List of public art in Edinburgh facts for kids

Edinburgh is a city full of history, and you can see it everywhere you look! This article is about the many cool statues, sculptures, and memorials you can find all around Edinburgh. These artworks are called "public art" because they are out in the open for everyone to enjoy. They help us remember important people, events, and even animals that have shaped the city's past. Let's go on a tour to discover some of these amazing pieces of art!
Contents
- Calton Hill's Historic Artworks
- Art in Colinton
- Corstorphine's Unique Sculptures
- Craigentinny's Mausoleum
- Craigmillar's Community Memorial
- Cramond's Coastal Art
- Art in the Royal Botanic Garden
- Leith's Public Art
- New Town's Grand Statues
- Old Town's Ancient and Modern Art
- Portobello's Coastal Pillars
- Princes Street Gardens' Sculptures
- Riccarton's Campus Statue
- South Gyle's Modern Art
- Southside's Historical and Modern Pieces
- Stockbridge's Well Statue
- Trinity's Royal Statue
- West End's Diverse Art
- Images for kids
Calton Hill's Historic Artworks
Calton Hill is a famous spot in Edinburgh, known for its incredible views and many monuments. It's like an outdoor museum!
Monuments to Great Thinkers
- Playfair's Monument: This monument, built between 1825 and 1826, honors John Playfair, a famous Scottish scientist and mathematician. It's a tall, square monument with a Greek-style design.
- Dugald Stewart Monument: You'll find this beautiful circular monument to Dugald Stewart on Calton Hill. It was built in 1831 and looks a lot like an ancient Greek building called the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. Dugald Stewart was an important Scottish philosopher.
- Robert Burns Monument: Also on Calton Hill, this monument celebrates Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns. It was built between 1831 and 1839 and also takes inspiration from the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.
Memorials to Important Events
- Political Martyrs' Monument: This tall, pointed stone (called an obelisk) was put up in 1844 in Old Calton Cemetery. It remembers people who fought for political reform and were punished for their beliefs.
- Scottish-American Soldiers' Monument: In Old Calton Cemetery, this monument from 1893 includes a statue of Abraham Lincoln, a very famous American president. It honors Scottish-American soldiers.
- Holodomor Memorial Stone: This stone, placed in 2017, is a memorial to the terrible famine in Ukraine between 1932 and 1933, which was caused on purpose.
Modern Art on Calton Hill
- Stones of Scotland Circle: Created in 2002, this unique artwork in Regent Road Park is a circle made of 32 stone slabs. Each stone comes from one of Scotland's 32 local areas. It celebrates the return of the Scottish Parliament.
Art in Colinton
Colinton is a lovely area with its own special artworks.
- Covenanters' Memorial: This memorial on Redford Road was put up in 1885. It's a column made from parts of an old hospital, remembering the Covenanters, who were Scottish Presbyterians who signed national agreements to defend their religion.
- Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial: In Dell Road, you can see a bronze statue of Robert Louis Stevenson, a famous Scottish writer who wrote "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped." This statue was made in 2013.
- Memorial to Army Pipers: Also in Colinton, there's a bronze statue from 2013 that honors army pipers who died in wars.
Corstorphine's Unique Sculptures
Corstorphine is home to some fun and interesting sculptures.
- Alan Breck Stewart and David Balfour: These two bronze statues on Corstorphine Road, made in 2004, show characters from Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novel, Kidnapped. The statues were revealed by the famous actor Sir Sean Connery.
- Penguin Statues at Edinburgh Zoo: At Edinburgh Zoo, you can find sculptures of penguins, including the "Gencoo Penguin" and a statue of Nils Olav, a real penguin who is a mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King's Guard!
Craigentinny's Mausoleum
- Mausoleum of William Henry Miller: This grand mausoleum, also known as the Craigentinny Marbles, was built between 1848 and 1856. It's a tomb with beautiful sculptures on it.
Craigmillar's Community Memorial
- Memorial to Helen Crummy: Outside the East Neighbourhood Centre, you'll find a memorial from 2014 dedicated to Helen Crummy. She was a very important person in the community.
Cramond's Coastal Art
- The Cramond Fish: On Cramond Beach, there's a large sculpture of a fish carved from pink granite. It was made in 2009 and bought by the local community.
Art in the Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is not just for plants; it also has many beautiful sculptures.
- Monument to Carl Linnaeus: This monument, an urn on a stand, was built between 1778 and 1779 to honor Carl Linnaeus, a famous Swedish scientist who created the system for naming plants and animals.
- Ascending Form (Gloria) and Rock Form (Porthcurno): These two bronze sculptures by Barbara Hepworth were made in 1958 and 1964. Hepworth was a very important modern sculptor.
- Umbra solis: This unique sundial made of slate was created in 1975 by Ian Hamilton Finlay and Michael Harvey.
- Slate, Hole, Wall and Cone: These two sculptures by Andy Goldsworthy from 1990 are made from different types of slate. Goldsworthy is known for his art made from natural materials.
- East Gates: The impressive stainless steel gates at the Royal Botanic Garden's east entrance were designed in 1996 by Benjamin Tindall and made by Alan Dawson.
Leith's Public Art
Leith, Edinburgh's port area, has a rich history and several public artworks.
- Statue of Robert Burns: At the corner of Bernard Street and Constitution Street, you'll find a bronze statue of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. It was unveiled in 1898.
- Statue of Queen Victoria: At the bottom of Leith Walk, there's a bronze statue of Queen Victoria from 1907.
- Leith Mural: This large mural on North Junction Street, created in 1986 by Tim Chalk and Paul Grime, tells stories about Leith's history.
- Statue of Sandy Irvine Robertson: On The Shore, there's a life-size bronze statue from 1999 of Sandy Irvine Robertson sitting on a bench. He was a well-known local figure.
- 6 Times (6th figure): This cast iron statue by Antony Gormley is located at Ocean Terminal. It's one of six similar figures placed along the Water of Leith.
- Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial: This sandstone and bronze obelisk in Tower Place, unveiled in 2010, honors the brave sailors of the Scottish Merchant Navy.
New Town's Grand Statues
Edinburgh's New Town is famous for its grand streets and squares, which are home to many important statues.
- Statue of John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun: This bronze statue of the Earl of Hopetoun on horseback is in front of the Royal Bank of Scotland in St Andrew Square. It was put there in 1834.
- Melville Monument: Also in St Andrew Square, this tall column with a bronze statue on top honors Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville. The column was built between 1817 and 1823, and the statue was added between 1822 and 1827.
- Statue of George IV: At the crossing of George Street and Hanover Street, you'll see a bronze statue of George IV. It was unveiled in 1831 to remember his visit to Edinburgh in 1822.
- Statue of William Pitt the Younger: Another bronze statue on George Street, this one honors William Pitt the Younger, a former British Prime Minister. It was made between 1831 and 1833.
- Albert Memorial: In Charlotte Square, this large memorial from 1862-1876 includes an equestrian (on horseback) statue of Albert, Prince Consort, Queen Victoria's husband.
- Monument to Catherine Sinclair: This Gothic-style monument from 1866-1868 is at the corner of North Charlotte Street and St Colme Street. It remembers Catherine Sinclair, a Scottish writer and philanthropist.
- Statue of Thomas Chalmers: On George Street, this bronze statue from 1869-1878 honors Thomas Chalmers, a Scottish church leader.
- King's Own Scottish Borderers Memorial: On North Bridge, this stone sculpture from 1906 remembers the soldiers of the King's Own Scottish Borderers regiment.
- The Manuscript of Monte Cassino: Outside St Mary's Metropolitan Cathedral in Picardy Place, you'll find this three-part bronze sculpture by Eduardo Paolozzi from 1991.
- Sherlock Holmes Statue: Also in Picardy Place, this bronze statue from 1991 is a memorial to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. The statue shows the famous detective himself.
- Horse~Rider~Eagle: This bronze equestrian statue in Silvermills was made in 1996 by Eoghan Bridge.
- Dreaming Spires: Outside the Omni Centre, you'll see these fun statues of giraffes made from recycled metal. They were unveiled in 2005.
- Lion of Scotland: This large granite sculpture of a lion by Ronald Rae was placed in St Andrew Square in 2010.
- Statue of James Clerk Maxwell: On George Street, this bronze statue from 2006-2008 honors James Clerk Maxwell, a brilliant Scottish scientist who made huge discoveries in physics.
Old Town's Ancient and Modern Art
Edinburgh's Old Town is packed with history, and its public art reflects centuries of stories.
Royal and Military Figures
- Statue of Charles II: In Parliament Square, this lead statue of Charles II on horseback dates all the way back to 1685!
- Statue of Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany: On the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, this bronze statue from 1837 honors Prince Frederick.
- 78th Highlanders Memorial: Also on the Esplanade, this Celtic cross from 1861 remembers the 78th Highlanders Regiment.
- Monument to Colonel Kenneth Mackenzie: Another Celtic cross on the Esplanade, this one from 1875, honors Colonel Kenneth Mackenzie.
- 72nd Highlanders Memorial: This obelisk on the Esplanade from 1882-1883 remembers the 72nd Highlanders.
- Scottish Horse Boer War Memorial: This pink granite Celtic cross on the Esplanade from 1905-1910 honors the Scottish Horse regiment who fought in the Boer War.
- Black Watch Boer War Memorial: On The Mound, this bronze statue from 1908-1910 remembers the Black Watch regiment.
- Statue of Edward VII: In the Holyrood Palace forecourt, this bronze statue from 1922 honors Edward VII, a former British king.
- Statue of Field Marshal Douglas Haig: Inside Edinburgh Castle, this bronze equestrian statue from 1923 honors Field Marshal Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig.
- Statue of Robert the Bruce: At the Edinburgh Castle Gatehouse, this bronze statue from 1929 honors Robert the Bruce, a famous Scottish king.
- Statue of William Wallace: Also at the Edinburgh Castle Gatehouse, this bronze statue from 1929 honors William Wallace, a Scottish knight who led the Scots in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Other Notable Old Town Artworks
- Alexander and Bucephalus: In the courtyard of City Chambers, this bronze sculpture from 1829-1833 shows Alexander the Great and his famous horse, Bucephalus.
- Greyfriars Bobby Fountain: Near Greyfriars Kirk, this famous drinking fountain from 1873 features a bronze statuette of Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal dog who guarded his master's grave for years.
- Fame, Prosperity, and Plenty: On the Bank of Scotland building, these sculptures from around 1878 represent important ideas.
- Mercat Cross: In Parliament Square, this historic Mercat cross from 1885 was where important announcements were made in the past.
- Queensberry Memorial: In West Parliament Square, this bronze statue from 1885-1888 honors Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch.
- Statue of William Chambers: On Chambers Street, this bronze statue from 1888-1891 honors William Chambers, a famous publisher and Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
- Witches' Well: On Castlehill, this memorial drinking fountain from 1894 remembers the women accused of witchcraft who were executed nearby.
- Statue of John Knox: In the New College Quadrangle, this bronze statue from 1896 honors John Knox, a key figure in the Scottish Reformation.
- Covenanters' Memorial: In the Grassmarket, this memorial from 1937 is a raised circle in the pavement, remembering the Covenanters.
- Statue of David Hume: Outside the Court House on the Royal Mile, this bronze statue from 1995-1997 honors David Hume, a very important Scottish philosopher.
- Memorial to Susannah Alice Stephen: In James' Court, this bronze sculpture from 2000 is a memorial to Susannah Alice Stephen.
- Statue of Adam Smith: Outside St Giles' Cathedral, this bronze statue from 2003-2008 honors Adam Smith, a famous Scottish economist.
- Statue of Robert Fergusson: Outside the Kirk of the Canongate, this bronze statue from 2004 honors Robert Fergusson, a Scottish poet.
- Statue of James Braidwood: In Parliament Square, this bronze statue from 2006-2008 honors James Braidwood, who was a pioneer in firefighting.
- Work No. 1059: This art installation from 2011 by Martin Creed is found on The Scotsman Steps.
- Statue of William Henry Playfair: On Chambers Street, this bronze statue from 2016 honors William Henry Playfair, a famous architect.
Portobello's Coastal Pillars
- Coade Stone Pillars: On Portobello Promenade, you can see these interesting pillars made of Coade Stone.
Princes Street Gardens' Sculptures
Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful park in the heart of Edinburgh, home to many statues.
- Statue of Sir Walter Scott: Inside the Scott Monument in East Princes Street Gardens, you'll find a marble statue of Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish novelist. It was installed in 1848.
- Statue of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington: Outside General Register House, this bronze equestrian statue from 1848-1852 honors the Duke of Wellington, a famous British general.
- Statue of Allan Ramsay: In West Princes Street Gardens, this marble statue from 1850 honors Allan Ramsay, a Scottish poet.
- The Genius of Architecture Crowning the Theory and Practice of Art: This marble sculpture from 1862 is also in West Princes Street Gardens.
- Ross Fountain: This beautiful gilt cast iron fountain in West Princes Street Gardens was made between 1862 and 1872.
- Statue of John Wilson: In East Princes Street Gardens, this bronze statue from 1863-1865 honors John Wilson, a Scottish writer.
- Statue of David Livingstone: This bronze statue from 1875-1876 in East Princes Street Gardens honors David Livingstone, a famous Scottish explorer.
- Statue of Adam Black: In East Princes Street Gardens, this bronze statue from 1876-1877 honors Adam Black, a Scottish publisher.
- Statue of Sir James Young Simpson: In West Princes Street Gardens, this bronze statue from 1877 honors Sir James Young Simpson, a Scottish doctor who pioneered the use of chloroform.
- Memorial to Dean Edward Bannerman Ramsay: Behind the church of St John the Evangelist in West Princes Street Gardens, this granite Celtic cross from 1877-1879 is a memorial to Dean Ramsay.
- Royal Scots Greys Memorial: This bronze equestrian statue from 1906 in West Princes Street Gardens remembers the Royal Scots Greys regiment.
- Statue of Thomas Guthrie: In West Princes Street Gardens, this stone statue from 1907-1910 honors Thomas Guthrie, a Scottish preacher and social reformer.
- Scottish American Memorial: This memorial in West Princes Street Gardens, unveiled in 1927, has a screen with a relief and a statue, honoring Scottish-Americans.
- Royal Scots Memorial: This memorial in West Princes Street Gardens, unveiled in 1952, is an enclosure of standing stones with bronze plaques, honoring the Royal Scots regiment.
- Norwegian War Memorial: In West Princes Street Gardens, this stone memorial from 1978 remembers those who died in World War II from Norway.
- Memorial to Robert Louis Stevenson: This standing stone in a grove of birch trees in West Princes Street Gardens, from 1987-1989, is another memorial to the famous writer.
- Spanish Brigade Memorial: In East Princes Street Gardens, this commemorative stone from 1988 honors the Spanish Brigade.
- Bum the Dog: Near the King's Stables Road Entrance to West Princes Street Gardens, this bronze statue from 2008 is of Bum, a famous dog from San Diego, USA. It was a gift from San Diego to Edinburgh.
- Wojtek, the Soldier Bear: In West Princes Street Gardens, this bronze sculpture from 2015 tells the story of Wojtek, a real bear who was a soldier in the Polish army during World War II!
- Lulla-Bye (Children's Memorial): This bronze sculpture from 2019 in West Princes Street Gardens is a memorial for children.
Riccarton's Campus Statue
- Statue of James Watt: At the Heriot Watt Campus, you'll find a bronze statue from 1854 of James Watt, a Scottish inventor who improved the steam engine.
South Gyle's Modern Art
South Gyle has some interesting modern sculptures.
- The Wealth of Nations: This cast metal sculpture from 1993 by Eduardo Paolozzi is on Redheughs Avenue. It even has a quote from Albert Einstein on it!
- Pigeon, Seagull, and Bird: These cast metal statues are found on South Gyle Crescent.
- Concrete Jungle: This concrete sculpture from 1994 is at the Gyle Centre.
- Stacked Shades: Another sculpture from 1994 at the Gyle Centre.
- Figure in a Landscape: This sculpture from 1994 is also at the Gyle Centre.
- Veil: This sculpture from 1994 is at the Gyle Centre.
- Fossil Tree: This sculpture from 1994 is at the Gyle Centre.
- Figure in a Landscape: This sculpture from the 1990s by Ian Hamilton Finlay is an arcade of pillars at the Gyle Centre.
- Scottish Writers: At Edinburgh Park, you'll find 12 statues (called herms) of Scottish poets from the 1990s.
Southside's Historical and Modern Pieces
The Southside of Edinburgh has a mix of very old and new public art.
- Runestone U 1173: Adjacent to 50 George Square, this ancient Runestone from around 1010-1050 originally came from Sweden! It's a piece of Viking history in Edinburgh.
- Middle Meadow Walk Gatepiers: On Lauriston Place, these two octagonal pillars from the 1840s are topped with unicorn sculptures.
- Statue of David Brewster: At the King's Buildings Campus, this sculpture from 1877 honors David Brewster, a Scottish scientist and inventor.
- Melville Drive Ornamental Pillars: At the east end of Melville Drive, these two square pillars from 1880 are topped with a lion and a unicorn.
- Memorial to Archbishop Archibald Tait: In the Old Medical School on Teviot Place, this bronze bust in a niche from 1884-1885 marks the birthplace of Archbishop Archibald Tait.
- Brass Founders' Pillar: In Nicolson Square, this pillar with a bronze statue on top was made in 1886.
- Masons' Pillars: At the west end of Melville Drive, these two octagonal pillars from 1886 are topped with unicorns. They are made from stone from 17 different quarries!
- Prince Albert Victor Sundial: In West Meadows Park, this sundial from 1886 has an octagonal shaft and a bronze armillary sphere.
- McEwan Lantern Pillar: In Bristo Square, this tapering stone tower with carvings and a lamp is from around 1890.
- Rhinoceros Head: Inside the Informatics Forum on Charles Street, this bronze sculpture of a rhinoceros head was unveiled in 2012.
- The Haynes Nano-stage: Also at the Informatics Forum, this stainless steel sculpture from 2012 is by David Forsyth.
- Egeria and Parthenope: These two bronze sculptures by Eduardo Paolozzi were unveiled in 1997. They were moved to the Murray library at King's Buildings Campus in 2017.
- The Dreamer Memorial: In George Square Gardens, this stone memorial from 1997 honors Dr. Winifred Rushforth. It was unveiled by Prince Charles.
- Your Next Breath: At the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, this bronze sculpture from 2022 is dedicated to NHS workers who helped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stockbridge's Well Statue
- Hygeia: At St Bernard's Well, this statue from 1888 depicts Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health.
Trinity's Royal Statue
- Statue of Edward VII: In Victoria Park, Newhaven Road, this bronze statue from 1914 honors Edward VII.
West End's Diverse Art
The West End of Edinburgh features a variety of sculptures.
- Statue of Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville: In Melville Crescent, this bronze statue from 1857 honors Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville.
- Memorial to William Ewart Gladstone: In Coates Crescent Gardens, this bronze statue with other sculptures from 1902-1916 honors William Ewart Gladstone, a former British Prime Minister.
- Woman and Child: In Festival Square, Lothian Road, this bronze sculpture from 1985-1986 is dedicated to those who fought against apartheid (a system of racial segregation) in South Africa.
- First Conundrum: Also in Festival Square, this stone sculpture is by Remco de Fouw.
- Horse & Rider: In Rutland Court, this bronze equestrian statue from 1993 is by Eoghan Bridge.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art has many important sculptures on its grounds.
- La Vierge d'Alsace (The Virgin of Alsace): This bronze statue by Antoine Bourdelle was made between 1919 and 1921.
- Reclining Figure: This bronze sculpture by Henry Moore from 1951 is a famous example of modern art.
- Master of the Universe: This bronze sculpture by Eduardo Paolozzi from 1989 is a powerful piece.
- Landform: This land art piece by Charles Jencks from 2001 is part of the landscape around the gallery.
- Macduff Circle: This land art piece made of slate by Richard Long from 2002 is also part of the gallery's outdoor art.
- 6 Times (1st figure): This statue by Antony Gormley from 2010 is the first of six figures placed along the Water of Leith.