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Exhibitions Events in Edinburgh in May 2025

Scroll down to view the events taking place in Edinburgh during May 2025, or use the filters to narrow down the results.

Events in Edinburgh

Maps: Memories from the Second World War

9th March 2024 - 26th January 2026

Through personal stories, photography and memorabilia, this exhibition at the National War Museum charts the creation and use of maps during the Second World War.

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Cold War Scotland

13th July 2024 - 4th January 2026

Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.

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Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland

14th September 2024 - 1st June 2025

Inked Up: Printmaking in Scotland celebrates this versatile artform, presenting a selection of works from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection of fine art.

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Everlyn Nicodemus

19th October 2024 - 25th May 2025

Everlyn Nicodemus opens her first retrospective exhibition, at National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One in Edinburgh.

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Shining a Light: A History of Nursing Support Workers: Exhibition

20th November 2024 - 29th May 2025

Discover the fascinating history of nursing support work and celebrate the contribution that nursing support workers continue to make today.

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The Craft of Couture: Victor Edelstein designs for Anna Miller

28th November 2024 - 1st June 2025

This small display explores the work of fashion designer Victor Edelstein. A favourite of Princess Diana, Edelstein exemplifies the finest British fashion design of the 1980s.

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The Scottish Colourists: Radical Perspectives

7th February 2025 - 28th June 2025

Discover this groundbreaking exhibition in partnership with the Fleming Collection, which for the first time showcases the Scottish Colourists in the context of their European contemporaries.

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Jerwood Survey III

28th February 2025 - 4th May 2025

Jerwood Survey, a major biennial touring exhibition that presents new commissions by 10 early-career artists from across the UK, is showing at Collective Edinburgh from 28th February!

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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography

28th February 2025 - 7th September 2025

This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!

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Ian Hamilton Finlay

8th March 2025 - 26th May 2025

The centenary of celebrated Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006) will be marked by a new, free display of his work at the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern.

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Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks

Selected dates between 13th March 2025 - 4th September 2025

Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!

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Camila Ospina Gaitán: Unconquered Natures - Tropicalism

5th April 2025 - 17th June 2025

Camilla Ospina Gaitán’s new commission, at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, examines the logic of colonialism through the lens of orchid collection - an 18th and 19th-century practice.

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Postcards from Edinburgh - Simon Rivett

11th April 2025 - 16th May 2025

This exhibition, by Simon Rivett at Patriothall Gallery, features paintings that are playful, fun, affectionate reflections on Edinburgh’s residents and visitors.

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Clay & Fibre: Jo Walker & Jillian Lee Adamson

12th April 2025 - 2nd May 2025

This exhibition at Upright Gallery brings together two artists that specialise in handmade objects that reveal a sense of considered quietude in the process of making.

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A Colourful Palette

18th April 2025 - 30th June 2025

The Snug at Hotel du Vin Edinburgh will be showcasing Gillian Henshaw’s delightfully colourful and joyful paintings from 18th April to 30th June. All paintings are available to purchase.

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The World of King James VI and I

26th April 2025 - 14th September 2025

Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition.

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Nurture Through Nature with Children’s Books

1st May 2025 - 7th September 2025

Delve into the Museum of Childhood’s book collection and explore the links between wellbeing and nature introduced to us through books from an early age.

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Katharine Le Hardy :: Beneath the Trees

3rd May 2025 - 24th May 2025

Katharine Le Hardy returns to &Gallery in May with an exciting new body of work for her solo presentation!

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Edinbrick - A LEGO Model Show

10th May 2025 - 11th May 2025

Edinbrick is back for 2025! Edinburgh's biggest LEGO Model Show, will be held on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of May at Meadowbank Sports Centre.

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Grain and Groove Art Exhibition

10th May 2025 - 14th May 2025

Catch the Grain and Groove Art Exhibition by young Edinburgh based artists, showcasing their handcrafted designs, at Dr Neil's Garden in Duddingston from 10th to 14th May!

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Your Art World

10th May 2025 - 2nd November 2025

Your Art World is a colourful exhibition, showcasing the artwork of creative 3–18-year-olds from across Scotland, at the National Galleries of Scotland: National.

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Doug Cocker: Threads

24th May 2025 - 19th July 2025

Doug Cocker, one of Scotland’s leading sculptors, unveils a dynamic new body of work at Dovecot Studios in collaboration with The Scottish Gallery.

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John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture

31st May 2025 - 28th September 2025

John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture captures the span of an extraordinary life and career, told through the lens of the artist’s own eyes and the words of the people who knew him best.

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Sponsored Links

Goldups Lane
Kevin Quantum
Support The Makers
Renfrewshire Council
MNB
Wonder & Co

Exhibitions Events in East Renfrewshire

Exhibitions Events in Fife

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:

Scottish Ford Live

Scottish Ford Live

25th May 2025

Knockhill Racing Circuit is excited to bring you one of the UK’s most anticipated Ford events on 25th May, where Ford owners and clubs will proudly showcase their beloved vehicles!

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Buckhaven’s Hidden Harbour

Buckhaven’s Hidden Harbour

25th January 2025 - 18th May 2025

Buckhaven’s Hidden Harbour was created by local P6 school children and explores the history of Buckhaven Harbour which was built in 1838.

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Classic Car Meet & Greet

Classic Car Meet & Greet

Selected dates between 13th April 2025 - 12th October 2025

Join Fife Classic Car Group for these monthly classic car meet and greet events at Fife Heritage Railway in Leven!

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Exhibitions Events in Glasgow

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:

Civic House Party x baile/baile

Civic House Party x baile/baile

2nd May 2025

Civic House Party returns with a luscious lineup of live performances, DJs, a soundscaped exhibition and an interactive Gaelic lesson on Friday 2nd May!

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Exhibition On Screen: The Dawn of Impressionism Paris 1874

Exhibition On Screen: The Dawn of Impressionism Paris 1874

22nd May 2025

Stopgap Community Cinema CIC bring Exhibition On Screen's The Dawn of Impressionism Paris 1874 to Helensburgh Civic Centre on Thursday 22nd May!

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Not To Be Sniffed At: An Aromatic History of Sauchiehall Street

Not To Be Sniffed At: An Aromatic History of Sauchiehall Street

19th April 2025 - 1st May 2025

Follow your nose to Sauchiehall Street for this immersive exhibition on scent and memory - a collaboration between Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and perfumer Clara Weale!

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Exhibitions Events in Lanarkshire

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:

The Artful Codgers

The Artful Codgers

30th March 2025 - 9th June 2025

The Artful Codgers Exhibition celebrates the work of three old pals – award winning artist, Jim Scullion, acclaimed actor and director Tony Roper and Scottish football legend, Danny McGrain.

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Mid Century Modern: Putting Scotland on the Map

Mid Century Modern: Putting Scotland on the Map

6th February 2025 - 6th May 2025

The Mid Century Modern exhibition at North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre explores the ways in which Scottish architects were both influenced by and themselves influenced the international movement.

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Scottish Garden Festival

Scottish Garden Festival

23rd May 2025 - 25th May 2025

Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and enriching outing, the Scottish Garden Festival promises a memorable experience for everyone!

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Exhibitions Events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:

Micro Layouts Model Railway Show

Micro Layouts Model Railway Show

22nd March 2025 - 22nd March 2026

Join Renfrewshire Model Railway Club, Cupar Model Railway Club and Leven Valley Trains for the Micro Layouts Model Railway Show on Saturday 22nd March!

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ACCORD Hospice Annual Art Exhibition

ACCORD Hospice Annual Art Exhibition

1st May 2025 - 30th May 2025

ACCORD Hospice's Annual Art Exhibition returns - bigger and better than ever before - bringing together the best local and national artists to celebrate all forms of art and creativity!

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Exhibitions Events in Stirling

Here's a selection of Exhibitions Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:

Smoke and Steel: The History of Scotland’s Railways

Smoke and Steel: The History of Scotland’s Railways

26th April 2025 - 7th September 2025

This exhibition at Stirling Castle charts the rise, decline and renewal of Scotland's railways.

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Stirling and District Classic Car Club Annual Show

Stirling and District Classic Car Club Annual Show

11th May 2025

The Stirling and District Classic Car Club is delighted to announce the return of its annual show on Sunday 11th May 2025 in aid of Charities!

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Home Turf, Stirling and the Shire: A Spring Exhibition

Home Turf, Stirling and the Shire: A Spring Exhibition

4th April 2025 - 31st May 2025

Discover Stirling through the eyes of local artist Iona Leishman as she exhibits her work within the historic Church of the Holy Rude!

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Events in Other Areas

Sponsored Links

Napier Uni
Fayre Play
RSPB
Escape The Past
ATG
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Goldups Lane
Kevin Quantum
Support The Makers
Renfrewshire Council
MNB
Wonder & Co
Napier Uni
Fayre Play
RSPB
Escape The Past
ATG
Hostelworld
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Botanics Easter Trail
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s (RBGE) Easter trail returns for another year, Hop along to the John Hope Gateway to pick up a booklet!
Edinburgh Tradfest: Storytelling for Musicians
Join musician and storyteller David Francis and learn how to improve your patter and song introductions with some basic rules of storytelling on this workshop as part of Tradfest!
Beautiful Crazy - The Luke Combs Collection
Brand NEW for 2026 and coming to the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh, Beautiful Crazy is an exciting and authentic theatrical celebration of one of the biggest country stars on the planet... Luke Combs!
that conversations event Edinburgh #5
Join that conversations movement on Thursday 15th May at August 21 Coffee House and deepen your connection with a friend, family member or partner!
Forth 50 - Live! - CANCELLED
Forth 1 is celebrating it's first 50 years with an incredible live gig at The Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 31st May!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall