Edinburgh Museum and Gallery Exhibitions 2023

Edinburgh exhibitions to visit in 2023

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

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder

National Museum of Scotland, 9 December 2022 – 1 May 2023

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder is a large, immersive sci-fi exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, covering eight zones of hands-on experiences. Get up close to the TARDIS, sonic screwdrivers and Time Lord technology, aliens, monsters and many other features from the long-running BBC show. Tickets are from £12 per adult. Book now.

The Declaration of Arbroath

National Museum of Scotland, 3rd June – 2nd July 2023

The Declaration of Arbroath is a historic letter, dated 6th April 1320. It was written to Pope John XXII and signed by 8 Scottish earls and about 40 barons. The letter asked the pope to recognise Scotland as independent and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as its king. The original letter is lost, but a copy made at the same time survives and is cared for by the National Records of Scotland. This is a rare chance to see the delicate letter on display at the National Museum of Scotland and learn more about its historical importance. Admission is free.

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 17th June – 10th September 2023

The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize showcases 51 portraits from 36 artists, covering a wide range of subjects, topics and ideas. The 2022 collection comes to Edinburgh this summer. The prize winner is artist Clémentine Schneidermann, who created a series of socially-distanced portraits, documenting the daily chores of her neighbour during the pandemic lockdown. Admission is free.

Grayson Perry

Scottish National Gallery, 22nd July – 12th November 2023

The largest exhibition from contemporary artist and Turner prize-winner Grayson Perry, covering 40 years of work. Perry is known for his ceramic vases, embroideries, prints and many other art mediums, while addressing a range of controversial issues. Ticket price TBC.

Collection Centre Tours

National Museums Collection Centre, selected dates 2023

This is a unique opportunity to visit the National Museums Collection Centre in Granton, north of Edinburgh. Located outside of the city centre, but easy to reach by bus. The centre is a specialist facility where the National Museums collections are looked after, and the tours give a rare behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating work that goes on there. From £10 per adult. Book now.

So, book one of our fantastic special offers for central accommodation and enjoy a cultured city break in 2023! With so many Edinburgh museum and gallery exhibitions to choose from, which will you check out first?