National

Overview

Open daily, 10am–5pm

Free admission

The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL

[email protected]

Room closures will be happening throughout the National this summer while we finalise the new, fully accessible spaces for your Scottish art collection. Find out more about room closures.

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.

See all exhibitions and displays at the National

See all artworks on display at the National

Getting here

Getting here

The National can be found just off Princes Street in the city centre.

Venue map
  • Open daily, 10am–5pm
The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL

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. 

  • Wifi
  • Wheelchair access
  • Accessible toilets
  • Wheelchairs available
  • Public toilets
  • Lockers (£1/£2)
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Seating throughout
  • Bike rack
  • Café
  • Restaurant
About your visit

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.

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.

See more video tours
Featured exhibitions and displays

Featured exhibitions and displays

Display

Painting as Spectacle

National

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Admission free

Display

Southern Baroque 1580–1680

National

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Admission free

Display

Italian Renaissance 1470–1600

National

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Admission free

Display

Scottish Art 1670–1840

National

Open daily, 10am-5pm

Admission free

Celebrating Scotland's art

Celebrating Scotland's art

While construction work is ongoing at the Scottish National Gallery we have been busy delivering a full programme of activities, inviting people to discover and connect with historic Scottish art. 

Learn more about this exciting work and access a range of material that you can use to explore the Scottish art collection for yourself.

Featured events

Featured events

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

Open daily, 10am-5pm (last orders 4pm). +44 (0)131 225 1550

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 here

Gallery Shop

Open daily, 10am-5pm. +44 (0)131 624 6494

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 online

Cafe Espresso

Open daily, 10am-4pm +44 (0)131 225 1550

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

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.

Venue hire

Venue hire

Situated in the very heart of Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery is one of the most prestigious venues for events.

About us

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.