In 2026, the Royal Scottish Academy turns 200. Two centuries of encouraging artists and architects. Two centuries of exhibitions and events. Two centuries of supporting Scottish creativity.
We’re marking this milestone with our biggest exhibitions programme yet. Expect major solo shows with RSA members past and present, a bumper Annual Exhibition and fresh takes on our collection.
The 200th RSA Annual Exhibition | 9 May - 14 June 2026
Two centuries on, our landmark show and Scotland’s largest and longest running exhibition of contemporary art reflects on its history, while presenting art and architecture in the heart of Edinburgh. Convened by Annie Cattrell RSA and Fergus Purdie RSA, the Annual Exhibition will explore time, geology and our own layered history.
Barbara Rae: Charting South | 21 November 2026 - 24 January 2027
We’re concluding our bicentenary year with a major new exhibition by Dame Barbara Rae RSA RA. In late 2022, Rae travelled to Antarctica to trace the ill-fated journey of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-17). This exhibition presents a significant body of new work relating to locations along Shackleton’s route, including South Georgia and Elephant Island.
Joyce W. Cairns: A Personal Odyssey | 1 August - 2 September 2026
A Personal Odyssey will explore the career of acclaimed painter Joyce W. Cairns. As the first woman to be elected President of the RSA and an influential educator to generations of Scottish artists, Cairns has long been an important voice in Scottish art. We’re showcasing major bodies of work from across Cairns’ career, with the haunting characters of her Aberdeen harbour scenes on view alongside monumental paintings from her seminal War Tourist project. Early works from the artist’s days as a student at Gray’s School of Art will be on view alongside her distinctive figurative painting, pulling from memories of her childhood and her home in the once fishing village of Footdee
This 26: Contemporary Scottish Art and the Academy | 12 September - 11 October 2026
Since the start of this century, we’ve given over £5.5 million to artists, many of whom have used the financial support as a springboard for professional success and artistic acclaim. Curated by Edward Summerton RSA and Amy Cameron, This 26 will look at the recent history of the RSA’s artist opportunity programme, presenting works by 26 artists, one selected for each year of this century so far.
200 Years | 17 October - 15 November 2026
200 Years will celebrate the rich history of Scottish art in all its forms over the last two centuries. Reflecting the centrality of the Academy to the development of Scottish art, the exhibition will include works created by Royal Scottish Academicians since our founding in 1826, giving visitors the opportunity to explore paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints by the foremost artists working in Scotland over the last 200 years.
Origin Stories | 24 January - 8 March 2026
Everyone remembers their favourite teacher. For art students, the intensely creative environment of art school can make their tutors hugely important influencers and facilitators of their future careers. Origin Stories will explore the web of artistic relationships that have manifested through the evolution of art teaching in Scotland. Curated by Head of Collections Sandy Wood, this exhibition will tell this previously untold story of influence and legacy, with artworks by some of the best-known names in Scottish art on view alongside those by emerging artists.
Chaos & Control: Printmaking in Scotland Now | 27 June - 26 July 2026
Described by Niki de Saint Phalle as ‘controlled chaos,’ printmaking encourages collaboration, offering artists opportunities to share knowledge and working practices. Curated by acclaimed printmaker Ade Adesina RSA and the RSA’s Head of Programme Flora La Thangue, this exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to view artworks by the foremost names in contemporary Scottish printmaking, as well as lesser-known and emerging artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary printmaking techniques.
Generation | 24 January - 8 March 2026
Curated by Richard Murphy RSA OBE, Generation explores the idea of the architectural family tree, bringing together the work of sixteen architects who all formerly worked at the Edinburgh practice of Richard Murphy Architects and have since gone on to establish their own successful practices.
RSA New Contemporaries 2026 | 28 March - 22 April 2026
Now in its seventeenth year, RSA New Contemporaries offers a unique opportunity to see some of the most promising talent in Scotland in one single, large-scale exhibition in the heart of Edinburgh. Supported by the RSA Blackadder Houston Bequest and showcasing 64 graduates, the exhibition is the best overview of the current outlook of emerging Scottish art and architecture. The 2026 exhibition is convened by Michael Visocchi RSA, with assistance from his fellow Royal Scottish Academicians and Architecture Convenor Christopher Platt RSA.
From emerging voices to acclaimed Academicians, printmaking to architecture, we've got something for everyone. This is a moment to connect past, present and future generations, bringing people together to honour Scotland’s cultural network.
It’s going to be unforgettable.
