National

Overview

Open daily, 10am–5pm

Free admission | Charges for some exhibitions

The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL

[email protected]

The gallery

Home to world-class international and Scottish art from 1300 to 1945

Open, free to all. Yours to discover.

Immerse yourself in this breath-taking art collection. Experience paintings by internationally renowned artists such as Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and the Impressionists. Explore the newly opened Scottish galleries where you can encounter the very best of Scottish art from 1800 to 1945. Marvel at spectacular views over Edinburgh and discover the work of pioneering artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys.  

Enjoy food and drink at the gallery café and restaurant and browse our exciting range of art-inspired gifts and books in the gallery shop.  

Whether you are new to the gallery, doing research or just passing by, the National welcomes everyone to explore art, make discoveries or just simply take time to unwind. 

See all exhibitions and displays at the National

See all artworks on display at the National

Getting here

Getting here

The National can be found just off Princes Street in the city centre.

Venue map
  • Open daily, 10am–5pm
The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL

Accessibility

Accessibility & facilities

Detailed information on accessibility at the National Galleries of Scotland

Our partial Changing Places toilet has all of the facilities of a full Changing Places toilet, and though the floor area meets the overall size requirement (13.54m2 minimum), it is just a little too narrow to be classed as a full Changing Places toilet. 

There are a limited number of small lockers available, but there is no space to store large items of luggage.

There is limited on street parking close by including for those with a blue badge. 

  • Information desk
  • Wifi
  • Wheelchair access
  • Accessible toilets
  • Changing places toilet
  • Wheelchairs available
  • Public toilets
  • Lockers (£1/£2)
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Buggy park
  • Seating throughout
  • Bike rack
  • Café
  • Restaurant
About your visit

About your visit

Opening times

Gallery Daily, 10am–5pm
Shop Daily, 10am–5pm
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant Daily, 10am–5pm (last orders 4pm)
Cafe Espresso Daily, 10am–4pm

What's open

The new Scottish galleries at the National are now open and yours to discover. If you are planning a visit to see a particular artwork in the collection, please contact us at [email protected] to check if this work will be on display at the time of your visit.

Contact

For general enquiries regarding your visit or gallery services:
+44 (0)131 624 6200
[email protected]

Visitor information

Everything you need to know about your visit can be found in our frequently asked questions and our visitor guidelines.

Group visits

Schools and community groups of 10 or more can book free self-led visits to all our galleries.

Fly through the new galleries

Enjoy this fly through of our new Scottish galleries to get a vivid picture of where your iconic works of Scottish art now reside. Or better yet, come and see them for yourself.

Families

Families

Home to one of the greatest art collections in the world. The brand new Scottish galleries are ready for you to explore. Make a day of it and pack a picnic or sample the children's menu at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant.

Visit our Families page

See all family events at the National

Family Fridays

Fridays are for families! Every Friday during term-time we have new play activities, sensory spaces and, of course, hands-on making with artists.

Art Trolley

Pick up and play! You’ll find drawing materials, story books, cosy cushions, ear defenders, sketchbooks, paper and Sensory Bags – to help you make the most of a visit to the galleries!

Sensory Bags

In each bag you'll find lots of fun things that you can touch, smell and make sounds with –  can you find the artwork that matches the objects?

BSL introduction

Presented by Trudi Collier, this short welcome film in British Sign Language (BSL) introduces the building and collections of the National.

See more BSL resources

Audio described introduction

This audio described introduction to the National features descriptions of the building and its layout, information about artworks on display and the facilities available.

A guide to accessing the National

Watch this short video and plan your visit to the National. The video introduces the buildings, the facilities, and the collection. It will also help you find the areas best suited to you.

We offer sensory-friendly events and resources created for and with autistic visitors, visitors with learning disabilities and those with additional sensory needs in mind.

Sensory-friendly resources
Audio and visitor guides

Audio and visitor guides

Discover the stories behind the art with Smartify, the free informative art app. Use the app to explore the artworks in the gallery or let us guide you with one of our specially created guides.

Audio Guide

We have invited a wide range of diverse and exciting interviewees to share their perspectives and opinions about the works on display.

Audio Described Tour

Audio descriptions of selected artworks from across the National. Each artwork included on this tour is signified in the gallery by a large AD symbol and a QR code, situated below the artwork label.

British Sign Language Tour

Enjoy this British Sign Language (BSL) tour of Scottish artworks from the National. You can follow the tour in the gallery using your own smartphone or watch at home.

Scan and discover

Discover the stories behind the art with Smartify, the free informative art app. Use the app to scan artworks in the gallery and learn even more about the work and the artist.

Group visits

Group visits

We welcome group visits to the galleries. Be inspired by the international art collection and special exhibitions, take part in activities and explore the resources available.

Featured exhibitions and displays

Featured exhibitions and displays

Display

Romance & Reality Scotland 1800–1895

National

Open daily, 10am–5pm

Admission free

Display

The Glasgow Boys 1880–1900

National

Open daily, 10am–5pm

Admission free

Display

Impressionism and French Modernism

National

Open daily, 10am–5pm

Admission free

Must see
Exhibition Closing Soon

Your Art World

National

Until Sun 14 Apr 2024

Open daily, 10am–5pm

Admission free

Celebrating Scotland's art

Celebrating Scotland's art

Learn more about this exciting work and access a range of material that you can use to explore the Scottish art collection for yourself.

Featured events

Featured events

Our Friends
Lecture or talk

Moses, Two Dogs, and a Halberdier | Paintings in and out of Context

National

Wed 20 Mar 2024

6 - 8pm

£14, Friends and guests

Booking essential

Our Friends
Lecture or talk

John Michael Wright | Master of Invention and Reinvention

National

Mon 25 Mar 2024

6 - 8pm

£14, Friends and guests

Booking essential

Lecture or talk

Before and After Coal | Opening Talk (in person)

National

Tue 26 Mar 2024

12:45 - 1:45pm

Free

Booking essential

Music concert SOLD OUT

Live Music Now | Calum & Niamh

National

Thu 4 Apr 2024

6 - 6:30pm

Free

Booking essential

Restaurants

Cafés and shops

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant

Open daily, 10am-5pm (last orders 4pm). +44 (0)131 225 1550

Located at the main entrance to the National in East Princes Street Gardens, our restaurant offers incredible views east across the Gardens. The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is run by Victor and Carina Contini who are committed to sustainable practices and buy direct from a trusted network of over 70 Scottish artisan suppliers.

Enjoy a lunch of Scottish classics like cullen skink and fish and chips or indulge yourself with our all-day brunch menu or an afternoon tea. Access to the Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is via the Main Entrance in East Princes St. Gardens.

Avoid disappointment and book your table in advance. It is quick and easy and avoids having to queue when we are busy. 

Book here

Gallery Shop

Open daily, 10am-5pm. +44 (0)131 624 6494

The shop at the National stocks Scottish gifts, books, limited edition prints, stationery, fashion, craft, design and exclusive products featuring well-loved images from Scottish artworks.

The shop is accessed via the main entrance in East Princes St. Gardens. 

Shop online

Cafe Espresso

Open daily, 10am-4pm +44 (0)131 225 1550

Situated just inside the mound entrance to the National, Espresso is the perfect rest stop for art lovers in need of refuelling. Easy counter service offers access to fantstic coffee as well as a selection of freshly baked scones and delicious cakes. No need to book in advance.

While you're here

While you're here

Research Facilities

The National Galleries of Scotland offer a variety of opportunities for members of the public to access our resources and view artworks that are not on display in our gallery spaces. 

Royal Scottish Academy

The Royal Scottish Academy plays host to a variety of exhibitions programmed by the National Galleries of Scotland, the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, and others. 

Portrait

The Portrait is just five minutes walk from the National. Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future. The perfect compliment to your visit.

Venue hire

Venue hire

Situated in the very heart of Edinburgh, the National is one of the most prestigious venues for events.

About us

About us

The National Galleries of Scotland cares for, develops, researches and displays the national collection of Scottish and international art and, with a lively and innovative programme of activities, exhibitions, education and publications, aims to engage, inform and inspire the broadest possible public.