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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: The Belarusian Martyrology
    Exhibition: The Belarusian Martyrology
    Thu 29 Jan
    St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
    29 Jan 2026, 17:08 – 16 Mar 2026, 18:00
    St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AW, UK
    A series of portraits of Belarusian political prisoners by Xisha Angelova. Trained as a painter of religious icons, Angelova turns her attention to those disappeared, arrested and abused for political reasons in Belarus, with remarkable and moving results.
  • Exhibition: 'Golgotha Too'
    Exhibition: 'Golgotha Too'
    Wed 18 Feb
    St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
    18 Feb 2026, 08:00 – 29 Mar 2026, 17:30
    St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AW, UK
    Inspired by the canon of contemporary crucifixion paintings within British Cathedrals, Martin Fowler brings his exhibition to St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral.
  • Plants are our Teachers 2026
    Plants are our Teachers 2026
    Multiple Dates
    Sat 18 Apr
    Chapter House, St Mary's Cathedral
    18 Apr 2026, 10:30 – 16:30
    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.
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