Free Family Trails
Explore the new Scottish galleries, together, with our Art Stomps (under 5s) and Art Chat (ages 6+) trails.
The gallery
Home to world-class international and Scottish art from 1300 to 1945
Open, free to all. Yours to discover.
Immerse yourself in this breath-taking art collection. Experience paintings by internationally renowned artists such as Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and the Impressionists. Explore the newly opened Scottish galleries where you can encounter the very best of Scottish art from 1800 to 1945. Marvel at spectacular views over Edinburgh and discover the work of pioneering artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys.
Enjoy food and drink at the gallery café and restaurant and browse our exciting range of art-inspired gifts and books in the gallery shop.
Whether you are new to the gallery, doing research or just passing by, the National welcomes everyone to explore art, make discoveries 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
Our partial Changing Places toilet has all of the facilities of a full Changing Places toilet, and though the floor area meets the overall size requirement (13.54m2 minimum), it is just a little too narrow to be classed as a full Changing Places toilet.
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
The new Scottish galleries at the National are now open and yours to discover. 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.
Families
Home to one of the greatest art collections in the world. The brand new Scottish galleries are ready for you to explore. Make a day of it and pack a picnic or sample the children's menu at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant.
Family Fridays
Fridays are for families! Every Friday during term-time we have new play activities, sensory spaces and, of course, hands-on making with artists.
Art Trolley
Pick up and play! You’ll find drawing materials, story books, cosy cushions, ear defenders, sketchbooks, paper and Sensory Bags – to help you make the most of a visit to the galleries!
Sensory Bags
In each bag you'll find lots of fun things that you can touch, smell and make sounds with – can you find the artwork that matches the objects?
BSL introduction
Presented by Trudi Collier, this short welcome film in British Sign Language (BSL) introduces the building and collections of the National.
Audio described introduction
This audio described introduction to the National features descriptions of the building and its layout, information about artworks on display and the facilities available.
A guide to accessing the National
Watch this short video and plan your visit to the National. The video introduces the buildings, the facilities, and the collection. It will also help you find the areas best suited to you.
We offer sensory-friendly events and resources created for and with autistic visitors, visitors with learning disabilities and those with additional sensory needs in mind.
Audio and visitor guides
Discover the stories behind the art with Smartify, the free informative art app. Use the app to explore the artworks in the gallery or let us guide you with one of our specially created guides.
Audio Guide
We have invited a wide range of diverse and exciting interviewees to share their perspectives and opinions about the works on display.
Audio Described Tour
Audio descriptions of selected artworks from across the National. Each artwork included on this tour is signified in the gallery by a large AD symbol and a QR code, situated below the artwork label.
British Sign Language Tour
Enjoy this British Sign Language (BSL) tour of Scottish artworks from the National. You can follow the tour in the gallery using your own smartphone or watch at home.
Scan and discover
Discover the stories behind the art with Smartify, the free informative art app. Use the app to scan artworks in the gallery and learn even more about the work and the artist.
Group visits
We welcome group visits to the galleries. Be inspired by the international art collection and special exhibitions, take part in activities and explore the resources available.
Featured exhibitions and displays
Book your tickets now
Exhibition
Coming Soon
The Printmaker's Art | Rembrandt to Rego
Royal Scottish Academy
Sat 2 Dec 2023 - Sun 25 Feb 2024
Open daily, 10am–5pm
£14 - £4 | Friends go free
Featured events
Our Friends
Special event
Friends Preview: The Printmaker's Art | Rembrandt to Rego
Royal Scottish Academy
Thu 30 Nov 2023
5:15 - 8:15pm
Booking required, Friends and guests
Booking essential
Drop-in event
Family Fridays
National
Every Fri during term time (until Dec 15)
10am - 12noon (ages 0–3) & 2 - 4pm (ages 4+)
Free
Free, drop-in
Lecture or talk
Cornelia Parker | The Printmaker's Art Opening Talk (in person)
National
Fri 1 Dec 2023
12:45 - 1:30pm
Free
Booking essential
Lecture or talk
Sir John Leighton | Some Moments to Remember (and a few to forget) Highlights from a Career in Museums (in person)
National
Thu 7 Dec 2023
12:45 - 1:30pm
Free
Booking essential
Restaurants
Cafés and shops
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Located at the main entrance to the National in East Princes Street Gardens, our restaurant offers incredible views east across the Gardens. The Scottish Cafe & 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 Cafe & Restaurant is via the Main Entrance in East Princes St. Gardens.
Avoid disappointment and book your table in advance. It is quick and easy and avoids having to queue when we are busy.
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 main entrance in East Princes St. Gardens.
Shop onlineCafe Espresso
Situated just inside the mound 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.
Portrait
The Portrait is just five minutes walk from the National. 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.