5 fantastic reasons to visit Aberdeen Art Gallery

The Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to a diverse collection of artworks, ranging from traditional Scottish paintings to modern contemporary pieces.

5 fantastic reasons to visit Aberdeen Art Gallery
Photo by Chris Sansbury

Aberdeen Art Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub located in the heart of Aberdeen. Established in 1884, it’s a central cultural destination in the heart of the city, but since it’s re-opening in 2019, it has taken on a more welcoming member of the community. Gone are the days of shushing security guards and signs saying “no photography!” This is a space you can enjoy in short bites, or for a whole day.

It showcases classics and contemporary art, regularly exhibiting the works of emerging artists. The collections on display are always changing. In fact, it looks like the 2023 schedule of events is going to be one of its busiest yet.

The gallery’s transformative renovation

The renovation of the gallery, which began in 2015, was a highly anticipated project in the city. The project aimed to transform the gallery into a world-class cultural destination for the community.

The renovation provided additional exhibition space and a rooftop terrace. It reopened in 2019 and attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world. The gallery was named Scotland’s building of the year in 2021 following the £36.4m redevelopment.

The Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to a diverse collection of artworks, ranging from traditional Scottish paintings to modern contemporary pieces.

The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions featuring the work of both local and international artists, providing visitors with the opportunity to see a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.

  1. The gallery is located in the heart of Aberdeen and is free to visit, making it easily accessible and convenient for you to spend time there.
  2. The gallery is a popular cultural destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique experience for all who visit.
  3. Visiting the Aberdeen Art Gallery is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage and supporting the local art community. It’s a lot of fun. Long gone are the stuffy days of “No Cameras” and “Keep Quiet!”
  4. One of the standout features of the Aberdeen Art Gallery is its impressive architecture. The building itself is a work of art and grand design. The interior of the gallery is equally impressive, with high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and marble floors.
  5. Visitors to the Aberdeen Art Gallery are able to explore the various galleries and exhibitions at their leisure. There is also the option to take a guided tour led by the gallery’s knowledgeable and friendly staff members.

Temporary exhibitions are a reason to visit regularly

In addition to its permanent collection, the gallery also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions are an excellent way to see a diverse range of art and provide a chance for visitors to experience something new and exciting every time they visit.

One of the highlights of the temporary exhibitions program is the annual open submission show, which invites artists from all over Scotland to submit their work for consideration. This show is a great opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talent and get their work seen by a wider audience.

In addition to its art collection and exhibitions, Aberdeen Art Gallery also offers a range of educational and community programs. These include artist talks, workshops, and school holiday activities, as well as special events and talks. These programs provide a great opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn more about the world of art and get involved in the cultural life of the city.

Overall, Aberdeen Art Gallery is an essential destination for anyone interested in art and culture. Its stunning architecture, impressive collection, and engaging program of exhibitions and events make it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. So next time you’re in Aberdeen, be sure to pay a visit to this wonderful cultural institution.