Home News Major Royal Scottish Academy Exhibition Coming to Hawick Museum as Part of RSA Bicentenary Celebrations

Major Royal Scottish Academy Exhibition Coming to Hawick Museum as Part of RSA Bicentenary Celebrations

A landmark exhibition celebrating 200 years of the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) is coming to the Scottish Borders this summer, bringing together historic and contemporary works by artists connected to the region.

Past, Present, Future: The Royal Scottish Academy in the Borders will open at The Scott Gallery, Hawick Museum, on 27 June 2026 and run until 5 October 2026.

Delivered in partnership between Live Borders and the Royal Scottish Academy, the exhibition forms part of the RSA’s bicentenary celebrations and will showcase a curated selection of works by artists with strong ties to the Scottish Borders, highlighting the region’s enduring contribution to Scottish art and culture.

Founded in 1826, the Royal Scottish Academy is Scotland’s national body for art and architecture, supporting artists and promoting contemporary and historic work across the country.

The exhibition will explore connections between past and present generations of artists, bringing nationally significant artwork to audiences in the Borders and reinforcing the area’s growing reputation as a cultural destination.

Fiona Colton, Museums, Galleries, Archives and Libraries Lead at Live Borders, said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Royal Scottish Academy as part of its 200th anniversary celebrations. This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the rich artistic heritage of the Scottish Borders while bringing nationally significant artwork to Hawick Museum. We hope it will inspire both local audiences and visitors from further afield to explore the exhibition and discover more about the region’s contribution to Scottish art.”

Colin Greenslade, Director at the RSA, said:

“RSA200: Celebrating Together builds partnerships and celebrates the arts and
communities across Scotland and beyond during the Royal Scottish Academy’s bicentenary year. We are thrilled to be working with Live Borders on this special exhibition, which highlights the rich creative heritage of the Scottish Borders while showcasing the continued importance of regional arts organisations within Scotland’s cultural landscape.”

The exhibition will feature both early and contemporary works, reflecting the RSA’s continued support of artists across generations and celebrating the lasting relationship between the Academy and the Borders.

The exhibition will be open from Wednesday to Monday, 11am – 4pm (closed Tuesdays), at The Scott Gallery, Hawick Museum, Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick.

Admission is free, with donations welcome.

For more information, visit: Past, Present, Future: The Royal Scottish Academy in the Borders – Live Borders