[2] The gallery is noted for its fine collection of modern Scottish and international art, including works by Ken Currie, Gilbert & George, Ivor Abrahams, Bridget Riley and Bruce McLean.

[5] ArtFund increased the prize money to £200,000 and changed the format of the award to five winners in response to the challenges faced by the museum sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The permanent collection includes 18th-century works by Henry Raeburn, William Hogarth, Allan Ramsay and Joshua Reynolds, and 20th-century works by Paul Nash and Francis Bacon,[8] the Post-Impressionists and the Scottish Colourists, as well as applied arts and crafts.The central hall is supported by granite columns in a variety of colours, derived from different quarries in the local area and far beyond.

Cowdray Hall is a concert venue for music and performances and was opened by King George V and Queen Mary on 25 September 1925.

[10] The hall was supported by a gift from Annie, the Viscountess of Cowdray, "with a view to encouraging the taste for art and music in the City of Aberdeen".