The gallery
Open to all seekers of art, culture, and relaxation
Here is a collection of art for you to immerse yourself in. Experience artworks from some of the greatest artists of all time including Titian, Rembrandt and Constable. Dive deeper into Scottish history with painters like Raeburn and Traquair. Enjoy food and drink at the gallery café and restaurant and pick up a stylish memento from the shop.
Whether you are new to the gallery, doing research or just passing by, the National welcomes everyone to explore artworks, discover new things or just simply take time to unwind.
Getting here
Getting here
The National can be found just off Princes Street in the city centre.
Accessibility
Accessibility & 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 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.
Floor plan
Gallery floor plans
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
Room closures will be happening throughout the National this summer while we finalise the new, fully accessible spaces for your Scottish art collection. 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.
Smartify
Smartify
Download the app, scan the art, uncover the story.
Discover the stories behind the art with Smartify, the free informative art app. Use the app to explore the artworks in the gallery and learn even more about the work and the artist.
Tour of Nineteenth Century Scottish Painting at the Scottish National Gallery
Deputy Director and Chief Curator Tricia Allerston introduces our display of nineteenth-century Scottish paintings at the Scottish National Gallery. This tour gives you an insight into some of the highlights of this part of the collection, including work by artists such as William McTaggart, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Arthur Melville and James Paterson.
Featured exhibitions and displays
Featured events
Music concert
Live Music Now | Amy & Miguel
National
Thu 1 Jun 2023
6 - 6:30pm
Free
Lecture or talk
Walter Geikie | The Life and Labour of Scottish Streets (in person)
National
Tue 6 Jun 2023
12:45 - 1:30pm
Free
Booking essential
Our Friends
Lecture or talk
Rediscovering Phoebe Anna Traquair
National
Thu 15 Jun 2023
6 - 8pm
£14, Friends and guests
Booking opens Wed 7 June, 10am
Lecture or talk
Taylor Wessing | Curator talk: Eva Eicker and Cian Oba-Smith (in person)
National
Fri 16 Jun 2023
12:45 - 1:30pm
Free
Booking essential
Restaurants
Cafés and shops
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Located at the gardens level entrance to the Scottish National Gallery, our restaurant offers incredible views east across Princes Street Gardens. The Scottish Café & 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 Café & Restaurant is via the East Princes Street Gardens Entrance.
Avoid disappointment and book your table in advance. It is quick and easy and avoids having to queue when we are busy. Just follow the link below.
Book hereGallery Shop
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 East Princes Street Gardens Entrance.
Shop onlineCafe Espresso
Situated just inside the 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
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.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is just five minutes walk from the Scottish National Gallery. Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future. The perfect compliment to your visit.
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.