Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is one of Scotland’s top free visitor attractions. It houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century.

Spend an hour strolling around this peaceful setting and you’ll find masterpieces from Raphael, Velázquez and Vermeer to Monet, Cézanne and Van Gogh. For a nation of Scotland’s size, the collection is rightfully regarded as one of the very best in the world. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting. All the major names, including Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart, are represented in depth. Works on show include Raeburn’s much-loved The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch or, as it has become known, the ‘Skating Minister’.

Visit the interactive IT Gallery, join us for a tour, take part in a life drawing class, or bring the kids to a story telling session. There are activities and events to suit all ages.  See our What’s On guide for more details.

Why not round off your trip with delicious cake and coffee, or sample the very best in local Scottish produce at the award-winning Scottish Cafe & Restaurant?  The Garden Café offers a range of sweet treats and coffees, while our restaurant celebrates the very best ingredients from Scottish producers and growers.  Both are situated at the Gardens Entrance and offer spectacular views of Princes Street Gardens.  Finally, take some time to visit our gallery shop which stocks a wonderful selection of art books, prints, posters, postcards, jewelry and children’s toys.

Admission is free. A charge may be made for special exhibitions.

Opening Hours
Open daily 10am-5pm (6pm for August only).
Closed 25 and 26 December and open on 1 January from 12 noon

Artlink runs a service enabling people with disabilities resident in Edinburgh and the Lothians to visit arts venues in the city. To register, telephone 0131 229 3555. Please note that there is a waiting list for this service.