;)
Your cultural guide to everything Edinburgh has to offer this spring
From exhibitions to tours, there are plenty of cultural highlights to enjoy in the Scottish capital this season…
With winter finally behind us, we’re all looking forward to spring getting underway. The weather gets warmer, the days get longer and Edinburgh has even more exciting events for residents and tourists to enjoy.
Edinburgh is known across the world as one of the leading cities for culture, history and entertainment. From the many rich, fascinating (and often bloody) historical tales it has under its belt, to the celebrations and festivities that are attended from people around the globe, there are endless reasons for Edinburgh’s exceptional reputation.
And the city shows no signs of slowing down, with an incredible roster of thrilling cultural highlights to enjoy over the coming months. Luckily, we’re here to make sure you don’t miss out. So if you’re hoping to immerse yourself in the Scottish capital this spring, be sure to check out some of these standouts.
Brick Wonders
When? Until 24th March 2019
Where? Blackness Castle
Why should you go?
Brick Wonders is a mesmerising exhibition which is sure to delight adults and little ones alike. Presented by Historic Environment Scotland, Brick Wonders features recreations of amazing sights and locations from around the world, made entirely out of LEGO bricks. The exhibition celebrates some of the most iconic buildings on the globe, and the collection has been lovingly and carefully curated by artist Warren Elsmore and his team. Make sure you catch this amazing show before it ends!
Mary Queen of Scots – Heads Will Roll!
When? Until 31st March 2019
Where? The Edinburgh Dungeon
Why should you go?
The Edinburgh Dungeon is one of the city’s most beloved and sought-after attractions. It explores some of the city’s bloodiest historical moments and transforms them into delightfully terrifying interactive experiences for visitors. And this spring is no exception, as the Dungeon has launched its new immersive show depicting the downfall of Mary, Queen of Scots during one of the country’s most famously turbulent periods. Experience the incredible tale of what led to Mary being publicly beheaded on the 8th February 1587.
Country Punching Bag
When? Until 31st March 2019
Where? Flamingosaurus Rex
Why should you go?
Flamingosaurus Rex is enough of a reason in itself to visit this exhibition. It’s one of the city’s true hidden gems: a dynamic gallery with shopping space and creative areas, showcasing some of the most exciting pieces from local and up-and-coming talent. And now is the best time to make the trip, as the gallery’s Country Punching Bag exhibition by The Underwater Collective is thrillingly unpredictable and wonderfully manic.
Themed Guided Tours
When? Until 31st March 2019
Where? National Museum of Scotland
Why should you go?
Until the end of March, the National Museum of Scotland is offering a series of free guided tours that explore everything from Scotland’s history to the supernatural. These tours take place at 3pm, and each day they cover a new topic. These topics range from Scottish inventors and Picts and Vikings to the Jacobite Risings and Scottish Sporting Heroes. So no matter what your area of interest may be, there’s sure to be a tour that appeals to you.
Wildlife Printmaking Exhibition
When? Until 10th April 2019
Where? Scottish Ornithologist’s Club
Why should you go?
Get yourself into the spirit of spring with this colourful exhibition from the Scottish Ornithologist’s Club, located in Aberlady. The exhibition presents the work of four printmakers who have been inspired by nature, namely Carry Akroyd, Babs Pease, Kelly Stewart and Susie Wright. Each artist brings their own signature style and approach, taking inspiration from the natural world in different but equally beautiful and thought-provoking ways. This is a contrasting and joyful display that’s perfect for this time of year.
Embroidered Stories: Scottish Samplers
When? Until 21st April 2019
Where? National Museum of Scotland
Why should you go?
This delightfully unique exhibition offers an unlikely way for visitors to get to know the lives of children in the 18th and 19th centuries. Samplers are small pieces of needlework which depict information of someone’s family, interests, education and religion. They are often made by young girls and boys as part of their education. This collection contains 70 samplers, offering a touching personal insight into the lives of local children from history.
In Focus: Scottish Photography
When? Until 12th May 2019
Where? City Art Centre
Why should you go?
Take a trip through history with this cultural treat of an exhibition, celebrating the evolution of fine art photography in Scotland from the 19th century to today. The Embroidered Stories exhibition showcases the endlessly impressive photographic collections held by the City Art Centre, which includes the work of pioneering historical figures from the 1840s like David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson. There are also plenty of contemporary artists to enjoy such as Christine Borland and Calum Colvin.
Storyworlds: Paper Sculptures by Edinburgh Young Artists
When? Until 12th May 2019
Where? The Writers Museum
Why should you go?
Storyworlds is a completely one-of-a-kind exhibition that celebrates the creativity of Scotland’s younger generation. This collection of beautiful and delicate paper structures display, when viewed through glass domes, a series of tiny enchanted story worlds, made entirely out of stories. This incredible exhibition was created by art students from a variety of Edinburgh secondary students, with support from artist Tessa Asquith Lamb.
Dance Scottish with RSCDS Edinburgh
When? Until 21st May 2019
Where? Various Locations
Why should you go?
Culture can mean many different things, including the art of Scottish dancing! Dance Scottish offers an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to get fit and have fun. These classes are well suited to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned regular at your local Ceilidh or have never attempted a Highland Fling in your life. There are also expert teachers on hand and live music to enjoy as you dance your way to fitness. It’s also a great way to make friends and feel like part of the Edinburgh community.
Do Toddlers Understand ‘No’?
When? Until 31st May 2019
Where? George Square
Why should you go?
For any of Edinburgh’s littlest residents, this educational and informative opportunity can also offer a huge amount of fun. The University of Edinburgh is looking for wee scientists aged between 1 and 2 to take part in a study on word learning. This will involve your little one spending 15 minutes at the University watching videos and playing games, all to determine their understanding of the word ‘no’.
Not only is this both helpful and fun, but researchers will offer your little one a sticker and you’ll get £5 in café vouchers. Win win!
Charles II: Art and Power Exhibition
When? Until 2nd June 2019
Where? The Palace of Holyroodhouse
Why should you go?
Housed in the Queen’s Gallery, this breath-taking exhibition of Old Masters is not to be missed by any art lover or history buff. After more than a decade of Oliver Cromwell’s austere rule, the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 reinvigorated traditional art. This stunning collection offers one of the most dynamic bringing togethers of great works, including luxurious silver furniture and incredible paintings by some of the biggest names in art, all housed in a beautiful setting.
When you can call Edinburgh your home, you never have to miss out on any of the exciting events the city has to offer. Craighouse is the latest stunning collection of properties from Qmile Developments. Nestled in the green woodland of tranquil Morningside, Craighouse offers truly luxurious living for its residents, bringing history and modernity together. Click here to find out more.