James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was the Edinburgh-born farmer and writer who revolutionised our understanding of Earth’s creation and the ground beneath us. At this new exhibition at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh over 30 artists delve into this living ecosystem to reveal its brilliance, beauty and fragility.
Earth Matters is open daily from 20 March to 01 November 2026, with free entry.
A number of related events are also running as part of the exhibition:
- Spill the Tea Tour: Earth Matters (03 May 2026). Tour the gallery with a Botanics staff member, then chat about the exhibition whilst sampling a cup of Earth Matters themed tea. Tickets are £8.83 per person and should be booked in advance.
- Spotlight Talk – Earth Matters (08 May and 19 May 2026). Hear a short talk from one of the Botanics’ Creative Programmes volunteers on their favourite part of the exhibition. Free, but booking required.
The Garden has two entrances: the West Gate on Arboretum Place, and the East Gate on Inverleith Row. The East Gate entrance is served by Lothian Buses routes 8, 9, 23 and 27 from the city centre. The West Gate (John Hope Gateway visitor centre) is served by routes 29 and 24 via Stockbridge, and Edinburgh Bus Tours’ Regal Tour.
