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National Galleries of Scotland: National — Attraction in City of Edinburgh

Name
National Galleries of Scotland: National
Description
The National is the national art gallery of Scotland. It is located on The Mound in central Edinburgh, close to Princes Street. The building was designed in a neoclassical style by William Henry Playfair, and first opened to the public in 1859.
Nearby attractions
Princes Street Gardens
Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG, United Kingdom
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Scott Monument
E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, United Kingdom
The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture
The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom
The Writers' Museum
Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA, United Kingdom
The Real Mary King's Close
2 Warriston's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, United Kingdom
Museum on the Mound
The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ, United Kingdom
The Edinburgh Dungeon
31 Market Place, Edinburgh EH1 1DF, United Kingdom
St Giles' Cathedral
High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
Nearby restaurants
Makars Mash Bar
9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN, United Kingdom
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant
Scottish National Gallery, The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom
Whiski Rooms
4-7 N Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LP, United Kingdom
YO! Edinburgh Princes St
First Floor, 78 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2ER, United Kingdom
The Booking Office - JD Wetherspoon
17 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, United Kingdom
The Witchery
352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, United Kingdom
Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips
9 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HE, United Kingdom
The Devil's Advocate
9 Advocate's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, United Kingdom
Dishoom Edinburgh
3a St Andrew Sq, Edinburgh EH2 2BD, United Kingdom
Mowgli Street Food Edinburgh
20 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2EN, United Kingdom
Nearby hotels
Motel One Edinburgh Royal
18 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1BL, United Kingdom
Castle Rock Hostel
15 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW, United Kingdom
Old Waverley Hotel
43 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2BY, United Kingdom
Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Waverley) hotel
24 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2QA, United Kingdom
Destiny Scotland Hanover Apartments
4 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2EN, United Kingdom
Fraser Suites Edinburgh
12, 24 St Giles' St, Edinburgh EH1 1PT, United Kingdom
Grassmarket Hotel
94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR, United Kingdom
InterContinental Edinburgh the George by IHG
19 - 21 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PB, United Kingdom
Travelodge Edinburgh Central Rose Street
37-43 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2NH, United Kingdom
Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh
1 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD, United Kingdom
Related posts
National Galleries: A "Utopia" from Obsession to Love​​
Keywords
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National Galleries of Scotland: National things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
National Galleries of Scotland: National
United KingdomScotlandCity of EdinburghNational Galleries of Scotland: National

Basic Info

National Galleries of Scotland: National

The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom
4.6(6.3K)
Closed
Save
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Ratings & Description

Info

The National is the national art gallery of Scotland. It is located on The Mound in central Edinburgh, close to Princes Street. The building was designed in a neoclassical style by William Henry Playfair, and first opened to the public in 1859.

Cultural
Family friendly
Accessibility
attractions: Princes Street Gardens, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument, The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, The Writers' Museum, The Real Mary King's Close, Museum on the Mound, The Edinburgh Dungeon, St Giles' Cathedral, restaurants: Makars Mash Bar, The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant, Whiski Rooms, YO! Edinburgh Princes St, The Booking Office - JD Wetherspoon, The Witchery, Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips, The Devil's Advocate, Dishoom Edinburgh, Mowgli Street Food Edinburgh
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Phone
+44 131 624 6200
Website
nationalgalleries.org
Open hoursSee all hours
Tue10 AM - 5 PMClosed

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Reviews

Nearby attractions of National Galleries of Scotland: National

Princes Street Gardens

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Edinburgh Castle

Scott Monument

The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture

The Writers' Museum

The Real Mary King's Close

Museum on the Mound

The Edinburgh Dungeon

St Giles' Cathedral

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens

4.7

(10.4K)

Open until 9:35 PM
Click for details
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

4.6

(6.2K)

Open until 9:00 PM
Click for details
Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

4.6

(33.1K)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Scott Monument

Scott Monument

4.7

(2.7K)

Closed
Click for details

Things to do nearby

Whisky Tasting & Storytelling
Whisky Tasting & Storytelling
Tue, Dec 9 • 5:15 PM
Edinburgh, EH1 1DR, United Kingdom
View details
Small Group Size Harry Potter Tour
Small Group Size Harry Potter Tour
Wed, Dec 10 • 10:00 AM
Edinburgh, EH1, United Kingdom
View details
Explore the castle with your guide
Explore the castle with your guide
Wed, Dec 10 • 1:30 PM
Edinburgh, EH1 1RF, United Kingdom
View details

Nearby restaurants of National Galleries of Scotland: National

Makars Mash Bar

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant

Whiski Rooms

YO! Edinburgh Princes St

The Booking Office - JD Wetherspoon

The Witchery

Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips

The Devil's Advocate

Dishoom Edinburgh

Mowgli Street Food Edinburgh

Makars Mash Bar

Makars Mash Bar

4.8

(3.8K)

Click for details
The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant

4.3

(629)

Click for details
Whiski Rooms

Whiski Rooms

4.5

(1.2K)

$$

Click for details
YO! Edinburgh Princes St

YO! Edinburgh Princes St

4.0

(1.2K)

Click for details
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Reviews of National Galleries of Scotland: National

4.6
(6,315)
avatar
5.0
1y

The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) comprise several world-renowned art galleries located in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. These galleries collectively house an extensive and diverse collection of artworks spanning centuries and encompassing various styles, genres, and cultures.

The main galleries within the NGS include:

The Scottish National Gallery: Situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Princes Street, the Scottish National Gallery is home to a remarkable collection of Scottish and international art dating from the Renaissance to the present day. Visitors can admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet, as well as works by prominent Scottish painters like Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: Located in two separate buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, this gallery showcases modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The collection includes works by major artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Dali, and Warhol, as well as contemporary Scottish artists like Eduardo Paolozzi and Douglas Gordon.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery: Housed in a stunning neoclassical building in Edinburgh's New Town, this gallery is dedicated to portraiture and features an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs depicting prominent figures from Scotland's past and present. Visitors can explore portraits of historical figures, royalty, artists, writers, and other influential personalities who have shaped Scotland's cultural heritage.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Two): This gallery, located in a striking modernist building, focuses on contemporary and conceptual art, including works by leading contemporary Scottish artists and international practitioners. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year, providing visitors with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge artistic practices and ideas.

Together, the National Galleries of Scotland offer visitors a rich and immersive cultural experience, showcasing the best of Scottish and international art across diverse periods and styles. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the NGS galleries provide endless opportunities for discovery, inspiration, and appreciation of the...

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avatar
1.0
1y

Great exhibit to look round. However our experience took a turn for the worst when we bumped into an angry old troll. Male guard grey pony made a point to follow me and my 3 young sons around the lower floor exhibit. He was extremely intimidating, actively following us, searching/ seeking us out to watch even from behind pillars and trying to be confrontational at any given opportunity. Totally bizarre and uncomfortable experience. Made us all feel unwelcomed, uncomfortable, threatened and intimidated. My son was looking at the paintings and everytime he would shout towards us and only targeted us while we were there. Your standing to close he was bellowing. I would understand if they were actually doing something wrong. However they were not they were looking at the exhibits and all were very well behaved. They were doing nothing different to all the other art spectators and adults in that room. Everyone was standing around in the gallery looking at the art. They were no closer to the art when admiring the painting then any other individual in the room. He really did ruin the experience. He immediately made a bee line for us and intimidated us the entire time we were on that floor to the point me and my sons wanted to leave as it was that un welcoming. You could sense his hostility towards us in the environment and his behaviour and intimidation towards myself and sons whom are aged aged 14 and 10. My sons were amazing despite this man's intimidation towards us. I made a verbal complaint on the day doubt anything come of it or if it was taken seriously. Just a warning to other parents with children looking to enjoy art beware of the man with the grey pony he has a problem and is not a nice person. Everyone else encountered was lovely which is why this experience...

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avatar
5.0
42w

🌟 A Treasure Trove of Art: National Gallery of Scotland 🌟

My visit to the National Gallery of Scotland was nothing short of spectacular. Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this gallery is a haven for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a stunning collection of artworks that span centuries, from the Renaissance to modern masterpieces.

The gallery's layout is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to navigate through the various rooms and exhibits. Highlights of my visit included works by Titian, Rembrandt, and Turner, each piece offering a unique glimpse into the past. The Scottish art section was particularly captivating, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the nation.

One of the best aspects of the National Gallery is the free admission, allowing everyone to experience the beauty of these timeless artworks. However, I highly recommend donating if you can, as it helps maintain this cultural gem for future generations.

Pro Tip: Plan your visit during the early hours or on weekdays to avoid the crowds. The gallery can get quite busy, especially during weekends and holidays. Also, take advantage of the guided tours—they provide fascinating insights into the artworks and their historical context.

Despite the bustling atmosphere, the gallery offers plenty of quiet corners where you can sit and reflect on the art. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and provide information.

Overall, my visit to the National Gallery of Scotland was an enriching and inspiring experience. Whether you're an art aficionado or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, this gallery is a must-visit. Can't wait to return and...

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10+ things to do in Edinburgh ⬇️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Save for later! 🛍 Explore Victoria Street 🍃 Visit Dean Village 🎪 Wander Circus Lane 🌅 Watch the sunset from Calton Hill ☕️ Coffee at The Milkman 📚 Pop into Armchair Books 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Admire Scott Monument 🖊 Visit The Writer’s Museum ⛲️ See Ross Fountain 🏰 Explore Edinburgh Castle This is by no means a comprehensive list! Some other ideas include: 🥃 Johnnie Walker experience 🚶‍♂️ Hike up Arthur’s Seat 📸 Camera Obscura & World of Illusions 🍴 Drink and dine at Bonnie & Wild market 🪄 Explore the Department of Magic 🌍 Visit Dynamic Earth 🥃 Scotch Whisky experience 🌸 Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens 🖼 Visit the Scottish National Gallery 🚘 Day trip to North Berwick or St Andrews Remember to save for later if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh ☺️ ——— #edinburgh #visitedinburgh #edinburghcity #thisisedinburgh #edinburghlife #edinburghscotland #hiddenedinburgh #edinburghbloggers #circuslane #edinburgh_snapshots #igersedinburgh #visitscotland #unlimitedscotland #hiddenscotland #lovescotland #onlyinscotland #scotland_ig #scotlandtrip #scotlandtravel #discoverscotland #thisisscotland #visitbritain #lovegreatbritain #photosofbritain #unlimitedbritain #ukshots #bestunitedkingdom #sheisnotlost #darlingescapes #femmetravel
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10 things to do in Edinburgh when it rains (because it rains a lot in Edinburgh!) ☔️ Save for later! 💛 1. Sip a cosy coffee at The Milkman ☕️ 2. Visit the Scottish National Gallery 🖼 3. Enjoy the Scotch Whisky Experience 🥃 4. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens 🌸 5. Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions 📸 6. Indulge in afternoon tea at The Balmoral 🫖 7. See a performance at The Edinburgh Playhouse 🎭 8. Go to the pub 🍺 9. Wander the National Museum of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 10. Tour the Edinburgh Gin Distillery 🍸 📍 Video location: Circus Lane, Edinburgh ——— #edinburgh #visitedinburgh #edinburghcity #thisisedinburgh #edinburghlife #edinburghscotland #hiddenedinburgh #edinburghbloggers #circuslane #edinburgh_snapshots #igersedinburgh #visitscotland #unlimitedscotland #hiddenscotland #lovescotland #onlyinscotland #scotland_ig #scotlandtrip #scotlandtravel #discoverscotland #thisisscotland #visitbritain #lovegreatbritain #photosofbritain #unlimitedbritain #ukshots #bestunitedkingdom #sheisnotlost #darlingescapes #femmetravel
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Get the Appoverlay
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10+ things to do in Edinburgh ⬇️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Save for later! 🛍 Explore Victoria Street 🍃 Visit Dean Village 🎪 Wander Circus Lane 🌅 Watch the sunset from Calton Hill ☕️ Coffee at The Milkman 📚 Pop into Armchair Books 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Admire Scott Monument 🖊 Visit The Writer’s Museum ⛲️ See Ross Fountain 🏰 Explore Edinburgh Castle This is by no means a comprehensive list! Some other ideas include: 🥃 Johnnie Walker experience 🚶‍♂️ Hike up Arthur’s Seat 📸 Camera Obscura & World of Illusions 🍴 Drink and dine at Bonnie & Wild market 🪄 Explore the Department of Magic 🌍 Visit Dynamic Earth 🥃 Scotch Whisky experience 🌸 Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens 🖼 Visit the Scottish National Gallery 🚘 Day trip to North Berwick or St Andrews Remember to save for later if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh ☺️ ——— #edinburgh #visitedinburgh #edinburghcity #thisisedinburgh #edinburghlife #edinburghscotland #hiddenedinburgh #edinburghbloggers #circuslane #edinburgh_snapshots #igersedinburgh #visitscotland #unlimitedscotland #hiddenscotland #lovescotland #onlyinscotland #scotland_ig #scotlandtrip #scotlandtravel #discoverscotland #thisisscotland #visitbritain #lovegreatbritain #photosofbritain #unlimitedbritain #ukshots #bestunitedkingdom #sheisnotlost #darlingescapes #femmetravel
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10 things to do in Edinburgh when it rains (because it rains a lot in Edinburgh!) ☔️ Save for later! 💛 1. Sip a cosy coffee at The Milkman ☕️ 2. Visit the Scottish National Gallery 🖼 3. Enjoy the Scotch Whisky Experience 🥃 4. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens 🌸 5. Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions 📸 6. Indulge in afternoon tea at The Balmoral 🫖 7. See a performance at The Edinburgh Playhouse 🎭 8. Go to the pub 🍺 9. Wander the National Museum of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 10. Tour the Edinburgh Gin Distillery 🍸 📍 Video location: Circus Lane, Edinburgh ——— #edinburgh #visitedinburgh #edinburghcity #thisisedinburgh #edinburghlife #edinburghscotland #hiddenedinburgh #edinburghbloggers #circuslane #edinburgh_snapshots #igersedinburgh #visitscotland #unlimitedscotland #hiddenscotland #lovescotland #onlyinscotland #scotland_ig #scotlandtrip #scotlandtravel #discoverscotland #thisisscotland #visitbritain #lovegreatbritain #photosofbritain #unlimitedbritain #ukshots #bestunitedkingdom #sheisnotlost #darlingescapes #femmetravel
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