The Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture is an exhibition venue on The Mound in central Edinburgh, beside the Scottish National Gallery. Its programme focuses on Scotland’s visual arts, with shows ranging from contemporary work to historic art and decorative objects. The neoclassical building, designed by William Henry Playfair and completed in 1836, is worth a look in its own right. Head downstairs to the underground link for visitor facilities and an education area, or explore the current exhibitions, which can include interactive displays and spaces for drawing.
A Playfair building on The Mound
The Royal Scottish Academy occupies a neoclassical building designed by William Henry Playfair and completed in 1836. Pale sandstone and colonnaded pillars give the exterior a formal presence beside the Scottish National Gallery. The two institutions are connected by an underground walkway, making it easy to continue between them during a visit.
The Academy was founded in 1826 and supports art and architecture in Scotland. Its work includes exhibitions, events and educational talks, alongside care of a collection of national importance.
Art from historic works to new exhibitions
The Academy’s collections cover work from 1780 to the present day, and its exhibition programme brings together historic and contemporary art. Past shows have included prints, new artists’ work and a retrospective of Scottish artist Elizabeth Blackadder, whose paintings include landscapes, still lifes and flowers.
Historic works associated with the collection include William Dyce’s 19th-century Francesca da Rimini and Claude Lorrain’s 17th-century Pastoral Landscape with Roman Arch. Decorative arts displays have included coins, currency and clocks. What is on view changes, so check the current exhibition programme when planning your visit.
The underground link and access
The underground link between the Academy and the Scottish National Gallery contains visitor facilities, an education area and a lecture theatre. It also has a gift shop selling art prints, books, jewellery and fashion, as well as a cafe and restaurant. The link provides access to Princes Street Gardens.
Some exhibition spaces are reached using lifts, and journeys between levels can take time. Wheelchair users can reserve a wheelchair ahead, and an express line for accessibility needs has been available. Interactive areas, including spaces for drawing, can add a hands-on element to an exhibition visit.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh?
It is on The Mound, beside the Scottish National Gallery. An underground walkway connects the two buildings.
What can you see at the Royal Scottish Academy?
The exhibition programme covers Scottish visual arts, including historic and contemporary work. Displays have included prints, decorative arts and exhibitions of work by individual artists.
Is the Royal Scottish Academy accessible by wheelchair?
The building has wheelchair-accessible facilities, and wheelchairs can be reserved ahead. Lift access between areas may take extra time.
How early should you arrive for a special exhibition?
Arriving early can help you see special exhibitions before the galleries get busier. Book ahead when timed entry applies.
