Situated in the heart of Edinburgh and home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world.
Visiting the Scottish National Gallery
Those visiting the Scottish National Gallery will have their very own special experiences with the much-loved artworks of the nation's exceptional art collection, as we are limiting the number of visitors in each gallery at any one time. To manage this we've instituted a free, timed ticketing system. Admission is free, and tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
We have signed up to the Good to Go scheme to show we are committed to meeting current Scottish Government health and safety standards for our buildings and staff.
The Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery displays some of the greatest art in the world, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Velázquez, Rembrandt, Vermeer, van Dyck, Tiepolo, Landseer, Gainsborough, Constable, Turner, and Angelica Kauffmann amongst many others. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting – including Ramsay, Raeburn and Wilkie.
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.
Getting here
The Scottish National Gallery can be found just off Princes Street in the city centre.
In addition to the transport options below there are bike racks at each site and Just Eat Cycle Hire stations nearby.
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
About your visit
Opening times
Gallery Daily 10am-5pm.
Shop Daily 10am-5pm.
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant Daily 10am-5pm (last orders 4pm).
What's open
Most of the rooms in the gallery are now open for you to enjoy as part of your booked visit. Two of the upstairs galleries remain closed as part of the ongoing improvements for the Scottish National Gallery Project.
Contact
For general enquiries regarding your visit or gallery services:
+44 (0)131 624 6200
[email protected]
Your safety
We've instituted a free, timed ticketing system. Admission is free, and tickets should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. Everything you need to know about your visit can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Group visits
We are now welcoming schools and community groups of 10 or more to book free self-led visits to all our galleries.
Safety information
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We have signed up to Check In Scotland, a voluntary service which enables visitors to quickly and securely provide their contact details to asssist with COVID-19 contact tracing.
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We have signed up to the Good to Go scheme to show we are committed to meeting current Scottish Government health and safety standards for our buildings, staff and visitors.
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Admission is via a ticketed entry system. Booking is recommended. If you have not pre-booked, entry may be available on the day. Ask a member of staff onsite for details.
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We have instituted a programme of deep cleaning of the Galleries and will have staff onsite cleaning all touch points throughout the day.
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We ask that you respect physical distancing from others during your visit.
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We ask all visitors over the age of 12 to bring and wear a face covering. Our staff will be wearing face coverings.
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Hand sanitiser is available in key areas, along with increased cleaning regimes in toilets and other high use areas.
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We are admitting visitors coming into our galleries via hourly visitor slots. We hope that this will make you feel safe when re-engaging with much-loved artworks.
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If you or anyone you live with displays symptoms associated with COVID-19, please delay your visit until it is safe to do so.
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Download Smartify to access our highlights tour, large print labels and get more information about the artworks during your visit.
Smartify
Smartify
Download the app, scan the art, uncover the story.
Discover the stories behind the art with Smartify, the free informative art app. While our galleries are closed you can use the app to explore the artworks in the gallery and learn even more about the work and the artist.
Featured exhibitions and displays
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 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. Advance booking is preferred. Just follow the link below. Cafe Espresso on the gallery level will re-open in November.
Book hereGallery Shop
The shop at the Scottish National Gallery, 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. No gallery visit ticket required to enter.
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.