Discover one of the world’s finest collections of art at Scottish National Gallery, situated on the Mound, an artificial hill in the middle of the city. Designed by architect William Henry Playfair in the Neoclassical style, the gallery opened in 1859. Today, it houses Scottish and international art from the beginning of the Renaissance to the start of the 20th century. At the heart of the collection is a group of paintings transferred from the Royal Scottish Academy, including masterpieces by Jacopo Bassano, Anthony van Dyck, and Giambattista Tiepolo. The collection also includes notable works by Cézanne, Botticelli, Degas, El Greco, Monet, Goya, Gauguin, Raphael, Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Vermeer, to name just a few. Check online for special events and temporary exhibits. Use our Edinburgh online tour itinerary maker to arrange your visit to Scottish National Gallery and other attractions in Edinburgh.
Tours to Scottish National Gallery
Scottish National Gallery reviews
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Absolutely brilliant gallery . I was blown away by the fabulous paintings from the middle ages to contemporary art. Even better than the Tate in London in my opinion. And all free !
Absolutely brilliant gallery . I was blown away by the fabulous paintings from the middle ages to contemporary art. Even better than the Tate in London in my opinion. And all free ! more »
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Had some time to kill before my train and ventured in the National Gallery in Edinburgh. Loved the place and the brief explanations of what you were looking at and what was probably happening in each.... more
Had some time to kill before my train and ventured in the National Gallery in Edinburgh. Loved the place and the brief explanations of what you were looking at and what was probably happening in each.... more »
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Lovely place located in the heart of Edinburgh… the people working in there are very polite, happy and pleasant. They even lent me a chair to rest while waiting for my parents. The gallery is bright..... more
Lovely place located in the heart of Edinburgh… the people working in there are very polite, happy and pleasant. They even lent me a chair to rest while waiting for my parents. The gallery is bright..... more »
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This was an amazing visit. So much talent. Some of the paintings feel like they are alive and they could very well come out of the pictures. The artists have a keen eye for detail and fine mixing of different colors and textures to make their painting come to life to tell their story. Would definitely recommend seeing this gallery.
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A must visit if you come to Edinburgh, plus it’s free so who doesn’t like that! Since the museum is currently under construction the visit it’s definitely shorter but that doesn’t make it less enjoyable! Very nice with some beautiful art from some well known artists, and long explanations with every artwork! Worth a visit even while it's under construction.
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I really enjoyed my visit. The gallery in this building is not that big but the variety of paintings and eras is. Very different styles and painters' nationalities. It was very interesting and inspiring. I'm still in awe that this kind of museum has free entry, it is not the case in my country.
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Well worth visiting and free. In two separate buildings. One is more historically focused with paintings going back to the middle ages. The other is modern art focused. I much preferred that one, although the explanations next to the older pictures are very good.
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It's an accesible and intimate place for art lovers and those who are starting to discover the beauty of paintings. The works from some of the world's great artists are impressive and any visitor can appreciate them from most angles. An small and unobtrusive circular counter is strategically located where everyone can pick some merchandise as souvenirs during or after the visit. The front of the building can use some cleaning to add to the imposing entrance.
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