It’s Scottish Archaeology Month! Join us for a journey back in time to medieval Aberdeen...
September is Scottish Archaeology Month and our programme is jam-packed with historic events! From a medieval Aberdeen podcast, to a hands-on history event. Check out our events below.
Scottish Archaeology Month
Hands-on History
Saturday 16 September
Art Gallery, free, drop in
Get hands on with the fascinating archaeology collections in the care of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums, Aberdeenshire Museums and the University of Aberdeen Museums and Special Collections.
History beneath our feet: Aberdeen’s medieval city centre
Wednesday 20 September,
Maritime Museum, pay as you feel
During Scottish Archaeology Month, delve into the history of the city’s Gallowgate area as revealed through fascinating medieval finds and discover more about our important archaeology collection.
Mark your calendars and let’s uncover hidden stories of Aberdeen’s medieval past!
In this month's episode we have history curators Jenny and Ross talking about ‘Medieval Aberdeen’ and our free ‘Hands-on History’ event at the art gallery on Saturday 16 September.
They tell us about their favourite objects from Aberdeen City’s strong medieval collection which they will be showcasing at the event, along with other things happening on the day including short talks, hearing about the research being done in the north east, demonstrations, looking at archaeological treasures and your chance to hold a piece of history.
LAST CHANCE! A Quentin Blake Summer
'What Happens Next' by Michael Rosen © Quentin Blake
Illustrating Verse and Book Covers
Saturday 8 July – Sunday 17 September
Art Gallery, adults £5, children 16 and under free
Two exhibitions under one roof at the Art Gallery celebrate the unique talent of Quentin Blake, the UK’s best-loved illustrator.
'Quentin Blake: Illustrating Verse' brings together a selection of Blake's sketches and illustrations for the first time, from comic nonsense poems to poignant ballads by writers including Edward Lear, Michael Rosen and Roald Dahl, as well as Blake’s own popular rhyming picture book, 'Mr Magnolia'.
'Quentin Blake: Book Covers' demonstrates how Blake’s unmistakable and ever-popular style of illustration has been grabbing the attention of readers of all ages over the past 60 years.
Touring exhibitions from Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
Lunchbreak concerts are back!
Joseph Long plays Chopin masterworks (piano)
Thursday 28 September, 12:45 – 13:30
Art Gallery (Cowdray Hall), pay as you feel
Pre-concert talk 12:00 (20mins)
Liven up your lunchtimes with lunchbreak concerts at the Cowdray Hall!
Joseph Long reopens the 2023/24 season with the first recital in his Chopin Masterworks series. Over the next two years, each of his Lunchbreak performances will feature a selection of Chopin’s popular compositions including one of four 'Ballades' and one of his 'Scherzo'.
We want to hear from you!
We’re working with Alan Jones Associates to explore the potential of the hall and identify areas for future development. Completing this short survey will help us better understand public views on the hall’s potential future uses and inform our programme development.
Your opinions and comments will help us shape what the future of the Cowdray Hall could be and we are interested to hear from you even if you haven’t visited the hall before.
Gie it laldy!
Family Ceilidh with Iron Broo
Saturday 30 September, 13:30 – 15:30
Art Gallery (Cowdray Hall),
£10 Adult
£5 Children 16 and under
Whether you're new to Aberdeen, just visiting, or a local, this ceilidh is for you! Experience a fun-filled afternoon of Scottish dance and live music by the renowned Aberdeen ceilidh band, Iron Broo.
Never been to a ceilidh before, or a bit rusty? Nae bother - all the dances will be explained by the musicians.
Coming soon…
'El Hacedor, 2021' (detail) © Ian Howard
Constructed Narratives: Lennox Dunbar, Ian Howard and Arthur Watson
Saturday 14 October 2023 - Sunday 28 January 2024
Art Gallery, admission free
Lennox Dunbar, Ian Howard and Arthur Watson are three of Scotland’s foremost artists. The Aberdeen-born contemporaries attended Aberdeen Grammar School and were greatly influenced by visits to the Art Gallery. This exhibition features works purchased for the collection early in the artists’ careers, alongside more recent examples by these three significant figures who, as artists and educators, have influenced subsequent generations.
Exhibition supported by Lofthus
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Aberdeen Art Gallery, Maritime Museum and Provost Skene's House are open daily, admission free. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
