Our restoration and income generation project, Observatory House, is now open for bookings. The historic exterior of the house has been conserved and the comfortable interior now features contemporary styling and new artworks by Rachel Adams, Thomas Aitchison, Rabiya Choudhry and Christian Newby, artists who have a long association with Collective.

Bookings for the main house are open via the dedicated house website here.

The stunning upgrades were led by Collective Architecture. The high-end styling involves a blend of natural finishes, Lusso stone, wool, leather and rich walnut and brass accents which complement the artist commissions. Observatory House was originally designed by James Craig, the planner of Edinburgh’s New Town, and served the pioneering astronomers of Scotland. It is the oldest surviving building on Calton Hill, and provides 360 views of Edinburgh – prompting artist Robert Barker to paint the world’s first panorama from the House’s turret in 1775.

Observatory Apartment, a new space on the lower ground floor, will become available from early 2022. All proceeds from the House will go directly back into supporting our mission of bringing people together around new art.

To download a full media release click here.

Observatory House is be managed by our host partners ALTIDO Scotland.