Our guests are always searching for current exhibitions in Edinburgh, and (with all the great shows on offer right now) February 2026 is a great time to explore the city’s cultural spaces. From major museum launches to fashion retrospectives and historic collections, there’s a great mix of things to see across the capital.
Our team have been busy visiting new shows and capturing photos. This guide brings together the most talked-about exhibitions in Edinburgh now, including headline shows at the National Museum of Scotland, Dovecot Studios and across the city’s galleries. Whether you’re visiting the Edinburgh for the first time, or a local on the hunt for something new to see, these are some of our standout events to add to your list.
Giants at the National Museum of Scotland
Dates: 31 January – 14 September 2026
Location: National Museum of Scotland
Best for: Families, first-time visitors, interactive experiences
Entry: Tickets from £13, concessions available
One of the biggest museum events Edinburgh will see this year is Giants, a large-scale exhibition exploring prehistoric animals that lived after the dinosaurs disappeared.
As one of the most searched exhibitions in Edinburgh now, it features life-size reconstructions, fossils and interactive displays that bring some of the biggest animals in history to life. Visitors can expect to see giant mammals, enormous reptiles and deep-sea predators, alongside insights into how these animals evolved and why they eventually vanished.
This is easily one of the top family friendly museums Edinburgh highlights for 2026. Its huge displays are engaging, educational and designed to appeal to all ages, especially ideal if you’re planning things to do in Edinburgh this weekend with children.
For tourists, it’s also one of the most accessible things to do in Edinburgh this month, located right in the city centre and easy to combine with a day exploring the Old Town.
Enlightenment at Edinburgh (Immersive Light Show at McEwan Hall)
Dates: 4 February – 15 March 2026
Location: McEwan Hall, The University of Edinburgh
Best for: Couples, culture seekers, indoor evening plans
While not a traditional museum display, Enlightenment Edinburgh has been a hit with locals since it landed at the start of February, and we think it still fits naturally into a guide around exhibitions in Edinburgh now – a fantastic immersive event!
Set inside the historic McEwan Hall, this 30-minute seated show combines Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with choreographed light, colour and sound. The building itself becomes part of the experience, with 360-degree projection mapping transforming the interior into a moving visual display.
Light shows like this are having a real moment right now – this show has previously toured Glasgow (mapped to a completely different building) – and, for visitors searching for things to do in Edinburgh this month, it offers something slightly different from galleries and museums while still feeling cultural and atmospheric. I
With Edinburgh’s Feb-March weather being nothing short of ‘unpredictable’, it’s also a strong choice if you’re looking for indoor things to do Edinburgh, especially in the dark evenings.
Because it runs on scheduled sessions rather than as a walk-through exhibition, it works well as part of a wider day exploring current exhibitions in Edinburgh.
The Biba Story: 1964–1975
Dates: 6 February – 27 June 2026
Location: Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh
Best for: Fashion lovers, design fans, 1960s and 70s culture
One of the most exciting art exhibitions Edinburgh 2026 has to offer (especially if you love art and design like we do!) This bold and stylish show celebrates the iconic British fashion brand Biba.
The exhibition charts the rise of the label from a small mail-order company to a cultural phenomenon that defined the look of the 1960s and 70s. Expect to see original garments, photography, branding and pieces that capture the spirit of the era.
For those searching for new exhibitions in Edinburgh across 2026, this is a standout – and like Giants, there’s plenty of time to see it! It adds variety to the city’s cultural scene and offers something different from traditional art or history displays.
Drawing the Italian Renaissance at The King’s Gallery
Dates: Until 8 March 2026
Location: The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Best for: Art enthusiasts, history lovers, limited-time exhibitions
Entry: Tickets from £11, concessions available
This refined and quietly impressive exhibition features rare drawings from one of the most influential artistic periods in European history. You’ll find a preview on the official exhibition web page.
As one of the more traditional Edinburgh gallery exhibitions, it offers a chance to see works connected to artists who shaped Western art. For culture-focused travellers, this is an excellent addition to a day exploring the Royal Mile – you’ll find it in Palace, located just opposite the Parliament building.
Dear Library at the National Library of Scotland
Dates: Ongoing until 25 April 2026
Location: National Library of Scotland
Best for: Book lovers, free exhibitions, local heritage
Entry: Free
Created to mark the library’s centenary, this exhibition explores how collections are built, preserved and shared with the public.
With so many free museums to contend with, Dear Library feels like one of the lesser-known free exhibitions in Edinburgh. But, with its vintage film footage, memorabilia, reading room filled with recommendations from the public, and perfect central location, it’s another great rainy-day place to stop by.
ARTIST ROOMS: Louise Bourgeois | Helen Chadwick | Robert Mapplethorpe
Dates: Now until 31 May 2026
Location: National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One, Edinburgh
Best for: Contemporary art lovers, photography fans, returning gallery visitors
Entry: Free
One of the standout Edinburgh gallery exhibitions this season (and under a 15-minute walk from The Bonham Hotel) this ARTIST ROOMS display brings together work from three influential artists whose pieces explore identity, the body and personal experience in different ways.
For those searching for current exhibitions in Edinburgh with a contemporary edge, this is a strong addition to the city’s cultural calendar. The exhibition features sculpture, photography and mixed media works from Louise Bourgeois, Helen Chadwick and Robert Mapplethorpe – our guests love the giant spider exhibit.
Set within Modern One, it also makes a great stop for anyone planning a day around art exhibitions in Edinburgh, allowing you to combine it with the permanent collection and nearby gallery spaces, such as Modern Two (just across the road.)
How to plan a cultural day out in Edinburgh
If you’re building an itinerary around what’s on in Edinburgh’s museums, the start of the year is a great time to visit. The mix of major new launches and long-running exhibitions means there’s something for every interest.
- Breakfast at The Bonham Hotel
- Morning exploring the Royal Mile and Giants at the National Museum
- Lunch in the Old Town (we love Makars Mash Bar)
- Afternoon at Dovecot Studios, followed by the Immersive Light Show at McEwan Hall
It’s been a raining start to 2026 in Edinburgh, so this type of day works well for both tourists searching for indoor things to do Edinburgh, and locals looking for something different to do at the weekend.
Why February is a great time to explore Edinburgh museums
Winter is one of the best seasons to really make the most of Edinburgh’s Museum events and exhibitions. Fewer crowds, more space to explore and a strong line-up of cultural programming make it a good time to slow down and spend a few hours indoors.
If you’re searching for exhibitions in Edinburgh this weekend or simply looking for inspiration for your next day out, these museums and galleries are a strong place to start. We also recommend finding a convenient base to make the most of your time in the city.
The Bonham Hotel is located just a short 10-minute walk from Princes Street’s west end, and (as we highlighted earlier) a similar distance to two of the capital’s most popular modern art galleries.
The late owner of The Bonham was also an avid art collector, with his collection eventually expanding to include Tiffany lamps, windows, chandeliers, fireplace mantles, memorabilia, architectural artifacts, jewellery, furnishings, sculptures, and coins. Many of these pieces are now on display across the hotel, and we are also open to non-residents to pop in for a drink (or bite to eat) and take a look at the collection while they’re here.
You’ll find our detailed Art Collection Brochure here. And be sure to follow along with us on social media, where we regularly announce events such as our Cocktails Inspired by Art experience.
Alternatively, stay in one of our individually-style townhouse bedrooms and spend your free time seeking out the hidden art gems amongst our corridors.