During the first decade, they tended to be devoted to famous major artists—from Rembrandt to the Impressionists.
While in the second and third decades, there were also ones showcasing particular collections, and national schools of artists.
Since the 19th-century, Edinburgh has enjoyed good facilities for showing the visual arts.
During the first three decades, the Royal Scottish Academy was the main gallery used by the festival, hosting an least 22 exhibitions.
Edinburgh College of Art and Waverley Market in Princes Street each held three exhibitions.