Edinburgh's Calton Hill Observatory to Become Free Contemporary Art Gallery

Collective, a nonprofit supporting Scottish artists since 1984, will open a free-admission contemporary art gallery in the former astronomical observatory on Calton Hill, Edinburgh, by the end of 2018. The neoclassical building, designed by architect William Playfair in 1818, underwent a £4 million restoration funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, Creative Scotland, and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project faced delays due to the monument's poor condition but is nearing completion, with original pillars uncovered, oak floors reinstalled, and interiors redecorated to their historic appearance. The circular, Greek temple-like structure will feature polished concrete floors and exposed brick walls. Collective envisions the space as an observatory for 'observing, thinking, and producing contemporary art.' For the opening exhibition 'Affinity and Illusion,' artist Dineo Seshee Bopape is creating work inspired by the site's astronomical history, while London-based artist James N. Hutchinson is developing a research project titled 'Rumors of a New Planet.' To leverage Calton Hill's high tourist traffic, Collective will also open a restaurant called The Lookout, run by a local chef, and a shop selling limited editions by artists and local artisans, aiming to financially sustain the project.