Discover another side of Scotland this #InternationalArtistsDay
22 October 2018
The opening of the V&A in Dundee is a pretty hot topic in the world of art & culture right now. I nipped down for the afternoon last week and was really impressed by the exhibitions that are currently on. If you’re also planning to visit this incredible museum, why not venture only 1 hour north to find a whole other world of art & culture in Aberdeen? The V&A is right beside the train station so it’s really easy for you to take the quick train journey along a pretty impressive coastline (which is worth it even just for the views!) to Scotland’s sparkling ‘Granite City’.
Aberdeen is well known for its striking granite architecture and, thanks to Nuart, you’ll also find brightly painted walls here too. After two successful years, the street art festival returns from 18-21 April 2019 with even more sites and brand-new artworks. You might also find yourself looking differently at some of Aberdeen’s most iconic city landmarks as they are transformed during Look Again Visual Arts Festival from 13-16 June – one year our statues all played ‘dress-up’! And in September you are invited to meet our local artists, makers and designers, at North East Open Studios (NEOS), when they open their private studio doors to the public.
Perfectly blending the old with the new, this is a place to discover ancient traditions and spark the imagination. Experience this first-hand when you celebrate Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) at the unique Stonehaven Fireballs Ceremony. And in February, SPECTRA will light up the winter nights with its award-winning light festival. You’ll find illuminated iconic buildings, bright sculptures, spooky graveyards and tales of Aberdeen’s past.
Dig deeper in to the history of this part of the world when you follow Scotland’s Castle Trail. Drum Castle has even been hosting some very special artwork while Aberdeen Art Gallery goes through an exciting renovation. Due to reopen in Autumn 2019, the gallery will house some of the most important collections in the country and its exhibitions will attract people from all over the world.
Our A-listed Music Hall has also undergone a £7m makeover over the last two years and this December it will re-open its doors. This means even more live-events in Aberdeen including world-class comedy, music, theatre and dance.
While you’re in Aberdeen, visit Peacock Visual Arts – Aberdeen’s centre for contemporary art – as well as some of our most-loved museums and galleries. In the city centre find the 5* Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Tolbooth Museum, the Zoology Museum and Scotland’s first centre of science and discovery, Aberdeen Science Centre.
Independent art galleries are scattered throughout Aberdeenshire too, from The Butterworth Gallery, Milton Art Gallery and Lost Gallery in Royal Deeside to Tolquhon Gallery in Ellon. Many of the artworks on display here, drawing inspiration from the coastal and mountainous surroundings of North-east Scotland.
And if you really want to get arty while you’re here, try your hand at photography (your Instagram feed will thank you for it!). Local photographer Neil Donald has exclusively given us his top 10 must-visit, picture-perfect spots in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Check out his blog here.
For more information about art & culture in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire visit https://www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/.
All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.