Collective

Overall rating

4.5

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Collective brings people together to look at, think about and produce contemporary art in a new kind of city observatory. Established in 1984, Collective has long supported new work by artists who are at a pivotal stage in their development. In November 2018, we opened our new home on Calton Hill, featuring the restored City Observatory, City Dome, and a purpose-built exhibition space. Our programme of exhibitions, walks, and events will present contemporary art in all its diversity. We will provide artists with the opportunity to make new work and audiences the chance to see it here first. By inspiring, engaging with, and learning from the people and groups around us, we aim to contribute to local, national, and international conversations.

reviewsSectionText

Overall rating

4.5

(3 reviews)

Overall rating breakdown

5 0
4 3
3 0
2 0
1 0

Access (avg.)

4.16

Parking (avg.)

3.83

Toilets (avg.)

4.5

Staff (avg.)

4.83

bwp

Jul 2019

4.5

A sunny afternoon enjoying the views

The Collective sits atop Carlton Hill and overlooks the city and sea. With splendid views of the hustle and bustle of the city, the sprawling of Leith and the docks and the sea in the distance it's a great place to while away a moment or two, take some pictures or enjoy a relaxing coffee. Formerly the home to the observatories and the mariners time checking it is now a creative art space. At first glance you are drawn to the thought that access will be tricky but closer inspection changes this perception as you discover the thought that has gone into making a welcome for everyone.

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adr

Jul 2019

4.5

Worth a visit

We reached the Collective by travelling up the road up Carlton Hill, it was steep in places and I was glad we didn't meet a car travelling in the opposite direction. Once we arrived we went straight to the Collective as it was the first time I had been up Carlton Hill since it has opened. It was great to see the buildings in use again and I plan to return when the exhibitions change.

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pavement_boy

Jan 2019

4.5

Great new accessible contemporary art space with stunning views

Last year the collective opened their new space at the top Calton Hill, one of Edinburgh’s best loved tourist attractions. I will be up front, although I believe there are ramps the whole way up to the top, they may be steep and therefore not too accessible. I am unsure if you are able to drive up to the hill now, so you may want to check this out if you fancy visiting. In saying that once at the Collective it is really accessible with appropriate ramps and stunning views. The staff were really happy and would answer any question that you may have.

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disabledAccessInformationSectionText Collective

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Calton Hill itself is not easily accessible as a public park. Currently access is generally by steep steps from Waterloo Place or a long steeply graded path with drainage channels from Royal Terrace. There is an access road up the hill, taxis can drop-off and pick up at the top of the hill. Parking is available for blue badge holders (during opening hours). Getting around Collective. The access road described above is available for wheelchair access to Calton Hill. The paths around Collective are wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible. Many of the buildings at Collective are hundreds of years old. Most parts of the interiors are now wheelchair accessible and all of our new buildings are fully wheelchair accessible. The City Observatory has a 10cm step at the entrance which will require assistance from our team or a friend/carer to push a wheelchair over.Seating There is seating throughout the grounds of Collective for you to enjoy the views from and limited seating available inside the City Observatory. Folding stools are available in all of our exhibition spaces. Collective has commissioned a number of 'Observers' Walks' - artist-led audio guides to Calton Hill - which are downloadable from our website and offer an alternative experience for the visually impaired. Observers' Walks can be enjoyed on-site or at home. A new Observers' Walk released later in 2017 has been developed in collaboration with the Royal National Institute for the Blind. The paths around Collective are wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible. All of our new buildings are fully wheelchair accessible, however a number of buildings at Collective are hundreds of years old and there are limitations to their accessibility. The City Observatory has a 10cm step at the entrance which is ramped but may require assistance from our team or a friend/carer to push a wheelchair over. There is seating throughout the grounds of Collective for you to enjoy the views from and limited seating available inside the City Observatory. Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas (all dogs are welcome inside the grounds only).

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A gated access road leading from Regent Road, next to the Royal High School entrance, is available for blue badge holders during opening hours. Parking is available on top of Calton Hill during opening hours for blue badge holders only.

Dedicated parking

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