National Galleries of Scotland – which runs three sites across Edinburgh with plans to open a fourth in the next few years – has made a commitment to put children and young people at the heart of its planning in its new strategic plan.

The charity, which receives direct funding from the Scottish Government, wants to increase the number of visitors under the age of 26 by 9% over the next four years. To do this, it is launching free access to ticketed exhibitions for under 18s, revising its schools offer and strengthening its family programmes to support early engagement

The strategy also provides details of a capital project to build a free-to-visit community, conservation, research and art storage space to house more than 130,000 artworks.

The Art Works scheme is part of a wider redevelopment of Granton Waterfront in north Edinburgh, which includes new homes as well as a shared museum storage site with National Museums Scotland.

People walk and gather near a modern building with large windows and outdoor seating, surrounded by greenery and wildflowers, with apartment buildings and trees in the background under a blue sky.
External visualisation of the Art Works on Granton Waterfront
A modern art gallery with people viewing various colorful paintings displayed on tall mesh panels. Some visitors are wearing white lab coats, while others, including children, observe and interact in small groups.
The Art Works will house 130,000 artworks from the collection
A spacious, modern lobby with wooden ceiling panels, circular light fixtures, people socializing, sitting, and viewing artwork. Large windows let in natural light, and sculptures are displayed in the center of the room.
Visualisation of the gallery and community spaces at the Art Works

To deliver the new building, the National Galleries of Scotland says it will “reprioritise some other areas of work” including its summer exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy building, which moves to a biennial schedule following this summer’s show.

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Following opening of the Art Works, the National Galleries of Scotland will look to its next capital project to renovate the Mound Level galleries at the National, including updating the heating, plumbing, roofing and electrical systems.

“Art matters because it has the power to change lives,” said Anne Lyden, the director-general at the National Galleries of Scotland. “Our new strategy sets out how we will increase access to Scotland’s national art collection over the next four years so that more people, and particularly children and young people, can enjoy the benefits art brings.

“These are our first steps towards 2050. By focusing on children and young people, removing barriers and investing in the future, we can ensure that art continues to enrich lives across Scotland. The impact of art goes far beyond the gallery walls, it supports mental and physical health, fosters connection and contributes to public wellbeing. Art matters for us to have a healthy and thriving society.

“Our priority is the creation and opening of the Art Works building. This vital investment will enable everything that follows. It is the foundation for how we will care for the collection, expand access and share Scotland’s art for generations to come.”