- Thursday 16, 23 February, 2, 9 March 10.30am–12 noon
Booking essential
From the original humble country dwelling to the sprawling imperial splendour of Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli, to the ideal perfection of the Villa Rotonda and the austere simplicity of the Villa Savoye, the constant defining feature of this building type is the opportunity it provides of retreat from everyday concerns. The villa offers a balm for the soul, a soothing escape from the routine business of politics and commerce. In this series Dr Anne Galastro explores villas large and small, their architects and their patrons, from ancient Roman examples through the revival of the form in the Renaissance and its adaptions outside Italy, right up to the twentieth-century modernists.
- Thursday 16 February: The Classical villa, and its Renaissance revival
- Thursday 23 February: Palladio and his villas in the Veneto
- Thursday 2 March: Palladian villas transplanted to Britain
- Thursday 9 March: The villa in the 20th century

Chiswick House
Event accessibility
Gallery facilities
Detailed information on accessibility at the National Galleries of Scotland
We are currently working on improving our galleries. During this time some rooms will be closed and some facilities will be temporarily removed. There will be limited disabled access to some areas.
There is limited on street parking close by including for those with a blue badge.
Getting here
The Scottish National Gallery can be found just off Princes Street in the city centre.
- Open daily, 10am–5pm
The Villa Throughout History
Our Friends
Friends of the Galleries get free unlimited entry to all exhibitions, and enjoy a wide range of exclusive benefits including early exhibition access, special events and 10% discount in our cafes.
What's on
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