City Art Centre - Image 1

City Art Centre

Edinburgh, United Kingdom•4.5(868)•Museum, Art Gallery
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The Bear and the Fox
The Bear and the Fox

Events at this venue

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1 upcoming

Edinburgh's dedicated space for Scottish visual and applied arts, featuring rotating exhibitions from a nationally recognised collection.

The City Art Centre champions Scottish visual and applied arts through its nationally Recognised collection and diverse programme of changing exhibitions. Explore historic and modern Scottish painting, photography, contemporary art, and craft across multiple floors. The gallery is fully accessible with escalators and lift access. Free general admission with Mimi's Bakehouse cafe on the ground floor. Located opposite Waverley Station in the heart of Edinburgh.

Prices

Free entry

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

6 years – 14 years

Perfect for

#Art

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Mimi's Bakehouse

Cafe on ground floor

What Parents Say

KiddyCompass™ Family

We analysed 17 parent reviews from the past 12 months and distilled the key insights for you.

Updated 27 February 2026

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Google Reviews

4.5(868 reviews)
S
Sonia Hawes

Sonia Hawes

a month ago

Some great artwork and the day we went there was an excellent craft show with amazing pieces to buy

H
Heather Wilson

Heather Wilson

a year ago

Free entry, welcoming helpful staff, beautifully hung shows across a broad range of tastes - we were treated to two floors of an artist's life's work in traditional media, a history of a Polish queer resistance magazine and an early career artists group show, so whatever your preferences you would have found something to enjoy - plus an easy to reach location from Waverly station, clean loos and an interesting gift shop (I bought some zines and a print from a fringe pop up). We didn't use the cafe on our visit, but it was easy to find on the ground floor.

S
Sue Bell

Sue Bell

a year ago

Third visit to this great Art Gallery Such an interesting venue with various exhibitions on display. The landscape exhibition currently on display was especially good, some fab work. Staff are always warm and friendly and the place extremely clean, warm and inviting. I'm sure it won't be our last visit and I would definitely recommend a visit x

O
Oakwood Welsh

Oakwood Welsh

3 years ago

Enjoyable visit to see the John Henry Lorimer exhibit. Gallery is well set out and feels spacious. Perhaps the only let down was the lighting in areas detracted from the artworks. Minor but noticeable.

S
Steve Bamlett

Steve Bamlett

4 years ago

Saw the Mackie exhibition and was delighted at being shown the link to the Nabis. Made me see these paintings are and to appreciate their dynamism. The Ian Hamilton Findlay exhibition was a pure delight and you need to see it. Donal Smith's iconic island fishermen were a delight. The painting method monumental. His gannet picture amazed us.

Reviews last updated: 6 December 2025

Events at City Art Centre

This venue was last updated on 4 December 2025

Frequently asked questions about City Art Centre

Is City Art Centre free to visit?

Entry to City Art Centre is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is City Art Centre suitable for?

City Art Centre is best for children aged 6 to 14.

Is City Art Centre dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at City Art Centre.

Is there parking at City Art Centre?

City Art Centre doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at City Art Centre?

Yes — Mimi's Bakehouse is on site at City Art Centre. Cafe on ground floor

Is City Art Centre pushchair-friendly?

Yes, City Art Centre is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at City Art Centre?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to City Art Centre.

How do I get to City Art Centre by public transport?

City Art Centre is well-served by public transport — buses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 stop nearby, and Edinburgh Waverley station is about 2 minutes' walk away. For the full list, see the public transport section above.
Kiddy Compass