Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery is home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world.
We have embarked upon an ambitious project to dramatically improve the way we present Scotland's art and enhance the visitor experience at the Scottish National Gallery. Visit this page to find out more about this project, or visit this page to find out how the project might affect your visit.
Please note that, throughout the day on Wednesday 17 October, there will be activities taking place for children and families, resulting in a busy Gallery. These activities will be based in rooms 12 and 13, meaning access to these rooms will be limited.
- Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm
- Free admission | Charge for some exhibitions
- The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
- enquiries@nationalgalleries.org
Getting here
The Scottish National Gallery can be found just off Princes Street in the city centre.
The Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery displays some of the greatest art in the world, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Constable, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh and Gauguin, amongst many others. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting – all the major names, including Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart, are represented.
The Scottish National Gallery comprises both the National Gallery Building and the Royal Scottish Academy Building. Both of these buildings, designed by William Henry Playfair, stand in the heart of Edinburgh. Although originally built as separate structures, their histories have long been intertwined, and, since 2004, they have been physically connected by the underground Gardens Level.
National Galleries of Scotland are holders of a Green Tourism Gold award. This is the highest level award and demonstrates that we are an organisation committed to being an environmentally responsible visitor attraction, which champion sustainable practises within their operations and promote green tourism. The Galleries were scored on a number of categories covering everything from how our buildings are managed, biodiversity on our grounds to social and equality issues. Find out more about Green Tourism.
Accessibility & facilities
In order to protect our vulnerable works of art from any kind of accidental damage we kindly ask all visitors to either carry their rucksack/backpack by hand or place it in a locker.
Cafés & restaurants
The Scottish Café & Restaurant
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm +44 (0)131 225 1550 thescottishcafe@contini.com
Celebrating the very best ingredients from Scottish producers and growers, The Scottish Café & Restaurant offers delicious, fresh, simple, good value food in a beautiful setting.
We are delighted that The Scottish Café & Restaurant has been 'hitlisted' by the List Eating & Driking Guide 2018/19 as one of the best places to eat of its kind in Edinburgh.
Garden Café
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm +44 (0)131 225 1550 thescottishcafe@contini.com
The Garden Café offers fresh coffee and sweet-treats. Either relax in our informal café or take out and enjoy in Princes Street gardens.