We're reopening!
Those visiting will have their very own special experiences with the much-loved artworks of the nation’s exceptional art collection, as initially, we will be limiting the number of visitors in each gallery at any one time. To manage this we've instituted a free, timed ticketing system. Admission is free, but tickets must be booked here in advance. Booking is now open. Everything you need to know about your visit can be found here, or in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Our galleries
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Reopening this autumn
Welcome back
We've put a few new things in place to enhance your experience. Here's the essential, need to know info.
This week at the galleries
While we are in the process of reopening, there's plenty to do and see online, with new content added each week.
Explore the collection
While our buildings are closed you can explore the art in our collection online.
Home is where the art is
A treasure trove of creative activities pulled together during lockdown to help you make your own discoveries about art at home. No materials, printers or art expertise required to enjoy these!
The life and work of James Tassie
Join Curator of Portraiture Liz Louis as she considers James Tassie’s portrait medallions of the ‘great and the good’ of eighteenth-century society.
Coffee Lounge
Meeting in town? Why not join us in our Coffee Lounge, part of The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant. Open 11am-4pm daily. Booking not required.
Keep up to date
Subscribe to our newsletters to keep up-to-date with everything happening across all of our sites
Video | Why are there so few female artists?
The ten most expensive paintings in history were painted by men. And of the $196 billion spent on art at auction in the last decade, women accounted for only 2% of sales. So why are so few female artists represented in the world of art?
Art in the Collection
Explore and search
Explore the online collection of artworks dating from the early Renaissance to the present day.
Artists
Browse over a thousand highlighted artists from the collection in our artist A-Z.
Glossary
Our art glossary provides context for the terminology used on our site. Explore over 100 terms and discover related artists and artworks
New acquisitions
The National Galleries of Scotland continues to acquire artworks that enhance and complement our collection.
What we do
Community and access
We invite community and access groups to explore Scotland’s national art collection for free through guided or self-guided visits. These groups also gain free entry to all paying exhibitions.
About the National Galleries of Scotland
We care for, develop, research and display the national collection of Scottish and international art. We aim to engage and inspire through art.
Commercial services
We offer a wide range of commercial services including venue hire for events and filming, product wholesale, image licensing, corporate gifts and book sales.
Venue hire
The National Galleries of Scotland consists of three galleries in the very heart of Edinburgh, home to the Nation’s collection of art all available to hire for special events.