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Museums #6 in Aberdeen

Aberdeen Art Gallery

4.7 · 1,835 reviews
Quiet and contemplative with a modern, airy aesthetic.
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The 2019 renovation project uncovered the original 19th-century granite masonry that had been hidden behind Victorian plasterwork for decades.

2

The building's signature rooftop extension is clad in 3,000 copper shingles designed to weather and patina over time.

3

The gallery houses a unique collection of works by the Scottish Colourists, including Samuel Peploe and John Duncan Fergusson.

4

The Remembrance Hall features a list of 10,000 names of local people who lost their lives in service, etched into the interior marble walls.

5

The gallery holds a significant collection of silver and metalwork, reflecting Aberdeen's historical importance as a center for silversmithing.

Overview

Aberdeen Art Gallery is a Victorian neoclassical landmark that houses a designated collection of national significance in the heart of the city. The building underwent a major redevelopment completed in 2019, which added a copper-clad rooftop extension and a new gallery level. Its collection spans seven centuries, featuring works by Scottish Colourists, Impressionists, and contemporary artists. The Remembrance Hall, topped by a granite dome, honors those lost in world conflicts with a marble memorial. The gallery integrates the original 1885 building with modern glass-enclosed spaces to improve natural lighting. It serves as a central cultural hub for the city, hosting temporary exhibitions, workshops, and school programs. The permanent collection includes notable pieces by Henry Raeburn, Francis Bacon, and Tracey Emin.

Photo spot

The central atrium looking up at the light-filled ceiling and the sweeping staircase.

Insider tips

Visit the top floor cafe for a clear view of the city skyline through the glass walls.

Check the 'What's On' page on the official website before visiting to see if specific temporary exhibition spaces are closed for installation.

Use the interactive digital touchscreens available in the permanent collection rooms to learn more about the provenance of specific artworks.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to enter with large backpacks, as they are restricted in the galleries; utilize the onsite storage facilities instead.

Good to know

The gallery is closed on Mondays.

Etiquette

Photography is permitted for personal use without flash, but tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy the natural light in the atrium.
Address
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ, United Kingdom
57.148, -2.103
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsScottish Colourists collection, Remembrance Hall, Contemporary art installations

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy the natural light in the atrium..

The central atrium looking up at the light-filled ceiling and the sweeping staircase.

Close by you'll find Aberdeen Maritime Museum, His Majesty's Theatre, Duthie Park.