Must see
Exhibition
Bridget Riley
National
Until Sun 22 Sep 2019
Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm
£13.00
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery is home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world.
Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm
Free admission | Charge for some exhibitions
The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
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.
Gallery bus
The Gallery bus shuttles visitors between the three gallery sites, for a voluntary donation of £1, starting and returning to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One). The bus is able to accomodate one wheelchair.
Pick-up and drop-off points
Modern One - front of building
Modern Two - rear of building
Portrait - drop-off only at west St Andrew Square. Three minutes walk from the Gallery
National - The Mound
Arrival/departure times
Please note these times are approximate.
| Modern One arrive | Modern One depart | Modern Two depart | Portrait (drop off only) | National arrive | National depart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:45am | 11am | 11:01am | 11:15am | 11:20am | 11:30am |
| 11:45am | 12noon | 12:01pm | 12:15pm | 12:20pm | 12:30pm |
| 12:45pm | 2pm | 2:01pm | 2:15pm | 2:20pm | 2:30pm |
| 2:45pm | 3pm | 3:01pm | 3:15pm | 3:20pm | 3:30pm |
| 3:45pm | 4pm | 4:01pm | 4:15pm | 4:20pm | 4:30pm |
| 4:45pm terminates at Modern One |
Accessibility & facilities
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.
Find out more about disabled access at the Scottish National Gallery
Admissions
Cost
Free admission | Charge for some exhibitions
Opening times
Open daily, 10am - 5pm, Thursday until 7 pm
Contact
For general enquiries regarding your visit or gallery services:
+44 (0)131 624 6200
[email protected]
Your safety
For safety reasons we kindly ask all visitors to carry rucksacks or backpacks by hand or use one of the lockers.
Groups of 10 or more
We are currently unable to take group bookings at the Scottish National Gallery due to an ambitious project to dramatically improve the way we present Scotland's art. There is a full activity schedule at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art .
Featured exhibitions and displays
Display
Scottish Art 1670 — 1840
National
Until Fri 28 Feb 2020
Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm
Free
Display
Italian Renaissance 1470 — 1600
National
Until Wed 30 Sep 2020
Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm
Free
Display
Dutch and Flemish Art 1600 — 1700
National
Until Fri 28 Feb 2020
Open daily, 10am-5pm, Thursdays until 7pm
Free
Featured events
Tour
Bridget Riley: Nocturne Exhibition Tours
National
Thursdays from 25 Jul - 29 Aug and on 19 Sep
Free
+6 other sessions
Tour
SOLD OUT
Gallery Social: Bridget Riley (for anyone affected by dementia)
National
Fri 26 Jul 2019
10:30am - 12 noon
Free
Cafés & shops
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Until August 2019, the Scottish Cafe & Restaurant will be temporarily closed. Café facilities will be relocated in the building whilst the Scottish National Gallery Project work continues.
The award-winning Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is run by the Contini family and is located at the gardens level entrance to the Scottish National Gallery with incredible views across Princes Street Gardens towards Waverley Bridge. Victor and Carina Contini are committed to sustainable practices and buy direct from a trusted network of over 70 Scottish artisan suppliers. The food offer is seasonal with an emphasis on tradition and taste.
Espresso
Espresso is located in the foyer of the Mound entrance to the Scottish National Gallery, and offers hot and cold drinks, delicious homebaking and light snacks. Either relax in our informal café or take out and enjoy.
Shops
The main shop will be closed for refurbishment until August 2019 whilst the Scottish National Gallery Project work commences.
There is a souvenir shop in room 5 on the ground level of the Scottish National Gallery and a shop near the front of the Royal Scottish Academy. Each shop is home to a range of art-inspired products including a fantastic selection of prints, posters, books, stationery and gifts.
Shop online
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.