Situated in the very heart of Edinburgh, the National is one of the most prestigious venues for events. This central site comprises of two grand classical buildings; the National, which houses Scotland's greatest collection of art, and the Royal Scottish Academy, which mounts international blockbuster exhibitions.
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
Build your event with our events partners to add:
- Catering and bar hire
- Audio-visual special equipment
- Event dressing or theming
- Bespoke event experiences
National | Gallery Space
This splendid gallery venue is available for dinners, receptions and exclusive private views. Guests can enjoy champagne, drinks and canapés in wonderful surroundings. Surprise your guests with an additional exclusive private view of the Gallery's treasured art collection in the company of an art expert.
Capacity: Reception 350, Dinner 100
Rates: £3500
National | Scottish Collection Galleries
Welcome your guests to 150 years of the best of Scottish art, in stunning new gallery spaces with breathtaking views out to Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens. The combination of popular artworks, including Landseer’s Monarch of the Glen, contemporary fresh new decor and unrivalled city vistas make this impressive space perfect for a private view with a very Scottish story.
Capacity: Private View, 350
Rates: From £2500
Availability: Evenings
National | Gardens View
From Gardens View, your guests can take in majestic views of Edinburgh's skyline. Take in a panorama of this UNESCO World Heritage site while hosting breakfast meetings, formal dinners, or cocktail receptions. Guests can also enjoy a private view of 150 years of the best Scottish art in the new Scottish galleries.
Capacity: Reception 100, Dinner 40
Rates: From £2500 (+ VAT)
Availability: Evenings and out of hours
National | Main Entrance Gallery
This spacious gallery area is conveniently situated between the Hawthornden Lecture Theatre and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant and Main Entrance. Guests can enjoy a reception event before a film screening, conference, or a private view of the Scottish Collection Galleries.
Capacity: Reception 120-190
Rates: £1500
Availability: Evenings
National | Main Entrance
This grand entrance area is spacious and versatile, with incredible views across East Princes Street Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh. There is scope to add style and flair to make your guests’ arrival even more special, perhaps with a piper or a red carpet to ensure your event is top-class.
Capacity: Reception 180
Rates: From £2500
Availability: Evenings
National | Royal Scottish Academy Gallery Space
This space can be hired during summer exhibitions, and so includes an exclusive viewing of the artworks as well as a curator's introduction. Guests arrive through the majestic Princes Street entrance and ascend to the Sculpture Hall for the private view.
Capacity: Reception - Maximum capacities vary, please contact us for details.
Rates: from £2500
Availability: Evenings and out of hours. Please contact our events team for further details.
National | The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens, The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is available for exclusive evening events catered by restaurateurs Victor & Carina Contini. The restaurant can be transformed into a stunning event space with views overlooking the beautifully lit gardens.
Capacity: Reception 300, Dinner 180
Rates: Available on request
Availability: Evenings and out of hours
National | Hawthornden Lecture Theatre
This stylish conference space is located in the heart of the National and has comfortable tiered seating, full audio-visual support onsite and is only five minutes walk from Waverley train station.
Capacity: Theatre | Daytime 120, Nighttime 190
Rates: £800-£1650
Availability: Daytime, evenings and weekends
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Enquire about an event
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 60
Private parties | Up to 60
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 60 (500 using Outside Space)
Business meetings, conferences and lectures | Up to 16
Private parties | Up to 60
Rates: £450-£950 (from £2000 for Outside Space)
Portrait
This stunning gothic landmark with its impressive Great Hall mural featuring the greatest names in Scotland's history, is an impressive venue for exclusive receptions, dinners, experiences and scene setting.
Capacity:
Receptions and dinners | Up to 150
Business meetings | Up to 18
Private Parties | Up to 100
Rates: Up to £2500
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