But, while its collection of fine arts has always been top drawer, it was the art centre’s “blockbuster” exhibitions that truly captured the imagination of the public.
Over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, the City Art Centre regularly attracted crowds of more than 200,000 people to see memorable exhibitions such as the Emperor’s Warriors (1985), Gold of the Pharaohs (1988), and Dinosaurs Alive! (1990).
5. Sweat of the Sun - Gold of Peru (1990)
A boy looking at a funerary mummy, part of the Sweat of the Sun - Gold of Peru exhibition at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh, August 1990. Photo: Denis Straughan
6. Star Trek - The Exhibition (1992)
Cardassian Mask from Star Trek the Next Generation & Deep Space Nine at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh exhibition. Photo: IAN RUTHERFORD
7. Music100 (1997)
The Music100 exhibition at the City Art Centre was a celebration of a century of recorded music. Photo: SUSAN BURRELL
8. The Quest for Camelot (2001)
A manuscript dating from the late 15th century at the Quest for Camelot exhibition in 2001. Photo: BILL HENRY