Scottish National Gallery

If you’re interested in art, and especially painting, you definitely shouldn’t miss the Scottish National Gallery while you’re in Edinburgh.

An essential visit in Edinburgh

The Scottish National Gallery is one of Edinburgh’s most important museums and a highly recommended visit if you are interested in art or painting, or simply want to step inside one of the city’s great cultural buildings.

It stands on The Mound, between the Old Town and the New Town, right next to Princes Street Gardens and close to the Royal Mile, Princes Street, the Scott Monument and Waverley Station. It is so central that it’s easy to fit into any route around Edinburgh. It’s also a stop on our walk from the Royal Mile to Dean Village.

What’s more, general admission is free, which makes it a perfect stop if it rains, if you want a break during your visit, or if you are looking for a cultural plan without leaving the centre.

The collection

This striking neoclassical building houses the largest fine art collection in Scotland, with outstanding works from the Renaissance to the early 20th century by many important Scottish and international artists.

Roam the huge galleries on the ground floor to see the works of the Old Masters, including Raphael, Velázquez, Vermeer, Poussin, Van Dyck and Rubens.

If you prefer Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting, head upstairs to see works by Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Seurat and Gauguin, among others.

Don’t forget the lower level, home to the largest collection of Scottish art in the world, including the famous Skating Minister by Henry Raeburn, as well as works by Wilkie, McTaggart and Ramsay.

Practical information

Opening hours

Daily

10am–5pm

Last entry 4.45pm.

Entry

Free. Donations welcome. Some special exhibitions are ticketed.

Events and facilities

As well as enjoying the collection, you can join activities such as life drawing classes or storytelling sessions, or do something more conventional, like a guided tour of the gallery. Check the website for upcoming events.

If you want to take a break, head down to the Playfair Project, the underground link between the National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy, another of Edinburgh’s great art venues.

Here you will find a gift shop selling art prints, books, jewellery and fashion, a café-restaurant and an education area. You can also walk straight out into Princes Street Gardens.

If you enjoy the Scottish National Gallery, don’t miss the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, all run by the same public organisation.

How long to spend at the gallery

For a general visit, allow an hour to an hour and a half. That’s enough time to see the main rooms and the most famous works and enjoy the building without rushing.

If you are very interested in art, spend two hours or more, especially if you want to linger over the Scottish collection, the European masters and the temporary exhibitions.

If you are short of time, a quick 30–40 minute visit focused on the highlights is also possible, such as An Old Woman Cooking Eggs, The Skating Minister and some of the Impressionist paintings.

Is the Scottish National Gallery worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. It is one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh and a perfect choice whether you love art or simply want a cultural break in the city centre.

It is a manageable size, entry is free and the location means you can pop in even if you only have an hour. It is also especially useful on rainy or cold days, when an indoor plan close to the Old Town and New Town is very welcome.