About Inverleith House & Climate House
Heritage background, architectural provenance & visitor guide
Palladian Grandeur at the Heart of the Botanics
Perched upon the highest natural knoll within the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith House was constructed in 1774 by Scottish architect David Henderson for James Rocheid of Inverleith. Built from dressed Craigleith sandstone, this elegant classical country house commands sweeping views southward toward Edinburgh Castle and the volcanic Salisbury Crags.
Cradle of Scotland's Modern Art Collection
After the estate was incorporated into the national botanical institution in 1877, the mansion served as the official residence of the Regius Keeper. In 1960, it became the inaugural founding home of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, housing the nation's treasures until they relocated to Belford Road in 1984. Since then, Inverleith House has functioned as one of Europe's most celebrated contemporary exhibition pavilions, showcasing solo retrospectives by artists such as Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, Douglas Gordon, and Joan Mitchell.
Climate House & Botanical Science Programming
In recent years, the venue has expanded its mission as 'Climate House', collaborating with the Serpentine Galleries to commission urgent creative works exploring biodiversity loss, climate resilience, and indigenous ecological knowledge. Admission to the house and its seasonal exhibitions is completely free.
Key Highlights & Facilities
Verified visitor amenities, accessibility, and distinctive features
Visitor Perspectives
Verified authentic traveler observations
“One of the most serene and thought-provoking gallery settings in the UK. The juxtaposition of modern art and botanical views is peerless.”
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