The national galleries of scotland edinburgh

Unveiling the National Galleries of Scotland – A Celebration of Scottish and Global Masterpieces

The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) represents the country’s collective artistic heartbeat, bringing together centuries of creative achievement under one unified identity. Encompassing three major sites in Edinburgh—the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery—NGS offers an unrivalled journey through Scottish heritage, European masterpieces, and contemporary innovation.

As a national institution, NGS is charged with the care and curation of Scotland’s national art collection. Its mission is as ambitious as it is inclusive: to inspire, inform, and engage people with art—past and present—through powerful exhibitions, cutting-edge interpretation, and an unwavering commitment to accessibility.

With collections ranging from the Renaissance to the cutting edge of contemporary practice, NGS is not just a visual repository but a living, breathing network of spaces that foster cultural dialogue and national identity. Whether through Rembrandt, Raeburn, or Rachel Maclean, the National Galleries of Scotland ensures that art is not a luxury—it’s a shared legacy.

A Rich Tapestry of History and Vision

History and Architectural Evolution

Founded in 1850, the original Scottish National Gallery—designed by William Henry Playfair in neoclassical grandeur—occupies a central location on Edinburgh’s Mound. Over the years, NGS has expanded both in scope and physical presence, adding the Gallery of Modern Art (housed in the neoclassical Dean Orphan Hospital building) and the Gothic Revival-style Portrait Gallery on Queen Street.

Each site reflects a facet of Scottish cultural evolution. The Portrait Gallery, reopened in 2011 after major renovation, is itself a statement of national pride, blending Victorian visual storytelling with 21st-century exhibition design. Meanwhile, Modern One and Two challenge conventional expectations with installations spilling into the sculpture gardens and an active engagement with international art movements.

NGS’s transformation continues today, with the Scottish National Gallery Project reimagining the original building’s interior to create improved access, expanded gallery space, and a deeper integration of Scottish art into the visitor journey.

What You’ll Discover: Treasures and Highlights

From the brushstrokes of Botticelli to the bold interventions of Barbara Hepworth, the NGS collection boasts over 95,000 works. Highlights include:

  • Sir Henry Raeburn’s “The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch” – arguably Scotland’s most beloved painting.
  • Titian’s “Diana and Actaeon” and “Diana and Callisto” – acquired in a historic joint effort with the National Gallery, London.
  • Tracey Emin’s “I Lay Here For You” – a testament to NGS’s commitment to contemporary practice.
  • The Portrait Gallery’s immersive displays of Scots through the ages—from Mary, Queen of Scots to Nicola Sturgeon.

NGS also curates regular blockbuster exhibitions, such as “Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema”, “Grayson Perry: Smash Hits”, and a rotating series of themed displays highlighting overlooked or recontextualised narratives in art history.

Access and Inclusivity

NGS places a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. Admission to the permanent collections is free, aligning with the belief that art is a public right, not a privilege.

Each site provides:

  • Step-free access and accessible toilets
  • Free audio guides and BSL-interpreted tours
  • Quiet spaces and relaxed visits for neurodivergent visitors
  • Signage and written interpretation inclusive of varied reading levels

Beyond physical access, NGS’s digital programming offers virtual exhibitions, podcasts, and interactive archives, expanding reach far beyond Edinburgh.

Learning, Community, and Outreach

Education and public engagement are central to the Galleries’ mission. The Schools Programme, family art trails, and the popular “Drawn to the People” series invite learners of all ages to engage with the collection through workshops, sketching, and storytelling.

In recent years, NGS has focused on decolonising its collection and expanding narratives, including dedicated displays on Scotland’s involvement in the British Empire and the development of a Black Scottish Portraits project.

Café, Shop, and Experience

Each gallery includes a café and well-curated shop featuring exhibition catalogues, Scottish crafts, limited edition prints, and children’s books. The grounds of Modern One, designed by Charles Jencks, provide a sculpture-laden, picnic-friendly respite for families and solo visitors alike.

Planning Your Visit

Locations:

  • Scottish National Gallery: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
  • Scottish National Portrait Gallery: 1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD
  • Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (One and Two): 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR

Admission: Free for all permanent exhibitions. Paid entry may apply to temporary exhibitions.

Opening Hours: Typically 10am–5pm daily, with late-night openings on selected days. Check www.nationalgalleries.org for up-to-date hours and ticket information.

Transport: All galleries are accessible by Edinburgh’s bus and tram network. Cycle racks and car parking (at Modern Art) available. Step-free routes and assistance are supported at all venues.

Contact:

Final Thoughts: Scotland’s Artistic Soul on Display

The National Galleries of Scotland is more than an institution—it’s a cultural steward, a civic beacon, and a platform for dialogue between past and present. Whether you’re gazing at a Renaissance altarpiece or a modern video installation, every visit offers a new perspective on who we are, where we’ve come from, and the art we leave behind.

A must-visit for locals and travellers alike, NGS invites you to step into the heart of Scotland’s story—painted, sculpted, and imagined across centuries.

👉 Looking for more destinations like this? Explore our full UK Art Venues Directory to discover galleries across the country.