Edinburgh Museum and Gallery Exhibitions 2025

Edinburgh exhibitions to visit in 2025

Edinburgh is full of culture and history, and there is plenty to see and do in our beautiful city. Bursting with museums, art galleries, theatres, attractions and live music venues, there’s something for everyone here. What’s more, there’s a wide range of Edinburgh museum and gallery exhibitions to discover. At Parliament House Hotel, we’re just a short walk from the museums and galleries. Therefore you can easily explore everything from Scottish history to art and fashion. So, here’s our guide to some of the best museum and gallery exhibitions coming up in Edinburgh…

View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill

Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest

Royal Scottish Academy building, 1 – 31 January 2025

Turner in January: Ireland’s Vaughan Bequest is a unique opportunity to see some of British artist JMW Turner’s finest work. This exhibition celebrates 250 years of this artist in work which has come straight from Dublin. Free admission – find out more about Turner in January here.

Treasures of the National Library of Scotland

National Library of Scotland until 30th Apr 2025

The National Library of Scotland collects and preserves the memory of the Scottish nation. This is your chance to see some of it for yourself! The exhibition includes early printed books, maps and manuscripts detailing the evolution of Scottish history and its people. With interactive features and specially commissioned writing and films, it’s a free and informative display to enjoy. Find out more about the Treasures of the National Library of Scotland here.

Celebrating 40 Years of Scotland’s Photography Collection

Scottish National Portrait Gallery until Sun 16 Mar 2025

In this eclectic photography celebration, the National Galleries of Scotland celebrates 40 years of collecting photography. Discover famous faces, the beginnings of early Scottish photography and new acquisitions which push the boundaries of photography. Free admission. Find out more about Scotland’s Photography Collection here.

Andy Goldsworthy | Fifty Years

Royal Scottish Academy, 26 Jul 2025 – Sun 2 Nov 2025

Based in Scotland, Andy Goldsworthy is known across the world for his work with natural materials. The exhibition showcases over 200 of his works, including photographs, sculptures and expansive new installations built in-situ. Tickets cost £5 – £19. Find out more about this Andy Goldsworthy exhibition here.

The World of King James VI and I

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 26 Apr 2025 – 14 Sep 2025

400 years since King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign. Son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and successor to Elizabeth I, King James (1566–1625) was the first monarch to rule over Scotland, England and Ireland. Over 100 objects will be on display, including ornate paintings and important loans from galleries across the UK. Tickets are £4 – £9. Find out more about the King James exhibition here.

So, book one of our fantastic special offers for central accommodation and enjoy a cultured city break in 2025! With so many Edinburgh museum and gallery exhibitions to choose from, which will you check out first?