Departments
Global Arts, Cultures & Design
Welcome to the Global Arts, Cultures and Design department. We research and care for the art, design and cultural collections from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Our collections are open to researchers for research appointments.
Please contact our staff to enquire.
Contact list of staff members
Global Arts, Cultures & Design department
Our collections
Global Arts, Cultures and Design covers a wide range of objects from around the world, dating from the ancient to the present day.
Mediterranean, Africa, Americas and Oceania
Over 35,000 objects, including textiles, pottery, jewellery, sculpture, coffins, musical instruments, tools, weapons, basketry, and contemporary art.
Modern and Contemporary Design
Over 35,000 objects dating from c.1850 to the present, including ceramics, jewellery, glass, metalwork, fashion and textiles, craft, contemporary furniture and product design.
What we do
We explore international collections in collaboration with our diverse audiences with the aim of deepening understandings of Scotland’s relationship with the world.
Global Arts, Cultures & Design stories
- Discover
Owen Jones' The Grammar of Ornament
The Grammar of Ornament is Owen Jones’ design masterpiece. This lavish folio, first published in 1856, highlights stunning patterns, motifs, and ornaments in 100 illustrated plates. Each intricate illustration explores the design… - Discover
Environment and identity through reimagined Samoan textiles
Through natural imagery and reimagined textiles, Yuki Kihara’s kimono series tell stories of Samoan and Japanese identity. - Discover
Developing new mannequins for our fashion displays
Our displays are evolving to reflect different bodies and to tell new stories. Find out more about our process and where we plan to go from here.
