Fruitmarket

Overall rating

4.33

About

A free, public space for culture in the heart of Edinburgh, the Fruitmarket provides inspiration and opportunity for artists and audiences. We programme, develop and present world-class exhibitions, commissions, publications, performances, events and engagement activities, opening up the artistic process. Creativity makes space for meaning, and we create a welcoming space for people to think with contemporary art and culture in ways that are helpful to them – for free.

Reviews

Overall rating

4.33

(6 reviews)

Overall rating breakdown

5 3
4 1
3 2
2 0
1 0

Access (avg.)

3.58

Parking (avg.)

2.66

Toilets (avg.)

4.33

Staff (avg.)

3.33

dweir

Apr 2026

Bright, welcoming art haven spot.

Nice independent gallery accessible

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patavery

May 2025

A welcoming place with access in mind

When I visited the Fruitmarket Gallery, there was not even an exhibition on and yet I felt refreshed and inspired just from visiting the shop, the café – and the toilets of course. Before I even entered, I was drawn in by the colourful display in the shop window and soon enough I was inside, surrounded by pretty designs, cute accessories, fun trinkets and interesting books. Even though the exhibition spaces were closed as they prepared for something new, I still got to see some art: there is a mini-exhibition on the wall opposite the bathrooms and even the water fountain in the café is a work of art! Right opposite the entrance, you can also pick up some information about art outside of the gallery: a video walking tour and a leaflet about the Scotsman Steps. I won’t be climbing the steps anytime soon, but this way I can still see what it’s all about! I didn’t stay to have anything in the café, but I’ll be keeping it in mind for the future, as it is bright and spacious and the staff were very friendly. The downside to the lovely high ceilings is that it gets quite noisy, so if I were coming to work or have some peace, I would definitely bring my headphones!

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toilet_warriors

Aug 2024

4.5

Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh - Main entrance accessible toilet

Very good toilet. Small drawback is the clothes rail limiting access to open the door fully.

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Disabled Access Information Provided by Fruitmarket

Disabled Access at Fruitmarket

Entrance to  building.  All entrances to the building are level with the pavement. The main entrance is to the east end of the building and has a ‘press to open’ automatic door fitted.   Staff.  The entrance leads straight into the Bookshop, where a member of staff is available to welcome you and answer any questions. There are Information Assistants throughout the building, who will be happy to assist and provide additional information. They are identifiable by their Fruitmarket branded clothing.    Lift access.  The Fruitmarket’s spaces are set over two floors. The Warehouse is all on one floor. There is a lift to the east of the building to allow access to the upper gallery, accessible when you turn right from the main entrance. The lift dimensions are 137 x 109cm. The clear door opening is 80cm wide, and the max weight in the lift is 630kg (8 people). The Warehouse, to the west of the building, is accessible via a ramp which runs through from the café.  There is also a lift to the west of the building to allow access to the office spaces. The lift dimensions are 160 x 110cm. The clear door opening is 102cm wide, and the max weight in the lift is 500kg (5 people).  Wheelchair access.  All spaces are wheelchair accessible. All external doors are fitted with ‘press to open’ automatic doors.    Accessible toilets.  There are three accessible toilets. One to the west of the building, just off the Warehouse. The dimensions are 240 x 215cm. One to the east of the building, just off the Bookshop. The dimensions are 225 x 153cm. There is also an accessible toilet in our Studio space. The dimensions are 262 x 150cm. They are all fitted with support handrails, a pull cord emergency alarm and a colostomy shelf. In addition there are seven more gender neutral toilets, each fitted with a colostomy shelf. There is a changing places toilet at the Lothian Buses TravelHub on Waverley Bridge. Baby change facilities.  All accessible toilets have baby change facilities available.  Buggies. We do not have a buggy park, but the whole building is accessible to buggies. Borrowing seating.  Portable folding stools are also available to borrow. These are located in the Information Room. Please ask one of our Information Assistants if you would like borrow a stool or if assistance is required.  Assistance animals.  Guide dogs, hearing and registered assistance dogs are welcome.  Large  print.  All our printed material, including information about exhibitions is provided in 12pt as standard and is available to download in word format from our website.     Hearing  induction  loops.  We have a portable hearing loop system with headsets which is available to borrow whilst in the gallery. Please ask an Information Assistant if you require the hearing loop. Sensory backpacks. We have sensory backpacks to make visiting more comfortable for people with sensory needs. Inside you will find a selection of fidget toys and sensory aides including sunglasses, ear defenders and a digital drawing tablet. The bags can be picked up at the bookshop and should be returned there after use. Please note, children must be supervised at all times when using the items in the backpack. These items are not suitable for use by children under 3 years old. Studio.  If you are visiting as part of a group with access needs and would benefit from access to our Studio space, please contact  info@fruitmarket.co.uk ahead of your visit. Our Studio has a kitchen and an accessible toilet, fitted with support handrails, pull cord emergency alarm, colostomy shelf and baby change facilities. Leaving bags.  The Fruitmarket does not operate a cloakroom or locker facility. Left luggage facilities are available nearby in Waverley Station.   Café.  Our café caters to all dietary requirements, and you will be able to specify your dietary requirements when you book. All plant milks are available at an extra charge. Our machine is cleaned between each coffee and we use separate jugs for each type of milk. Welco.me We are using WelcoMe, the free disability aware tool that allows you to request visits to the Frutimarket, indicating any areas you need customer service to have awareness of and the specific assistance you require. We are notified of your visit request and receive an overview of your condition and top tips to aid your interaction with you. Plan a visit here. Further information.  For further information to help you plan your visit please call 0131 225 2383 or email info@fruitmarket.co.uk.

Disabled access

Accessible parking at Fruitmarket

Pick up and drop off points outside. There is short stay on street parking, long stay parking is available at Edinburgh Waverley's car park, New Street EH8 8BH. Please note this is not accessible to larger vehicles or vans as has a height restriction of 1.9m.

Dedicated on site parking

Toilets features at Fruitmarket

Accessible toilets.  There are three accessible toilets. One to the west of the building, just off the Warehouse. The dimensions are 240 x 215cm. One to the east of the building, just off the Bookshop. The dimensions are 225 x 153cm. There is also an accessible toilet in our Studio space. The dimensions are 262 x 150cm. They are all fitted with support handrails, a pull cord emergency alarm and a colostomy shelf. In addition there are seven more gender neutral toilets, each fitted with a colostomy shelf. There is a changing places toilet at the Lothian Buses Travel Hub on Waverley Bridge.

Accessible toilet

A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.