Become a Friend to enjoy unique access to the nation’s art collection with unlimited free entry to exhibitions, a chance to see them first at Friends-only previews, a 10% discount in gallery shops & cafés as well as a bespoke programme of exclusive events throughout the year. Find out more about the forthcoming exhibitions in 2024 that you would have unlimited access to by becoming a Friend.
You can also share the gift of unparalleled access to the National Galleries of Scotland with a Friends gift voucher.
Friends benefits
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Unlimited free entry to all exhibitions for one year (during public opening hours)
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Free entry for up to 4 family children under the age of 18
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10% discount in all gallery shops and cafés
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See exhibitions first at Friends-only previews
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An exclusive talks and events programme
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Free parking at the Modern (when visiting)
Philanthropic Friends will enjoy these extra benefits:
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Priority booking for Friends events
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Invitations to selected events to bring you closer to the work you are helping to fund
Choose your Friends membership package
Please choose a category below to join or renew your Friends membership. If you choose to Auto-renew* you will benefit from a £5 discount. You can immediately book your free Grayson Perry tickets online or in person at the galleries.
If you are joining the Friends for the first time, then your membership card and welcome pack will be dispatched by post within 10 working days. If you are visiting the galleries before your welcome pack arrives, you can collect a temporary Friends card from any of our Information Desks. If you are renewing your membership, then your existing Friends card will be reactivated immediately. Please see the 'Join and renew help' for more information.
See every exhibition for free as a Friend
Friends receive unlimited free entry to all National Galleries of Scotland exhibitions. Current and upcoming highlights include:
Grayson Perry
The biggest ever exhibition of Grayson Perry’s work, covering his 40-year career.
Rembrandt to Rego | The Printmaker’s Art
Experience the print pioneers who have made their mark in the last five hundred years.
Sir John Lavery
Next summer we will stage the first exhibition in over thirty years to focus on the work of the significant Irish artist Sir John Lavery.
Friends events
Friends Preview | Celebrating Scotland's Art
Thu 28 Sept
10am - 6.30pm
Free
+18 other sessions
Booking essential
The Burrell Collection Visit
Tue 17 Oct 2023
8:45am - 4:30pm
Alberta Whittle Tour
Tue 5 Sep & Tue 24 Oct 2023
6 - 8pm
£14, Friends only
Booking essential
Over 10,000 people currently enjoy our Friends benefits
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“I get so much out of being a Friend, particularly through the wide variety of events on offer. I never miss an exhibition, and love that I can visit as often as I like, often taking a friend along too.”
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“I love having free unlimited access to exhibitions across all the galleries. Together with the discount in the cafés, it’s the perfect place for a revision break.”
Your support is important to us
As a Friend, you are part of a vibrant community of art lovers whose support is critical in helping us to make art work for everyone. Friends help us conserve, research, grow and care for the nation’s collection of art, showcase world-class exhibitions and deliver an expansive year-round programme of learning and engagement activity.
Friends have supported exhibitions such as Rembrandt: Britain’s Discovery of the Master, Bridget Riley and Raquib Shaw: Reinventing the Old Masters. Several special commissions have been made possible thanks to our Friends such as the Portrait of James Naughtie by Brendan Kelly and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Harry Benson.
Contact the Friends team
Email: [email protected]
Phone: You can call the Friends team directly on 0300 003 0057
Post: National Galleries of Scotland, Modern Two Lodge, 72 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS
