Art Spot
What... or who will you spot - when you take a visit to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery?
Hello, nice to see you here!
Here are some things to help you, and your family, get the most from a visit to the gallery - or support your art-making wherever you are!
You can:
- Plan your visit and find out everything we have to offer families who visit our galleries
- Download free family trails (inside and out!) or pick them up when you arrive
- Use your senses to explore the outdoor sculpture park
- See what family events we have coming up
- Find creative activities to try at home
Things to do at the gallery
Fun for families whatever the weather!
Walk, Talk, Make Sculpture Trail
You and your family can find out about the artists, their artworks and follow prompts to make your own art with this outdoor trail.
Art Stomps
Sculpture-hunting, leaf-kicking, outdoor art-making at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, specially made for the under fives!
Sensory Sculpture Stories
Stories to encourage you to use your senses to enjoy and experience the sculptures in the grounds of Modern One.
Draw & Explore
Draw & explore your way around the Scottish National Gallery with this downloadable sketchbook. Download here or pick up your copy at the gallery.
Events for families
Join in! We have a year round programme of free family activity for all ages and stages.
Your Visit
Seats
If you need to take a break, there are seats throughout the galleries and portable folding stools that you can take with you – just ask if you’re unsure.
Food and drink
For the safety of the artworks, eating and drinking in the galleries is not allowed. The grounds of Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art also make a perfect picnic spot. Princes Street Gardens, next to the Scottish National Gallery, is also a great place for a picnic. Children are also welcome in all our gallery cafés.
Access
Access for buggies and wheelchairs is available at the main entrances of the Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Modern One. For the Academy Building and Modern Two, please use the back entrance. All galleries have lifts.
Lockers
We have lockers available (£1/£2) and buggies are welcomed as are baby carriers.
Car parking
There is pay and display parking at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Charges apply. The Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery are served by city centre parking.
Accessibility
Our galleries
Scottish National Gallery
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh and home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world
Open daily, 10am-5pm
Modern One
An outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art, including a centenary Joan Eardley display
Open daily, 10am-5pm
Modern Two
Modern Two is currently closed. Our research facilities are open by appointment.
Closed
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Open daily, 10am-5pm
Things to do at home
Your Art World
Your Art World is an online community by and for 3-18 year olds: a place to think, wonder, create and share your art online. Find resources and open-ended challenges to inspire critical thinking, play and individual voice.
Art around you
Activities to help inspire your art-making, wherever you are. They require absolutely NO ART MATERIALS - just lots of creative thinking and imagination!
Holiday activities
A selection of new activity prompts and videos to help keep your family creative over the holidays, and beyond. They are inspired by the idea 'You Are Here' - let's make art that celebrates our time at home, with the people we care about most.
Art Stomps
This video series was made to accompany a series of live workshops at the gallery. We hope you enjoy the ideas, wherever you are! You can upload your art to the Your Art World gallery.
Art Stomps | Give
Outdoor art-making inspiration for you and your little one. In this film we look closely at a sculpture by Tracey Emin - and make gifts inspired by the marks, textures and shapes that we can see..
Art Stomps | Take notice
Outdoor art-making inspiration for you and your little one. In this film we'll be zooming up close to spot different marks and textures in this sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, and then creating our own!
Art Stomps | Be active
Outdoor art-making inspiration for you and your little one. In this film we'll be using our whole bodies to make art with chalk, toy cars, balls, paint, straws and marbles!
Art Stomps | Connect
Outdoor art-making inspiration for you and your little one. In this film we'll be giving you tips to create your own nature-inspired installations in your nearest green space.
Don’t miss out!
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