Find out more about the works in the Collection

Watch short interviews with the artists

Your Questions Answered: Art

Art Tour

Guided Tour

Artwork can be seen throughout Holyrood and adds another dimension to the building, in line with the original intention that the Parliament should embody the unique spirit and character of the Scottish nation.

Art Strategy | Artwork on display | Exhibitions |

Artwork on display

"Honours of Scotland" Sculpture

Three Works from the Opus Series (IV, V, VIII), 1992, by Kenny Hunter

The key ideas and themes behind the art are around identity, the importance of our relationship to the sea and to the land and about who we are as the people of Scotland. See a list of the artworks on display.

As well as paintings, photography and sculptures, furniture was also commissioned as part of the art strategy.  The Visitor Information Desk, found in the Main Hall was designed by David Colwell of Trannon, following a design competition.   The bespoke desks in the Debating Chamber and the tables in the Committee Rooms were designed by the architects (EMBT/RMJM).

A number of official gifts and gifts from artists have also found homes at Holyrood. One gift received is the "Honours of Scotland" sculpture presented to the Scottish Parliament by Her Majesty The Queen to mark the opening of the Scottish Parliament Building. Find out more about the "Honours of Scotland" sculpture.

If you would like to learn more about the Scottish Parliament Art Collection you can join one of the hour long tours, which feature some of the paintings, photographs, sculptures and installations that form part of the Collection.

Exhibitions

In addition to the permanent and loaned artworks, the Scottish Parliament plays host to temporary exhibitions such as the prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition, the Declaration of Arbroath as well as a book from Robert Burns’s own collection.

Further information on current and previous exhibitions can be found in the Visiting Holyrood section of the website.

Art strategy

18 wall mounted textile panels Hinterland, 2004 by Norma Starszakowna

The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) endorsed the principle that there should be an art strategy for the new building.  Public art consultants, Art in Partnership, were chosen to advise the SPCB on the development of the strategy.  The SPCB established an Art Steering Group to work with the consultants and to take detailed decisions about expenditure. Over 80 artworks were chosen by the Art Steering Group. The collection continues to be developed through new acquisitions and loans. An art advisory group of MSP and external members was formed to advise the SPCB on new acquisitions.

Scottish Parliament Art Collection Acquisition and Disposal Policy (135KB pdf)

Art Advisory Group Membership:
Robin Harper MSP (Chair)
Ted Brocklebank MSP
Patricia Ferguson MSP
Ian McKee MSP
Jeremy Purvis MSP
Liz Lochhead