
Earth Matters
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View all →About This Event
Earth Matters, a free exhibition at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, opens on 20 March 2026, commemorating three centuries since the birth of James Hutton. The Edinburgh-born farmer and geologist revolutionised scientific understanding of how the Earth formed, and this display draws directly from his legacy. More than 30 contemporary artists have created works inspired by Hutton and subsequent pioneers in earth science, exploring themes of geology, deep time, and the natural world through a diverse range of media. The exhibition unfolds across the garden’s normal opening hours, with no admission charge, inviting visitors to reflect on the profound connections between art, science, and the planet beneath our feet.
Marking 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, this exhibition includes work by over 30 artists who have been inspired by Hutton and subsequent trailblazers. 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: 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.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
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Frequently asked questions
Earth Matters takes place on Friday, 20 March 2026. The event runs until Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Earth Matters is held at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in Edinburgh (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ).
Entry to Earth Matters is free.
Tickets for Earth Matters can be booked via edinburgh.org using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
Price
Free Entry

Earth Matters
Editorial Summary
Earth Matters, a free exhibition at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, opens on 20 March 2026, commemorating three centuries since the birth of James Hutton. The Edinburgh-born farmer and geologist revolutionised scientific understanding of how the Earth formed, and this display draws directly from his legacy. More than 30 contemporary artists have created works inspired by Hutton and subsequent pioneers in earth science, exploring themes of geology, deep time, and the natural world through a diverse range of media. The exhibition unfolds across the garden’s normal opening hours, with no admission charge, inviting visitors to reflect on the profound connections between art, science, and the planet beneath our feet.
This summary was automatically generated from event data sourced from official ticketing providers.
Organiser’s full description
Marking 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, this exhibition includes work by over 30 artists who have been inspired by Hutton and subsequent trailblazers. 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: 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.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
📍 Venue
Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ
Inverleith, Edinburgh
Get Directions →❓ Frequently asked questions
When is Earth Matters?
Earth Matters takes place on Friday, 20 March 2026. The event runs until Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Where is Earth Matters taking place?
Earth Matters is held at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in Edinburgh (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ).
How much are tickets for Earth Matters?
Entry to Earth Matters is free.
How do I get tickets for Earth Matters?
Tickets for Earth Matters can be booked via edinburgh.org using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
Price
Free Entry
Date
Until Sunday, 1 November 2026
Venue
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ
EventsList curates 136,000+ events across the UK. Tickets purchased via the venue or authorised sellers only.
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