Discover contemporary art like you’ve never seen it before at the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh. The Gallery is free to enter public space where artists and visitors alike can become inspired by the modern direction the art world is taking. The exhibition space originally opened in 1974, but reopened in 2021 following a period of closure and has become a staple of the Scottish contemporary art scene.
We’ll be covering the important details that you need to know before you visit, like opening times and how to get there, as well as the top attractions to see while you’re there!
Important Details to Know
The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, is an exciting new exhibition space for emerging artists to enjoy. Before you go though, please read through these important details:
Accessibility
The Fruitmarket Gallery has multiple accessibility options for visitors:
- The exhibition space is wheelchair accessible.
- Guide or assistance dogs are welcome to visit.
- There are baby-changing facilities available on site.
For more assistance, please contact the Fruitmarket Gallery.
Opening Times
The Fruit Market Gallery is open all year round, seven days a week. Between Monday – Sunday, the gallery is open between 11:00 and 18:00, while on Sundays it is open from 12:00 – 17:00.
Ticket Prices
Admission to the Fruitmarket Gallery is free! It is free to enter for everyone.
How to Get There
The Fruitmarket Gallery is centrally located within Edinburgh and is within walking distance from other major attractions like the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Castle, and Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. It is next to Waverly Station, which is the hub for many trains coming from around Edinburgh and Scotland. Visitors are spoilt for choice on how they can reach this fascinating attraction at 45 Market Street.
Attractions to See
As you enter the Fruitmarket Gallery, you’ll be able to dive into a splendid world of contemporary art. And while it can be difficult to know whether what you’re looking at is a piece of art or a building, you can rest assured that we’ve outlined the top attractions to see and things to do while you’re visiting Fruitmarket. Read on!
See World Class Contemporary Art At Fruitmarket
The main draw of the Fruitmarket Gallery is the collection of world-class contemporary artwork available to see here. The Fruitmarket was intended to showcase the vibrant contemporary culture of Scottish artists, and so you can expect to see a variety of ever-changing exhibitions that do exactly that!
The range of art on showcase is one of the highlights of Fruitmarket, and you can get a better idea of what shows will be happening at the Fruitmarket website.
Attend Talks and Events by Famed Contemporary Artists
With art, there’s always a conversation. And the Fruitmarket Gallery is always happy to foster just “fruitful” discussions at there numerous talks and events throughout the year. From book signings, talks with Scotland’s best up-and-coming artists, or even workshops for new artists to begin their journey into contemporary art.
Make sure to check out which events, workshops, or talks are happening during your visit — or be spontaneous and attend the project that’s happening near you.
Pick up a Novel at the Fruitmarket Bookshop
Next to the Fruitmarket Gallery is the accompanying Fruitmarket Bookshop, a safe haven for book lovers to pick up their next favourite novel and dive into a new imaginary world. If you’re feeling the inspiration from the exhibition, then make sure to pick up a book or two that will help you work on a new skill.
Admire the Scotsman Steps
The Scotsman Steps are a symbolic part of Edinburgh, showcasing the transition from Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. The Fruitmarket Gallery was commissioned to build a monument to these historic steps, and their work was worth it — today, you can see the Scotsman Steps at the Fruitmarket Gallery, a harmonious and understated piece of art that everyone should see during their visit.
Don’t Miss Fascinating Outdoor Exhibitions
One of the most unique experiences that visitors can enjoy while at the Fruitmarket Gallery is the outdoor exhibitions that take you on a tour of the city and its sights. From the art installations that can be seen throughout the city to an artwork treasure hunter, there’s no better place to enjoy the best art that Edinburgh’s streets have to offer than with an outdoor exhibit.
More Scottish Galleries to Visit
- Aberdeen Art Gallery
- An Lanntair Arts Centre
- Compass Gallery
- Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries
- Gallery of Modern Art
- Hunterian Art Gallery
- Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
- Jupiter Artland
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Kirkcudbright Gallery
- McManus Art Gallery
- National Galleries Scotland: Modern
- National Galleries Scotland: National
- National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
- Perth Museum & Art Gallery
- Pier Arts Centre
- Royal Scottish Academy
- Stills Gallery
- Talbot Rice Gallery
- The Burrell Collection
- The Modern Institute
