27 September 2025 (11:00 - 17:00)
28 September 2025 (11:00 - 17:00)
Stills was established in Edinburgh’s Old Town in 1977 and is the longest running public photography organisation in Scotland. Today we operate from a fully accessible building on Cockburn Street right in the heart of the city centre. We are the only gallery in Scotland dedicated to photography and are proud to have supported thousands of people to engage with the medium, whether through our internationally acclaimed exhibitions, low-cost production facilities or creative learning programmes. Our premises is free to enter and we provide subsidised rates and accessible pathways of learning for anyone to engage in our activity.
During Doors Open Weekend, Stills is proud to share ""In Consideration of Our Times""—a brand new exhibition by Glasgow-based artist Matthew Arthur Williams. Known for exploring themes of race, queerness, memory and history, Williams presents a deeply personal selection of self-portraits and landscapes, described by the artist as being “in a state of constant loss.”
Created using the slower, hands-on process of analogue photography, All the work on display has been produced in the publicly accessible photography darkrooms at Stills and at Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow.
Visitors can expect to experience Williams’ powerful use of image-making—inviting reflection, connection and conversation.It is a thoughtful, quietly moving show that rewards time spent with it. Whether you are discovering his work for the first time or following an ongoing journey, the exhibition offers a meaningful moment to pause and consider the stories we carry, share and preserve.
Upstairs, guests can also swing by the library at Stills, in a fully accessible space with cosy seating. A collection of over 3,000 publications, Stills' Library is now one of the largest borrowing services of books related to photography in Scotland. It is the perfect space to kick back and browse a variety of photo books, some of which are rare, out of print, or generally hard to find elsewhere. A friendly face will be around if you have any questions or if you simply fancy a chat. You can also register to become a lending member of the library, and borrow books to look at in the comfort of your own home.

2025 Doors Open Days Theme - Architectural Heritage: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future
As part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stills Centre for Photography reflects the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Housed in a historic building in the heart of the Old Town, Stills embodies the theme by blending the character and craftsmanship of traditional architecture with a contemporary purpose. It stands as a vibrant example of how heritage buildings can be thoughtfully repurposed to support the arts, offering a space where history, culture, and creativity meet. Through its location and use, Stills highlights the enduring beauty and adaptability of Edinburgh’s built environment.

Image Credit : Monica Sutcliffe

Water bottles can be filled up. The lift works brilliantly. We have three toilets and all are clean and lovely.

Address
Stills Centre for Photography, 23 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP