Download the app, scan the art, uncover the story.
Discover the stories behind the art with the National Galleries of Scotland and Smartify, the free informative art app. Visitors to the National, the Modern and the Portrait can now access additional information about the artworks on display using their own phone.
5 Simple steps
Scan most of the art in the galleries (or even the grounds at Modern One) to learn even more about the work and the artist.
Alternatively, scan the QR code on the display wall panel and enjoy the selected audio content.
- Go to the Apple App Store or Android Google Play store.
- Download the app.
- Open the app and hold your phone camera up to your chosen artwork.
- This ‘scans’ the work and provides extra information as well as background on the artist.
- Plug in your headphones, listen to the audio tour. Learn about the work, find pieces by the same artist and save any for later.
You can also build your collection of favourite works in the app from the National Galleries of Scotland and other participating organisations from around the world.
In addition to providing access to more information about artworks, the app can also be used by visually impaired visitors to provide enlarged text labels for works on display.
The app includes (almost) all works on display at the National , Modern One and the Portrait.
How to use Smartify
A quick and easy guide to using the app from our friends at Smartify.
Tours on Smartify
Explore artworks in the collection and exhibitions through these audio tours and artwork trails. You can enjoy them at home or in the gallery using your own device either via the links below or in the Smartify app.
National
We have invited a wide range of diverse and exciting interviewees to share their perspectives and opinions about the works on display.
Portrait
This audio tour will guide you through the Portrait. You’ll hear from a variety of artists, authors, academics, curators and commentators.
Before and After Coal
In this tour the artist Nicky Bird speaks with people from the Scottish mining communities about artworks in the exhibition. You will also hear a conversation between Milton Rogovin’s daughter Paula and granddaughter Malaika.
Conversations with the Collection | Welcome Audio Tour
Our curators introduce the themes of the display room by room and explain how they have drawn from the collection of modern and contemporary art to unearth evocative stories and create bold comparisons.
Conversations with the Collection | A conversation piece
For this tour audio tour of the Conversations with the Collection display at Modern One we have invited guests to share their thoughts on a selection of artworks from the display. Not knowing in advance which artworks they would be discussing, these responses are honest, real and unscripted.
'Gingers' trail
13% of people in Scotland identify as having ginger hair. Many of the portraits in the gallery, dating from the sixteenth century to the present day, feature individuals with varying shades of red hair.
Audio Described tours on Smartify
Explore artworks in the collection and exhibitions through these audio described tours and artwork trails. You can enjoy them at home or in the gallery using your own device either via the links below or in the Smartify app.
Do Ho Suh | Tracing Time
Enjoy a free descriptive audio tour of selected artworks by Do Ho Suh at Modern One.
Sculpture park
Join Artist, Juliana Capes as she takes you on a touch tour of the sculpture park at the Modern.
National highlights
Enjoy an audio described tour of some of the best-loved artworks on display at the National.
Portrait highlights
Enjoy an audio described tours tour of iconic portraits at the Portrait.
Conversations with the Collection
Enjoy a selection of audio descriptions of artworks at the Modern One.