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Art

"he has filled him with divine spirit, with skill, intelligence, and knowledge in every kind of craft, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, in every kind of craft. And he has inspired him to teach..."

Exodus 35:31-34

St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral is filled with art of all kinds, as well as host to various temporary exhibitions and participatory workshops. We also have the famous Song School murals, by Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852-1936). Finally, our artist-in-residence, Jonathan Baxter, leads A+E, our partner organisation focussed on art and ecology in the broadest sense.

Artworks at the Cathedral

St Mary's Cathedral is home to a series of superb artworks, all free to view. Read more about them here.

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A+E (Art and Ecology)

A+E is the Cathedral's residential Art and Ecology organisation. Led by artist-in-residence Jonathan Baxter, A+E puts on events and workshops, runs regular volunteering sessions in the Cathedral grounds, and helps explore what a Cathedral can mean in the 21st century.

The Song School

The Cathedral's Song School is home to the Phoebe Anna Traquair murals, a spectacular series of wall-paintings.

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Exhibitions and Workshops

The Cathedral is host to various workshops, exhibitions and art events throughout the year. Have a look below for a selection of what's one, and see the full list here.

  • Exhibition: Ringing the Changes
    Exhibition: Ringing the Changes
    Fri 26 Sept
    St Mary's Cathedral
    26 Sept 2025, 09:00 – 01 Dec 2025, 17:58
    St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AW, UK
    A dramatic installation of colourful banners depicting bellringing patterns, beneath the cathedrals’ bell tower, incorporating bellringing, weaving and architecture in one magnificent art installation. By artist Edward Bruce and architect Nick O’Neill of aaltspace.
  • Plants are our Teachers: Cathedral Carvings
    Plants are our Teachers: Cathedral Carvings
    Multiple Dates
    Sat 04 Oct
    Chapter House, St Mary's Cathedral
    04 Oct 2025, 10:00 – 05 Oct 2025, 17:00
    Chapter House, St Mary's Cathedral, Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AW, UK
    These popular workshops are participatory art workshops, suitable for all levels of ability, from beginners to advanced.
  • Exhibition: Contemporary Icon Paintings by David Grossart
    Exhibition: Contemporary Icon Paintings by David Grossart
    07 Nov 2025, 09:00 – 18:00
    St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AW, UK
    Come and see David Grossart's latest icon paintings, exhibited for a month at St Mary's Cathedral. Free, no booking required.
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