a creative spot.
The shop here sells a mix of original art prints and handmade items. These pieces are made by local artists, many of whom are studio members, so it’s a great way to support the local art scene.
There are also two galleries hosting a rotating collection of contemporary art exhibitions. One recent show, “Hope/Dòchas,” featured over 100 artworks by 97 members, making it one of their biggest exhibitions yet.
Pro tip:
If you’re interested in trying your hand at art, Edinburgh Printmakers offers courses and workshops for all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience, it’s a great way to learn printmaking techniques, get creative, and connect with others.
6. The Scottish Gallery
Media credits: scottishgallery
Address: 16 Dundas St
Contact details: +44 131 558 1200
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
Price: £££
The Scottish Gallery has existed for over 180 years. It started as a gilding and framing business in 1842 and grew into a major player in promoting contemporary Scottish art.
The gallery features a range of art, from ceramics and glass to metalwork and textiles. It’s known for showcasing both up-and-coming and established artists, with monthly exhibitions highlighting local talent and international works.
It also showcases both contemporary art and historical pieces that reflect Scotland’s artistic heritage. Exhibitions often feature a mix of works from the past alongside modern pieces that push creative boundaries.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the gallery’s events, such as artist talks, workshops, and special exhibitions. These will help you better understand the art and make your visit more enjoyable.
7. Castle Fine Art
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Address: 12 Multrees Walk
Contact details: +44 131 261 9181
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Price: £££
Castle Fine Art is one of the UK’s leading art retailers, offering a great collection of limited edition prints and original artworks. It has a wide range of contemporary art that appeals to both experienced collectors and newcomers.
Their motto, “Your world, our art,” reflects their goal of making art accessible to everyone. The gallery features works from both well-known and emerging artists, with a mix of styles and themes.
Some standout pieces include limited edition prints, often signed by the artist. There are also original artworks, each reflecting the artist’s unique style.
Castle Fine Art has worked with prominent names in contemporary art, like Bob Dylan and James Francis Gill, who have captured a lot of attention for their work.
Pro tip:
Try visiting during quieter hours, like weekdays or early in the day, for a more personalised experience. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the artwork and ask questions without the crowds.
8. Fruitmarket Gallery
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Address: 45 Market St
Contact details: +44 131 225 2383
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Price: ££
The Fruitmarket Gallery is a lively contemporary art spot where you’ll find a mix of fresh artwork from both big names and up-and-coming artists. After a major renovation, the gallery’s expanded space is making waves in the art world.
The gallery offers a variety of art for different tastes, including limited edition prints and publications by famous contemporary artists like Martin Creed and Callum Innes.
They have also showcased international talent, like Ibrahim Mahama, whose installations explore themes such as post-colonialism and migration.
The gallery regularly hosts solo exhibitions, with the reopening event featuring Karla Black’s innovative use of materials like polystyrene and cellophane. Her new commissions were displayed alongside older pieces, showcasing her unique style.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the café and bookshop while you’re there. The café serves locally sourced food and drinks, perfect for a relaxing break after checking out the exhibitions. The bookshop is packed with art-related books, ideal if you want to dive deeper into contemporary art.
9. Stills
Media credits: stillsedinburgh
Address: 23 Cockburn St
Contact details: +44 131 622 6200
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Price: ££
Stills has been a photography hub since 1977, showcasing the works of both new and established photographers. The gallery mixes up different photography styles, from modern pieces to classic ones, so there’s always something interesting to check out.
They host three major exhibitions every year. Recent shows have included “Glimmer” by Jess Holdengarde, which discusses social and environmental issues. There’s also the “Home: Ukrainian Photography, UK Words,” which explores Ukrainian experiences.
Stills isn’t just a gallery, though—you can also buy the art you see. They sell limited edition prints and original works, so you can take home something special and support the artists at the same time.
Pro tip:
If you want to get even more out of your visit, you can download the Bloomberg Connects app. It will give you audio insights and highlights from the gallery’s collection, so you can dive deeper into the exhibitions.
10. The Royal Scottish Academy
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Address: The Mound
Contact details: +44 131 624 6110
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Price: £££
The Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), founded in 1826 by a group of artists, is a key part of Edinburgh’s art scene and Scotland’s oldest art academy.
They’ve been selling Scottish art since the beginning. It offers original pieces from both established and emerging artists through events like their Annual Exhibition and New Contemporaries.
The RSA also hosts a variety of exhibitions featuring painting, photography, and sculpture. You’ll find works by notable artists like Sir Henry Raeburn, Dame Elizabeth Blackadder, and John Bellany.
Pro tip:
Visit the official website to check current exhibitions and book your timed entry in advance. Most visits require advance booking, which ensures a smoother experience and lets you plan around the exhibitions that interest you.