Accessibility

  • About the RSA and our exhibition programme We are an independently funded art organisation which supports contemporary art and architecture...
    Ruby Pluher installation, RSA New Contemporaries 2020. Photo Julie Howden.

    About the RSA and our exhibition programme

    We are an independently funded art organisation which supports contemporary art and architecture in Scotland through our year-round programme of exhibitions, events and artist opportunities. Please visit our About page for more information.

     

    All of our exhibitions are temporary and change regularly throughout the year. This means that the setup of the gallery space and the rooms we have open may be different each time you visit. As we need time to changeover our exhibitions we are temporarily closed for one or two weeks between shows. Visit our What’s On and Current Exhibitions pages to find out the most current information and Contact Us if you have any questions.

     

    Despite being based in the Royal Scottish Academy building, our building is owned and maintained by the National Galleries of Scotland. We work closely with them to make the building as accessible as possible. Visit the National Galleries accessibility webpage here. 

     

    While we always have a presence in the building with our permanent Academicians’ Gallery, we do not always have use of the full building. The National Galleries of Scotland put on temporary exhibitions, usually over the summer months, and other arts organisations often use the building for their exhibitions too. This means we cannot always provide detailed information about everything on view in the building. We try our best to keep our What’s On pages up to date with links to what else is happening in the building.
  • Getting here Being based right in the centre of Edinburgh we do not have parking at the building, however there...
    Attaman & Roch performance, RSA New Contemporaies 2014. Photo Dave Grinly.

    Getting here

    Being based right in the centre of Edinburgh we do not have parking at the building, however there is a drop-off point at the back of our building on the Mound precinct, just in front of the National Gallery building. There is limited accessible parking here for Blue Badge holders which must be booked in advance on the National Galleries of Scotland website here.

     

    There is other parking close by, including for blue badge holders, and Park and Ride provision on the outskirts of the city. 


    We are well serviced by public transport with many buses stopping on Princes Street and nearby streets. The Princes Street tram stop is also very close and we are a short walk from Waverley train station.

                

    Taxi ranks can be found nearby, including on Hanover Street, directly opposite the gallery. 
  • Stair-free access The front entrance on Princes Street hasStair-free access is via the back of the RSA building (South entrance),...
    Aisling Ward film, RSA New Contemporaries 2022. Photo Julie Howden.

    Stair-free access

    The front entrance on Princes Street hasStair-free access is via the back of the RSA building (South entrance), opposite the entrance to the National Gallery. The building is accessed by a ramp from this entrance and a lift is just inside the door servicing each floor.

    We can also be accessed from the National Gallery garden level entrance in the east Princes Street Gardens. From this entrance the RSA galleries can be reached by lift. 

     

     

    Wheelchairs 

    The National Galleries of Scotland, who own and manage our building, have a number of wheelchairs on site that can be borrowed free of charge whilst visiting the gallery. Please ask a member staff at the entrance if you require a wheelchair.

     

     

    Facilities

    Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available in multiple floors of the building.
  • Seating As our exhibitions change regularly, each with different a curation and layout, the seating provision may be different in...
    RSA New Contemporaries 2022. Photo Julie Howden.

    Seating

    As our exhibitions change regularly, each with different a curation and layout, the seating provision may be different in each exhibition. Chairs or benches will always be position throughout the galleries and portable folding stools are also available. If you require a seat and cannot find one please ask a member of staff.

     

     

    Tickets

    Most of our exhibitions are free and do not require a ticket or pre-booking.

    Where exhibitions are ticketed, this will be clearly stated at the top of the exhibition page. Concessions are available for students, over 65s and disabled visitors. Carers accompanying visitors with disabilities and under 12s can enter free of charge.

     
  • Quieter times and sensory-friendly visits When open you can usually visit us from Mon to Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. It...
    RSA Annual Exhibition 2022. Photo Julie Howden.

    Quieter times and sensory-friendly visits

    When open you can usually visit us from Mon to Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm. It tends to be quieter in the mornings and mid-week.

    Please speak to a member of the gallery staff if you need help finding a calmer space during your visit.

    The National Galleries of Scotland have child and adult-sized ear defenders available to borrow from the information desk in the garden level. 

     

     

    Bags

    For the safety of our artwork we ask that you do not bring large suitcases or backpacks into the gallery. If you have a large backpack we ask that your carry it in your hands or wear it on your front.

    Lockers are provided by the National Galleries of Scotland in the garden level near the Scottish Café and Restaurant and National Galleries Shop. Please ask a member of staff if you are unsure how to find them. These are on a first come first served basis and require £1 or £2 coins which you will get back when retrieving your bags.
  • Guidance for visitors For the comfort of other visitors and the safety of the artwork on display we ask that...
    RSA New Contemporaries 2020. Photo Julie Howden.

    Guidance for visitors

    For the comfort of other visitors and the safety of the artwork on display we ask that you respect the following:

     

    • Do not touch the artworks on display. Occassionally we may have interactive artworks but these will be clearly indicated. It is always best to assume that you cannot touch the artwork and ask a member of staff if you are unsure. Gallery staff may also approach you if they feel you are too close to an artwork.

    • Avoid eating or drinking in the gallery.
    • Avoid making and recieving loud phone calls in the gallery.
    • Avoid using flash when taking photographs.
  • Get in touch If you have any questions please get in touch with us. You can use the form on...
    Royal Scottish Academy entrance. Photo Julie Howden.

    Get in touch

    If you have any questions please get in touch with us.
    You can use the form on the Contact us page,
    Email info@royalscottishacademy.org
    RSA Office 0131 624 6110
    RSA Sales Desk 0131 380 5822