Aberdeen Art Gallery
A stunning granite building housing diverse art collections, from Impressionists to Scottish masters, with a rooftop terrace offering city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning granite building housing diverse art collections, from Impressionists to Scottish masters, with a rooftop terrace offering city views.
"A jewel for the region and well beyond, offering a rich artistic experience with breathtaking views."
🎯 Free Admission & Donations
Entry is free, but donations are welcomed to support the gallery.
📸 Rooftop Views Galore
Don't miss the top floor for stunning city vistas and photo opportunities.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rooftop Terrace Views
Top floor
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Aberdeen city from this elevated vantage point. A perfect spot for photos and a moment of reflection.
Diverse Art Collections
Various galleries
From 18th-20th century paintings, including French Impressionists, to Scottish metalwork and contemporary pieces, there's art for every taste.
Architectural Grandeur
Entire building
The late 19th-century granite building itself is a masterpiece, offering a beautiful backdrop to the art within.
Interactive History Exhibits
Ground floor
Engage with interactive displays detailing Aberdeen's history and significant movements like the suffragettes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Beyond the Canvas: Views & Cafes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission & Donations
Entry is free, but donations are welcomed to support the gallery.
📸 Rooftop Views Galore
Don't miss the top floor for stunning city vistas and photo opportunities.
☕ Cafe Breaks
Enjoy refreshments at one of the two cafes, with rooftop seating available.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Available
Join free Saturday tours to discover the gallery's highlights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission & Donations
Entry is free, but donations are welcomed to support the gallery.
📸 Rooftop Views Galore
Don't miss the top floor for stunning city vistas and photo opportunities.
☕ Cafe Breaks
Enjoy refreshments at one of the two cafes, with rooftop seating available.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours Available
Join free Saturday tours to discover the gallery's highlights.
🎨 Sketchbook Welcome
Bring your sketchbook and draw inspiration from the collections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Aberdeen Art Gallery for its stunning architecture, diverse and fascinating art collections, and the added bonus of a rooftop terrace with city views. The free admission is a significant draw, and the interactive exhibits are a hit with families. While some note it's on the smaller side, the quality and variety of art make it a highly recommended gem.
"Beautiful gallery with so many incredible features. The building itself is gorgeous, along with all the fascinating artwork 🖼️ exhibitions and the roof terrace is an added bonus.
The gallery is full of interesting exhibitions, some interactive - from Aberdeen history to suffragette movements.
It is absolutely worth a visit, it’s free and I definitely recommend the stunning views from the roof terrace too.
Fo not miss this place. Thanks to all the tinder staff for galleries like this ❤️"
Radiate Repeat
"Spent a couple of hours exploring this gallery and was most impressed. While the collection is naturally focused on Aberdeen and Scottish art, it does have a diversity of art, including sculptures, paintings, modern, eclectic, and also works by the French Impressionists (Renoir, Monet). The galleries are well laid out, and the artwork is well presented in a family-friendly way. This is a definite gem in Aberdeen’s cultural and heritage portfolio. Well worth visiting when in Aberdeen. Highly recommended."
John Yap
"Huge art gallery with interesting interactive display in the ground floor explaining the history.
Good mix of styles and eras.
Highlights:
Fascinating room on McBey
Interesting comparison of English/ French styles in impressionists.
The Aberdeen/ Doric room
Shocked to come across my young doppelganger, painted by Dorothy Johnstone.
Nice shop
Helpful staff.
A jewel for the region and well beyond
P.S. What happened to the bodies under Gallery 4?"
Felicity Graham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aberdeen Art Gallery is centrally located at AB10 1FQ. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, there are several car parks in the city centre.
Yes, several city centre car parks are within walking distance of the gallery, including the St Nicholas House car park and the Gallowgate car park.
Aberdeen train station is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Art Gallery. It's a pleasant walk through the city centre.
Numerous bus routes serve the city centre, with stops very close to the gallery on Union Street and nearby streets. Check local bus timetables for specific routes.
Yes, the gallery is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with lifts available to access different floors and exhibits.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gallery is typically open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.
Entry to Aberdeen Art Gallery is free! While donations are encouraged to support the gallery's operations and exhibitions, there is no mandatory admission fee.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance for general admission as it is free. For special ticketed exhibitions or events, booking might be required, so check their website.
Aberdeen Art Gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions. It's best to visit their official website or social media channels for the latest information on current and upcoming exhibitions, such as 'Monsters of the Deep'.
Yes, groups are welcome. For larger groups or organized tours, it's advisable to contact the gallery in advance to make arrangements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the 18th-20th century paintings, Scottish metalwork, French Impressionist works, and interactive displays on local history. The rooftop terrace is also a major draw.
Absolutely! The gallery is designed to be family-friendly with interactive exhibits and a welcoming atmosphere.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain artworks or exhibitions.
Yes, free guided tours are offered on Saturdays at 11 am, lasting about 45 minutes, to showcase the gallery's highlights.
The gallery offers two cafes, gift shops, accessible restrooms, and seating areas throughout the exhibition spaces.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Aberdeen Art Gallery has two cafes where you can enjoy coffee, tea, light meals, and snacks. One offers rooftop seating with city views.
The cafes typically offer a selection of cakes, pastries, sandwiches, quiches, and hot beverages.
Generally, it's best to consume your own food and drinks in designated areas or outside the gallery to maintain the integrity of the exhibits. The cafes are available for purchases.
The gallery is in the city centre, surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering a wide range of dining options.
While specific options may vary, cafes often have vegetarian choices. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff about other dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted in most areas of the gallery. However, always look for signage indicating restricted areas or specific exhibitions where photography might not be allowed.
Tripods and flash photography are usually not permitted to protect the artworks from damage and to avoid disturbing other visitors. Check the gallery's specific policy upon arrival.
The grand architecture, the rooftop terrace with city views, and specific visually striking artworks are popular photo opportunities. The central sun column is also a notable feature.
While the gallery's primary focus is painting and sculpture, they may occasionally feature photography exhibitions. Check their schedule for current displays.
Yes, sharing your photos on social media is encouraged! Tagging the gallery (@abdnartmuseums) is a great way to show your appreciation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't forget to explore the rooftop terrace for a unique city view that kids will love. The gallery also has a nice shop with potential souvenirs. Consider visiting during a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the free entry, you can save money by bringing your own water bottle and enjoying the free city views from the rooftop terrace instead of paying for paid attractions. The gallery's central location also means you can easily walk to it from the train station or other city centre points, saving on transport costs.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the historical context provided in the interactive exhibits and the diverse range of styles, from classical to contemporary. The gallery's commitment to showcasing both traditional and modern art ensures a comprehensive artistic journey. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the building's architecture and the unique city views from the rooftop, adding another dimension to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Collections
Beyond the classical and traditional, the gallery embraces contemporary art, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for all visitors. Interactive displays on the ground floor delve into Aberdeen's own history, the suffragette movement, and local folklore, making the learning process both informative and fun. This blend of historical depth and modern relevance makes Aberdeen Art Gallery a truly comprehensive cultural destination.
Keep an eye out for special temporary exhibitions, such as the 'Monsters of the Deep' event, which combines legend, folklore, and science for a spectacular display. These rotating exhibits add an extra layer of excitement and ensure there's always something new to discover on repeat visits.
The Building and Its Views
A major highlight for many visitors is the rooftop terrace. Accessible from the top floor, this elevated space offers stunning panoramic views across Aberdeen. It's an ideal spot to relax, take in the cityscape, and capture memorable photographs, especially on a clear, sunny day. The presence of cafes on the top floor further enhances this experience, allowing visitors to enjoy refreshments while soaking in the scenery.
Community and Events
Throughout the year, the gallery hosts various events, including guided tours that offer deeper insights into the collections and exhibitions. These tours are a fantastic way to learn more from knowledgeable staff and fellow art enthusiasts. Additionally, the gallery sometimes transforms into a venue for special markets, such as the winter market organized by Tea Green Events, showcasing over 50 independent Scottish creative businesses. These events bring a lively atmosphere and offer unique shopping opportunities.
Social
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