The beautiful neo-gothic Scottish National Portrait Gallery located in the city centre, is now increasingly in demand as one of Edinburgh’s most striking event venues. With its stained glass windows, ornate astrological ceiling, painted murals and decorative architectural features, the Portrait is a stunning backdrop for world-class events. Play host to your guests alongside notable artworks in the collection, depicting key famous Scots, from royals and rebels, to poets, heroes and villains.
Our rates are exclusive of VAT and are for venue hire space only. We will work with you to build your event to include catering, audio-visual, event theming and experiences. This approach allows you to create a unique event for your guests with the help of our skilled events professionals.
Your venue hire fee includes:
- Exclusive use of National Galleries of Scotland venue hire space
- Hospitality & Events Officer to be your ‘in touch’ contact
- Flip chart, projector, water, paper and pens for meetings
Build your event with our events partners to add:
- Catering and bar hire
- Audio-visual special equipment
- Event dressing or theming
- Bespoke event experiences
Portrait | Great Hall and Ambulatory
With its stained glass windows, incredible astrological ceiling, painted murals and gothic architecture, this space at the Portrait provides a dramatic backdrop.
Capacity (Great Hall): Reception 200, Dinner 50
Capacity (Ambulatory): 24 Banquet
Rates: £1250-£2000
Availability: Evenings
Portrait | Ramsay Room
This sumptious gallery space adjoining the Great Hall and Ambulatory, invites guests to dine whilst viewing paintings from the nation's art collection. Consider adding a drinks reception in the Great Hall prior to seating guests for dinner.
Capacity: Dinner 120
Rates: £2500
Availability: Evenings
Portrait | Café
This vast space flanked by portraits of Scotland's contemporary icons is transformed from a cafe by day to an impressive setting for special night time events.
Capacity: Reception 80, Dinner 80
Rates: £1000
Availability: Evenings
Portrait | A K Bell Room
This smart and accessible interior space for meetings, small seminars, presentations or away days is AV supported with a state of the art interactive white board system and full technical support included in your space hire.
Capacity: Classroom 40, Boardroom 18
Rates: £350
Availability: Daytime and evenings
Frequently asked questions
Terms and conditions
Enquire about an event
National
Located in Princes Street Gardens in the centre of the city, this grand neoclassical building designed by architect William Henry Playfair is our flagship venue for conferences, dinners and large receptions.
Capacity:
Receptions and dinners | Up to 400
Business meetings, conferences and lectures | Up to 190
Private parties | Up to 300
Rates: £800 to £3500+
Modern One
This stylish neoclassical venue set in extensive parkland grounds, accommodates everything from smart private parties to large marquee receptions on the lawn.
Capacity:
Receptions and dinners | Up to 80
Private parties | Up to 80
Rates: From £500
Modern Two
This venue with its own intriguing history as a post-war orphanage prior to being an art gallery is suited to smaller meetings, receptions and dinners and for those seeking bespoke event experiences.
Capacity:
Receptions and dinners | Up to 150 (500 using Outside Space)
Business meetings, conferences and lectures | Up to 16
Private parties | Up to 80
Rates: £450-£950 (from £2000 for Outside Space)
Get in touch
Please get in touch with our team, to talk through your event ideas, arrange a site visit and request rates and options for catering, styling and experiences.
+44 (0)131 624 6216 or +44 (0)131 624 6481
100% of all profits support the National Galleries of Scotland