Musical Memories is a friendly singing group for people with dementia, their partners, families and friends. Established and delivered by a dedicated group of volunteers, these sessions support wellbeing and improve brain activity, encouraging creativity and participation. Everyone is welcome - we look forward to singing with you! The series is supported by Alzheimer Scotland. 

Focussing on traditional Scottish fiddle music, Ryan brings new life to very old, often forgotten tunes by playing them in his own unique way. His playing is brimming with fresh melodic ideas, an uplifting rhythmic drive and a great depth of dynamics and precision. His sound is very distinctive and takes the listener on an emotional and adventurous journey in any performance. He was twice a finalist in both the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and the prestigious BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of The Year. He was awarded Up And Coming Artist Of The Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Awards in 2017 and nominated for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2018. Further Trad Awards nominations include Album Of the Year, Folk Band Of The Year and in 2022, Musician Of The Year. 'Nuance, wit, risk-taking, contrast and above all a real sense of joy in making music were all there in abundance' The Herald 'The wonderful sound just takes flight, soars and swoops' Folk Wales £19.50 (inc £2.50 booking fee per ticket)

Enjoy fun-filled morning of popular music with DJ Nina at our monthly daytime disco for little ones to enjoy with their adults! Coffees, cakes and juices are available to buy in the café to keep you well-fuelled and boogie-ing away.

More than a record of stitches, a sampler was also evidence of the sewer’s industriousness, obedience and virtue. These samplers from our collection provide insights into the lives of the girls who sewed them and the social, political and religious environment in which they lived in the 1700s and 1800s.

These relaxed monthly meet-ups are perfect for trying your hand at something new, finding inspiration for your own projects and socialising with like-minded people. You can join in the planned activities or do your own thing – just come along and get creative! Materials are provided and an artist is on hand to offer guidance should you need it.  Friday 21 February – Body Adornment Transform everyday items into wearable art using recycled materials and found objects. Let our Special Exhibition inspire you to create fun items of body adornment. Friday 21 March  - Create your own Pop Art stencil!  With Flying Lion Come along to explore using simple objects as inspiration for creating your own Pop Art stencils and collages.  Photographer, illustrator and graphic artist Flying Lion will guide participants in working with bold lines, vibrant colours and simple materials.  Friday 18 April  - Fly the flag for cross-stitch   Celebrate the cross-stitched samplers of yesteryear and join this beginner- friendly Inspired Gallery Meet to create your own embroidered flag. Take time to learn some easy stitches from mixed media artist Natalie Easton, or if you are a seasoned sewer come along and join the friendly session to sew with others.  Choose the colour of your felt and thread, a letter or your favourite design and stitch away! Friday 16 May - String printing the natural world Explore lines and curves with a fun string printing workshop led by mixed-media artist Natalie Easton. Drawing inspiration from the natural world learn how to design an image suitable for printing, consider how patterns can be repeated or rotated, and create an individual piece of art to take home.  All materials will be provided, just make sure you don’t get tangled in too much string!  Friday 20 June - Illustrated Photos with Flying Lion - Sea Creatures Edition! Let photographer, illustrator and graphic designer Flying Lion help you unleash your creativity and playfulness through photography and illustration, finding sea creatures, and mythical beasts in our surroundings. Inspired by the Monsters of the Deep exhibition, you’ll discover unexpected ways of seeing and explore processes such as doodling over prints and experimenting with drawing tools to build a different point of view. Maximum fun guaranteed! 

We’re working with Grampian Hospitals Art Trust to bring Artroom to Aberdeen Art Gallery. Led by professional artists, these weekly sessions are person centred and welcome adults of all abilities to experiment with art making in a variety of materials.  Grampian Hospitals Art Trust (GHAT) is an award-winning charity that exists to enhance the wellbeing of all who spend time in NHS Grampian or associated Health and Social Care facilities by providing access to quality arts experiences. Artroom at Aberdeen Art Gallery extends the programme to those out with the clinical setting.

A well-known established comedian, who performs stand-up in Glasgow and the surrounding area. He’s made appearances on BBC Radio Scotland’s Call Kay, and The Fred MacAulay Show. He’s also one of the most under rated comedians in Scotland. The man is a comedy legend. Support: Scott Forbes, Yvonne Hughes 18+ Doors 7pm Starts 7.30pm

Works on paper can be prints, collages or photography; they might be drawings made with charcoal or ink, painted with oil or dripped with acrylics, but all have one thing in common, which is that they are made on paper. This new display of works on paper from the Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums’ collection by contemporary women features celebrated artists such as American photographer Francesca Woodman (1958-1981), whose work was recently presented in a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The Nocturnes series by Glasgow School of Art graduate Caroline Walker (born 1982), is on display for the first time in Aberdeen, having recently been acquired for the collection. Other notable artists whose work is presented here include Scottish figurative and landscape painter Bet Low (1924-2007) and Elizabeth Ogilvie (born 1946), the Scottish environmental artist renowned for her work exploring the impact of climate change.

Get ready to discover monsters! Join us to explore the deep sea, with ancient and modern stories of strange creatures, sort out the fact from the fiction, learn about what really lurks beneath the waves and understand why tales of monsters persist. Historic and modern exploration equipment, and expeditions allow us to see the scientific discoveries that have changed our view of the oceans.  Legend, myth and modern-day science combine in Monsters of the Deep - a journey from the medieval mind to the modern-day mysteries of the ocean. This summer, take a deep breath and plunge down into the dark murky depths as we seek to explore the unexplained. Discover centuries-old myths and legends represented in medieval maps such as the Carta marina with its vividly-illustrated sea monsters, and the shapeshifting Selkies of Scottish folklore. Find out how stories of strange appearances and unexplained sightings continue to capture imaginations, fuelled by fake news and conspiracy theories, and surviving in science fiction books, comics and movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. From a terrifying Feegee mermaid to the spindly legs of a giant Japanese spider crab, there are lots of strange and wonderful things to see in Monsters of the Deep. Come face to face with the skull of a terrifying killer whale, marvel at the double-tusked skull of a narwhal and the tooth of an extinct megalodon. Examine eerie deep-sea specimens and see some of the technological tools scientists use today to explore the bottom of the ocean – then you decide what lies beneath. Based on an exhibition originated by the  National Maritime Museum Cornwall 

Three Kelpies arrive on the reef for a play date, only to find that the colour from the coral has all washed away. Kipper the Sea Dragon comes to the rescue but he can’t do it alone. He enlists the help of a family of sea horses, a star fish and a very naughty crab to search the sea for colours to help put the coral reef back together. The audience become part of the action and are encouraged to use the provided percussion, scarves and props to help Kipper save the day.

The archive of the Port of Aberdeen contains hundreds of photographs that bear witness to the technological change that has taken place at the quayside over the past 100 years. This exhibition, timed to coincide with the Tall Ships Races arriving in Aberdeen this summer, displays some of these fascinating images from the collection. Not only do they illustrate how much has changed, but also how familiar many of the features are to the modern eye. Curated by Phil Astley

What relation exists between the great sea monsters of myths and tall tales, and the fossil reptiles and marine mammals that existed in the past? Darren Naish explores how a growing knowledge of animal life has influenced our perception of sea monsters throughout the past and present.

Artist and writer Viktor Wynd offers us a glimpse of his extraordinary, not to say infamous and eponymous, curiosity museum in London's West End. We may hear stories about Mermaids, Mandrakes, Monsters, Fairies, Shrunken Heads, Magickal Stones, Extinct Birds and travellers tales from his adventures in New Guinea and The Congo. Viktor is the author of three books. Cabinets of Wonders, The UNatural History Museum, and Dark Fairy Tales, and the proprietor of 'The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Unnatural History’.

Join Tea Green at Aberdeen Art Gallery this summer for an unmissable market! Once again this beautiful venue will be packed full of an inspiring showcase of independent creative businesses based all across Scotland! Discover a carefully curated selection of sumptuous textiles, beautiful & bold jewellery, unique & functional ceramics, vibrant illustrations, and so much more! Featuring a dynamic selection of independent creative businesses, showcased across three days, Tea Green at Aberdeen Art Gallery is a must attend event! Be sure to join us and discover, support & celebrate Scotland's remarkable creative community. Established in 2014, Tea Green Events has emerged as a leading and prominent pop-up events platform. Over the past decade, they have been committed to championing Scotland's wealth of independent creative talent through thoughtfully curated events across Scotland.

Join Tea Green at Aberdeen Art Gallery this winter for an unmissable market! Once again this beautiful venue will be packed full of an inspiring showcase of independent creative businesses based all across Scotland! Discover a carefully curated selection of sumptuous textiles, beautiful & bold jewellery, unique & functional ceramics, vibrant illustrations, and so much more! Featuring a dynamic selection of independent creative businesses, Tea Green at Aberdeen Art Gallery is a must attend event! Be sure to join us and discover, support & celebrate Scotland's remarkable creative community. Established in 2014, Tea Green Events has emerged as a leading and prominent pop-up events platform. Over the past decade, they have been committed to championing Scotland's wealth of independent creative talent through thoughtfully curated events across Scotland.

The Tall Ships Races return to Aberdeen for the first time in 28 years from 19 to 22 July 2025. Europe's largest free family event weighs anchor in Aberdeen from 19 to 22 July. Hear from organisers about the welcome that's in store for the 50-strong fleet of Tall Ships from across the globe, and hundreds of thousands of visitors who will enjoy four days of celebrations, sharing culture and international friendships

For centuries, strange creatures washing up on our shores, unexpected catches by fishermen, and mariners' tales have fuelled curiosity about deep-sea life. Only recently have we been able to explore these depths and see the inhabitants "face to face." Since 1985, the Department of Zoology at the University of Aberdeen has been developing a robotic camera system to investigate deep-sea creatures in their natural environment. This talk will share findings from the last 30 years of exploration.

Talk by Professor John Spicer, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth Gigantism in marine animals, such as sea spiders and amphipod shrimp, is a common feature in the deep sea and Antarctic waters. In this talk we’ll explore the challenges of studying such amazing creatures in Antarctica. We’ll see why such studies are critical for understanding how marine life will be impacted in our warming world.

Experience the wonders of marine life at Aberdeen Art Gallery with touch pools from Macduff Marine Aquarium. Get hands-on with starfish, sea urchins, and other amazing animals, and learn how they thrive in their unique intertidal environments. These drop-in sessions are suitable for all ages.

This drop-in session explores different artistic processes, while bringing the worlds of art and science together. Can a marble make a painting?  Will a swing make art? Come along and make shadows with a torch, observe symmetry in paper cutting and create a pattern that constantly repeats. Let your artistic flair mix with a dash of experimentation and see what happens. Suitable for primary aged children. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Join us for a day of PLAY at Aberdeen Art Gallery.  We’re hosting hands-on activities for children aged 2 to 5 and their grown-ups. Come along and create, play and be curious together.  Bookbug by Aberdeen City Libraries. Get ready to sing some favourite nursery rhymes and enjoy story time with Bookbug. 

Let your imagination run wild as you turn your drawings of sea creatures into your very own Monster of the Deep! Join artist Elaine Grant and use a variety of art and craft materials to create your unique sea monster. This hands-on workshop is perfect for kids and their grown-ups to enjoy together.

Join us for a day of PLAY at Aberdeen Art Gallery.  We’re hosting hands-on activities for children aged 2 to 5 and their grown-ups. Come along and create, play and be curious together.  Musical play tour with Music Bus Aberdeen  Youngsters are invited to go on a musical tour of the Art Gallery. We’ll be singing, wiggling and laughing our way around the gallery spaces. Featuring instruments, props and some classic children’s songs.

As part of your visit to the Art Gallery, drop by for creative sessions where the whole family can get involved. We'll be crafting amazing sea creatures using a variety of papers and card in inventive ways. Come and unleash your creativity together in this hands-on, drop-in activity that's perfect for all ages! Suitable for families with children aged 5+

Join Guthrie the Goose as each month he playfully introduces our youngest visitors to a different artwork or theme. Sessions can include a mixture of music, dance, crafts and games. Enjoy exploring the Art Gallery, getting creative and having lots of fun together. Expect something different every time. Playtime at the Beach  We’ll be making a splash and enjoying playtime at the beach. Come and enjoy story time, sensory play and crafting as we explore our seaside themed displays.  Wednesday 8 October   Afterglow  As colder days draw nearer, join Guthrie for all the cosy vibes as we explore an Aberdeen Art Gallery favourite, Afterglow by Joseph Farquharson. Expect plenty of games, stories and snowflakes.

Join us for a day of PLAY at Aberdeen Art Gallery.  We’re hosting hands-on activities for children aged 2 to 5 and their grown-ups. Come along and create, play and be curious together.  A space for children and their grown-ups to come together to play, be curious and be creative with simple, open-ended play resources. This is an un-structed drop-in session.

Expect tubes and pipes, big boxes, crates, reels, tyres, and lots more, creating a world of endless possibilities to explore and create. A space for young children and their grown-ups to come together to play, be curious and be creative with simple, open-ended play resources. This is an un-structed, loose parts play, drop-in session. Stay as long as you like and let your little one’s curiosity guide the play. Volunteers will be on hand to support. Suitable for pre-school children aged 2-5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Join us for a day of PLAY at Aberdeen Art Gallery.  We’re hosting hands-on activities for children aged 2 to 5 and their grown-ups. Come along and create, play and be curious together.  Drop-in to our Learning Space between 10:30-12 noon and explore a host of creative activity stations. Expect plenty of painting, tinkering, drawing, cutting, spraying and collaging. Children might get a little messy so we recommend old clothes.

Join us for an engaging and interactive discussion with Professor John Spicer, marine zoologist at the University of Plymouth's Marine Institute. Discover the incredible benefits our ocean and its inhabitants provide us, from life-giving resources and hidden medicines to awe-inspiring stories and natural wonders—all seemingly for free!

To be ‘flighty’ is a gendered term. It implies a woman likely to forget or change their opinions; who is silly or unorganised. This talk is in support of flightiness, where we celebrate the work of the 12 women artists in the G16 Works on Paper exhibition. 

2025 marks the centenary of both the National Library of Scotland and the Art Gallery’s Cowdray Hall concert venue. To celebrate this shared milestone we’re taking part in the National Library’s Outwith programme, which brings an early edition of secular music to the Art Gallery. Songs and Fancies was published by John Forbes in Aberdeen in 1682. Join our panel of experts including Alison Stevenson, Director of Collections, Access and Research at the National Library of Scotland, Phil Astley from Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums, and Shane Strachan, writer, lecturer and former Scots Scriever, as they reflect on the past and present of these two cultural institutions and explore how historic collections can inspire new creativity and collaborations today.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours and textures of a coral reef during this two-day embroidery workshop led by Heather King. You will be introduced to a variety of three-dimensional hand embroidery techniques and stitches, learning how to combine them to create a stunning underwater scene. Workshop runs 11:30-15:30 each day. All materials provided.  No experience necessary. 

The Cowdray Hall comes alive with music and performance as we celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the hall. This beautiful concert venue with its exceptional acoustic was funded by a gift from Annie, Viscountess Cowdray, whose family has strong links with Aberdeenshire. It was constructed to encourage “a taste for art and music in the city of Aberdeen.” Join us for a day of music and entertainment from 10am, showcasing some of the best in local talent throughout the day. Many of our musicians will be giving pop up performances at Union Square from 10.30am so you can enjoy music as you shop.

Joseph Long is no stranger to the Cowdray Hall. One of Scotland's finest concert pianists, his extensive musical knowledge and repertoire embrace a vast canon of music from Bach to the present day. As part of Cowdray Hall’s centenary celebrations, this evening recital explores the themes of childhood with a programme including Children's Corner by Claude Debussy and Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) by Robert Schumann.

Twelve Tables, twelve Dungeon Masters, and another day of epic storytelling. Join us for a day of inclusive, non-competitive, role-playing games, inspired by our special exhibition, Monsters of the Deep! … And this time we’re going to offer some alternative role-playing games alongside Dungeons & Dragons. Open to beginners, veteran players, and sea creatures alike.

Stop. Listen. Breathe. We invite you to immerse yourself in the astonishing clarity of four musicians, together and alone. Rising star Charlotte Bowden, soprano, offers up beautifully reflective and philosophical Handel, while violin, cello, and theorbo each take their turn in the limelight. Bach’s mesmerising and forthright third suite for solo cello contrasts with the obsessive tread of Biber’s ‘Guardian Angel’ Passacaglia, the final movement of his astonishing Mystery Sonatas.

These relaxed monthly meet-ups are perfect for trying your hand at something new, finding inspiration for your own projects and socialising with like-minded people. You can join in the planned activities or do your own thing – just come along and get creative! Materials are provided and an artist is on hand to offer guidance should you need it.  Friday 15 August  Nautical Decoupage with Lynsey Allan Inspired by the Tall Ships Races 2025 coming to Aberdeen, come along to create a nautical themed piece of home décor. Creating and adding design through the art of decoupage, this session will allow time to create a piece any seafarer would be proud of! Friday 19 September   Print A Monster of the Deep with Jade Anderson  Learn to create a mono printed imaginary Sea Monster using upcycled juice cartons. Jade Anderson will show you how to use household materials to print your own designs, consider the use of negative space and how a mono- tone print can shape your monster creation.  Friday 17 October   Draw/Doodle with Wire with Lynsey Allan  A relaxed session to explore the technique of drawing with wire. Make a collection of pieces to create a 3D doodle or work building your own unique piece of art. This session explores a calming and mindfulness craft exploring the technique of wire work.  

The Aberdeen Folk Orchestra present their signature eclectic mix of both new and traditional tunes. In celebration of the Tall Ships visiting Aberdeen 19-22 July, the performance will also feature a selection of maritime melodies, adding a nautical twist to their repertoire.