GIF it a go!
Free GIF making guides to download. Learn a new skill. Have a go at mixing up artworks and bringing them to life.
Can art be good for you?
Art, in one form or another, has been around since the Stone Age, and to this day, museums and galleries welcome hundreds of millions of visitors every year. But why is this?
What compels us to make and experience artworks?
And is art really good for us?
The Progress of a Soul by Phoebe Anna Traquair
In this new series devoted to Scottish Art, we look at paintings by some of the nation’s finest artists. We examine them to uncover what makes each work so special and reveal some of the stories behind them.
Take part
Free your mind and make your own art with us.
Art Around You
Art activities to try, wherever you are and with whatever you have around you. Free art learning resources for all.
Art in the Open
Spending time outside in nature is great for our wellbeing. Making art and being creative is fun and relaxing – so why not combine both?
Inspiring collections
New acquistions
This collection presents some of the works acquired in recent years, including painting, works on paper and photography.
Scottish art
In this collection, you can explore a selection of highlights from our collection of Scottish art.
Highlights
The National Galleries of Scotland has over 96,000 objects in its collection. We have selected just a few of these for you to enjoy.
MacKinnon Collection
This unique collection of Scottish photography represents Scottish life and identity from the 1840s through the 1940s – a century of dramatic transformation and innovation.
Reviewing our collection content
As part of our commitment to equality, we are undertaking a review of the national art collection in relation to colonialism, slavery and their legacies. New content, in gallery and online, is being developed over the coming months in light of this research and will remain an ongoing project. If you see content that you think should be reviewed as part of this work, please email us. All suggestions will be considered. We are currently unable to give a timescale for when any agreed changes will be made but we will do it as soon as we can.
From our archive
Delve in to our archive to uncover extraordinary art treasures.
Toyen
A look at astonishing works by Marie Čermínová (1902-1980), more famously known as Toyen.
La Dame Ovale
A look at a livre d’artiste written by the Surrealist painter, poet and author Leonora Carrington, and illustrated by Max Ernst.
Surrealist Argentinian playing cards
A deck of playing cards crafted by the Argentinian painter, designer, illustrator and author, Leonor Fini.
Artist book of proverbs
We take a look at a fascinating artist book of proverbs from around the world by Linda K. Johnson.