Royal Scottish Academy

The Royal Scottish Academy stands on The Mound in Edinburgh, beside Princes Street. It is the country’s national academy of art, founded in 1826 by eleven artists. In 1838 it received a royal charter and became the Royal Scottish Academy. The Academy promotes contemporary Scottish art through exhibitions and educational events. It is led by eminent artists and architects who curate shows and support new work. The organisation also runs scholarships, awards and residencies for Scottish artists. The Academy’s history began with the Royal Institution, set up in 1819 to mount exhibitions in a building designed by William Henry Playfair. In 1826 a group of artists left, calling themselves the Scottish Academy. They held their first exhibition in rented rooms and aimed to provide free art education. By 1838 they had become the Royal Scottish Academy and shared space in the Royal Institution. In 1911 they moved into the old Royal Institution building, which is still their home. Visitors find a programme of changing exhibitions of contemporary Scottish art. The building, designed by Playfair, forms part of the Scottish National Gallery complex. Inside, rooms display works by Academicians and invited artists. The Academy also keeps an archive and historic collection at Granton, available to researchers. Outside, the position on The Mound offers views across Princes Street Gardens and the city beyond.