Visitors to the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness. Courtesy of the Pier Arts Centre.
As Scotland begins its journey out of lockdown, we've brought together a guide to the museums, galleries, studios and spaces to safely visit this summer.
We welcome any suggestions, amendments and improvements to these listings. If there is something you think we should include, get in touch.
You can also view an interactive map at museumsarego.com/map showing the museums and galleries in Scotland that are opening from today.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
| N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
A
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Open from 26 April 2021
Each of their 18 collections galleries has its own story to tell. You can download an updated Covid Gallery map on the website.
Opening times:
Monday: 10am - 5pm
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Booking is essential.
An Lanntair
Open from April 13 2021
An Lanntair is a hub for creativity and the Arts in the Outer Hebrides.
They have reopened with a brilliant range of exhibitions, workshops and live music - check out what's on on their website.
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am till 5pm
An Talla Solais: Highland Whispers
26 April – 20 May 2021
Highland Whispers - a unique interactive multi-media exhibition - is launched online and in the real world at An Talla Solais gallery in Ullapool, Wester Ross.
An Tobar Gallery
See their current exhibitions from Thursday-Saturday every week:
Eve Campbell: Vestige - Eve's exhibition Vestige explores the shapes and patterns of the ‘cultural landscapes’ in the Hebrides. The collection consists of a series of screen prints onto natural linen, inspired by the intricate patterns formed by the marks of nature and by the island's inhabitants over thousands of years.
Carolyne Mazur: Fangan - Fangan is an ongoing photographic record of the stone fanks of Mull, Iona and Ulva. A fank is a sheepfold or pen, these beautifully built structures illustrate changes in crofting and farming life over the last 200 years.
C
Cample Line: Sara Barker
29 April - 23 May 2021
Reopening of undo the knot, an exhibition of new work by artist Sara Barker, for three weeks from 29 April. undo the knot initially opened on 31 October 2020.
They will have a number of measures in place in line with Government guidance. These will include limits on visitor numbers, physical distancing, increased hygiene and wearing of face coverings.
Entry is free and by pre-booked appointment only. Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 4pm
CCA Glasgow: ambi
7 May - 29 May 2021
The title of the exhibition, ambi, is Punjabi for the pattern known in Scotland as Paisley Pattern. ambi also means 'both', allowing for multiple narratives and acknowledging that these works from the archive have diverse origins and appropriations.
You can visit this exhibition by pre-booking a time slot. Each ticket will permit up a household or social bubbles of up to 3 people, to visit the exhibition for one hour.
Collective Edinburgh: Christian Newby
13 May - 29 August 2021 (outdoor spaces already open)
A new exhibition by Christian Newby in the City Dome at Collective. Christian's new commission responds to the building, originally built to house an astronomical telescope, with a large-scale textile - Flower-Necklace-Cargo-Net and an accompanying printed newspaper.
Cove Park
Open from 3 May 2021
Reopening Cove Park on Monday 3 May 2021 and to resume both their residency and engagement programmes from this date.
D
DCA
Open from 28 April 2021
Emma Talbot Ghost Calls is a brand new show. Gallery 1 has been repurposed as the Create Space for safe family learning. Shop and café bar open.
Book in advance wherever possible: you can now book for exhibitions and our Create Space (both will still be free of charge).
Dick Institute
Open from 27 April 2021
Re-opened to the public on Tuesday 27 April with their latest exhibition, Claude Cahun: Behind This Mask opening on 1 May until 28 August.
Also on display - The Dean Castle Collections and treasured historical artefacts from the roots of the world’s number one Scotch whisky, Johnnie Walker, which are on public display for the first time in the town where the story began 200 years ago. The venue also features semi-permanent collections which highlight East Ayrshire’s social and natural science heritage.
Open Tuesday & Wednesday – 10.30am – 5:30pm, Thursday 1.30pm – 7.30pm, Friday & Saturday – 10.30am – 3.30pm
Free entry. Café also open during these times.
Dovecot Studios: Archie Brennan, Tapestry Goes Pop
26 April - 30 August 2021
Archie Brennan: Tapestry Goes Pop! tells the story of Edinburgh native Archie Brennan (1931-2019) in the first major exhibition of his work. Bringing together over 80 tapestries as well as archive material, this is a chance to delve into the world of a master of modern tapestry.
Booking required.
E
Edinburgh International Book Festival
14 - 30 August 2021
The Edinburgh International Book Festival are staging a hybrid Book Festival in 2021 – a lovely big online programme streamed live. The programme will be announced in late June.
Edinburgh International Festival
7 - 29 August 2021
The International Festival welcomes audiences back to live performance with temporary outdoor pavilions throughout the city.
Programme announced – 2 June
Tickets on sale – 11 June
Edinburgh Printmakers
Open from 27 April 2021
Artists can come back to access these important facilities and start to make work again. Initially opening for experienced members who are able to work unassisted in the studio at this stage. New booking system will be available from Monday 12 April.
F
The Fergusson Gallery
Open from 30 April 2021
J D Fergusson was one of the most important and influential artists in Britain in the first half of the 20th century. Born in Edinburgh, with ancestral links to Perthshire, he spent much of his career in France and is now most associated with Scottish Colourist group. The Fergusson Gallery holds his vast collection of artwork and associated archive, along with the archive of his lifelong companion, the pioneer of modern dance, Margaret Morris.
All of Perth & Kinross Museums & Galleries have free admission.
G
Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)
Open from 26 April 2021
Booking is essential
Open everyday: 10 - 5pm
Generator Projects: ‘Here, no fur ye’ exhibition
7 - 23 May 2021
‘Here, no fur ye’ is an exhibition showcasing the works of emerging working-class artists Lewis Bissett and Alex Maciver. The show will be our opening show of 2021 at GENERATORprojects.
Open 10 - 5pm
Glasgow International
11 - 27 June 2021
Glasgow International is the largest festival for contemporary visual art in Scotland, with over 60 admission free exhibitions, performances and events taking place over 18 days across Glasgow.
Glasgow Print Studios
Open from 27 April 2021
A retrospective exhibition of works in print by the revered Scottish playwright, writer and artist. The works have all been produced at Glasgow Print Studio since the early 1990s and include a selection of new and exclusive hand coloured screenprints.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 11am - 5pm
Glasgow Sculpture Studios
Open for booking
Currently only able to take bookings for existing artist members.
Glasgow Women’s Library
Open from 4 May 2021
This inspiring space and library will be open to the pubic again under a phased approach with opening hours for May from 11am – 4pm, Tuesday – Friday. This is complimented by Open The Door online literary festival taking place.
H
Highland Print Studio
Open for 1:1
Teaching any of their techniques on a one-to-one basis. So if you are keen to learn any of them and start using the studio, please get in touch with them.
Hospitalfield
Open from 20 May 2021
Mick Peter’s exhibition and the Garden and Garden Buildings are now open every week, Thursday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm until 31 October 2021.
Over the first days of opening, you can experience the artworks, explore the Garden, attend a talk or workshop, discover the new architecture, dine in the new Garden Café and delight in our newly restored Victorian Fernery. We have a lively programme of physically-distanced Talks, Workshops and Tours which you can book in to attend.
The Hunterian, University of Glasgow
Phased opening - Hunterian Museum now open
The Hunterian Museum is now open at weekends (Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm). The Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh House will reopen in phases from 11 June onwards.
J
Jupiter Artland
Open to public now. Rachel Maclean Exhibition open from 8 May 2021
Jupiter is re-open and can provide a totally fresh outdoor experience. Brush off those winter cobwebs and step into spring with an outdoor adventure around the Artland.
L
Little Sparta
The garden of Ian Hamilton Finlay.
Little Sparta welcomes visitors in June, July, August and September each year, respecting Finlay’s intention that the garden should be experienced when the trees and plants, all integral to the artwork, are in full leaf.
All visits must be pre-booked.
Opening hours 2021
10 June to 26 September on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
1pm to 4pm (last admission 3pm).
M
McManus Dundee
Open from 27 April 2021
The McManus will be open daily from Tues – Sat 10am -5pm. They will be closed on Sunday and Mondays.
The Modern Institute
Open from 26 April 2021
Open to visitors Monday - Friday, 11am - 5pm, Saturday 12 - 5pm at both its Osborne Street and Airds Lane spaces.
Visitor numbers will be limited to 8. If capacity is reached you will be asked to either queue outside of the gallery or come back at a different time.
View the website to find out about which exhibitions are on.
Mount Stuart Gardens
Open from 1 May 2021
Gardens & Courtyard Café open: 10am - 5pm
Two slots available for visiting: 10am – 1.30pm and 1.30pm – 5pm.
N
The National Piping Centre
Open from 26 April 2021
The Bagpipe Shop, Museum of Piping and The Piper's Tryst restaurant and hotel are now open to the public within all the COVID - safe guidelines.
P
Peacock Visual Arts (Peacock Studio)
Open from 4 May 2021
Entry to the building is by appointment only and we are booking on a first come, first served basis. Open for Screenprint, Relief Workshops, Risograph & Laser Cutting.
Perth Museum and Art Gallery
Open from 30 April 2021, Closer to Home from 30 April - 6 June
From portraits and photographs to meteorites and Miss Ballantyne’s salmon there is always a fascinating array of objects from the collections on display complemented by in-gallery activities for families. Enjoy discovering about local history in our Beginnings Gallery, exploring the natural history of the area in Wild and Wonderful, or view a range of artworks.
Closer to Home is inspired by the artist Philip Braham’s recent move from Edinburgh to Crieff and represents a process of exploring and discovering the rich and culturally complex landscape at the boundary of Highland and Lowland Perthshire.
Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed, Thursday: 10am - 7pm, Friday & Saturday: 10am - 5pm, Sunday: 10am - 4pm
All of Perth & Kinross Museums & Galleries have free admission.
Pier Arts Centre
https://www.culturepk.org.uk/museums-and-galleries/perth-museum-and-art-gallery/
This new arrangement of the world famous permanent collection focusses on the colour and joy that visual art can bring to our lives.
Open Thursday to Saturday 10:30am - 5pm
R
Royal Botanic Gardens - Edinburgh
Open to public
Opening hours: 10 - 4pm everyday
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is open for outdoor recreation and exercise. If you are meeting someone else, you can meet in groups of up to six people from six households. Under 12s do not count towards these numbers.
Our public buildings are closed in line with temporary Lockdown restrictions and only a takeaway catering service is available.
All visits require a time slot ticket, booked online in advance.
S
Scottish National Gallery
Open from 6 May 2021
Open three days a week: Thursday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Booking essential.
Scottish Poetry Library
Open from 26 April 2021
Plan to open to the public from the week commencing 26 April, on weekdays from 10am to 2pm.
Scottish Sculpture Workshop
Open for bookings
Accepting booking / open for courses.
Shetland Arts: Bonhoga Gallery Café
Open to public
Opening hours are Wednesday - Sunday, 11:30am - 5pm.
Stills: centre for photography
Open from 18 May 2021
With the reopening of the gallery, we are delighted to launch our 2021 in-gallery programme with the continuation of Projects 20, postponed from last year due to the pandemic.
Street Level Photoworks
Open from 27 April
The gallery will be open from Tuesday 27 April to Sunday 2 May from 12pm - 5pm, after which they will be reverting to the adjusted opening days of Thursday - Sunday 12pm till 5pm.
T
Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre
Open from Friday 30 May, Monday – Saturday, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Taigh Chearsabhagh’s galleries and café, as well as post office and shop, are open again for the local community and visitors to Lochmaddy, the main port of entry to North Uist.
In the lead up the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this November, they have curated a series of exhibitions which focus on our interactions with the natural world around us, as well as calls to action to bequeath a viable and sustainable environment to future generations.
Talbot Rice Gallery: The Normal
18 May - 29 Aug 2021
Talbot Rice Gallery presents The Normal, a group exhibition developed in response to the “wake-up call” of Covid-19. Exploring the profound re-orientation in relation to planetary health, ideas about progress, communities and new ways of working precipitated by the pandemic, it affirms the urgent need to rethink our relationship to the biosphere we inhabit.
Tolbooth Gallery Stirling
Food Heroes
28 April – 15 May. Tuesday - Saturday, 10-4pm, FREE
Photography Exhibition by Julie Howden. A project looking at the people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during our first lockdown last Spring, to continue producing and delivering our food.
Tolbooth Projections
21 May – 11 June. Tuesday - Saturday, 10-4pm, FREE
Tolbooth Projections celebrates bands and artists whose roots lie in the venue. Those who have gone on to achieve a level of success and recognition nationally, as well as our tip for ones to watch. Through portrait photography, live session videos filmed in the Tolbooth recording studio, quotes and insights, immerse yourself in some of Scotland’s best new music.
A Tale of The Tolbooth
18 June – 10 July, Tuesday - Saturday 10-4pm, FREE
Tolbooth Stirling in association with Creative Scotland, and Scene Stirling commissioned five Visual Artists to each create a piece of work, to be exhibited in a group show at Tolbooth Gallery. Titled ‘A Tale Of Tolbooth’, the exhibition launches on 18th June and will show the Tolbooth through the ages, taking inspiration from the buildings varied past and exciting present.
Tramway
Open from 11 June 2021
Will reopen to the public on 11 June, to host exhibitions as part of Glasgow International festival of contemporary visual art (11 – 27 June 2021).
V
V&A Dundee
Open from 1 May 2021
Open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm.
All entry to the museum now requires a ticket. You need to book a ticket in advance for general museum entry, as well as for Night Fever.
What If...? Scotland, designed to be staged in Venice as part of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, opens 22 May 2021.