Accessibility

  • Our exhibitions are temporary and change regularly throughout the year. This means the gallery spaces and rooms we have open...
    199th RSA Annual Exhibition. Photo Julie Howden.

    Our exhibitions are temporary and change regularly throughout the year. This means the gallery spaces and rooms we have open may be different each time you visit. Between exhibitions, we close temporarily for one to two weeks to allow for changeover. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our what’s on and current exhibitions pages, or contact us with any questions.

     

    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, visitors with disabilities and those who are unemployed or receiving income support. Children under 12 and carers accompanying visitors can enter free of charge.
  • Our building is owned and maintained by the National Galleries of Scotland. We work closely with them to make the...
    Academy Late 2024. Photo Andy Catlin.

    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 via the Academicians’ Gallery, we do not always have use of the full building. The National Galleries of Scotland programme temporary exhibitions, usually over the summer months, and other arts organisations use the building for their exhibitions too. This means we cannot always provide detailed information about everything on view in the building. We aim to keep our what’s on page up to date with links to other exhibitions happening in the building.
  • Getting here The main entrance of the Royal Scottish Academy is on Princes Street. Stair-free access is available via the...
    RSA Building from Hanover Street. Photo Julie Howden.

    Getting here

    The main entrance of the Royal Scottish Academy is on Princes Street. Stair-free access is available via the South entrance at the back of the RSA building, opposite the National Gallery.

     

    As we’re located in the centre of Edinburgh, parking is limited. 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 sites 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 very close, and we are just a short walk from Waverley train station. Taxi ranks can be found nearby, including on Hanover Street, which is directly opposite the front entrance of the gallery.
  • Stair-free access Stair-free access is available via the back of the RSA building (South entrance), which is opposite the National...
    Academy Late 2023, photo Andy Catlin

    Stair-free access

    Stair-free access is available via the back of the RSA building (South entrance), which is opposite the National Gallery. The building is accessed by a ramp, and a lift just inside the door provides access to all floors.

     

    We can also be accessed from the National Gallery’s garden level entrance, which is situated in East Princes Street Gardens. From the paved area of the mound precinct, it is accessed via a step-free, gentle winding pathway, or via a flight of 29 steps. 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.

     

    Seating

    As our exhibitions change regularly, the available seating changes too. Chairs or benches will always be positioned 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.

     

     
  • Toilets Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available in multiple floors of the building. Quieter times When open, you...
    199th RSA Annual Exhibition. Photo Julie Howden.

    Toilets

    Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available in multiple floors of the building.

     

    Quieter times

    When open, you can visit us from Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm, and on Sunday from 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 a £2 coin, or a token which is available at the info desk.
  • Guidance for visitors For the comfort of other visitors and the safety of the artwork on display we ask that...
    RSA New Contemporaries. 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. Occasionally 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 receiving 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