Scottish National Gallery
The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH2 2EL
Set within an imposing neoclassical building, this museum presents an impressive collection of artwork spanning the Renaissance to the 20th century. Works by European masters, such as Titian, Monet, Rembrandt, and van Gogh, are complemented by a collection of Scottish works that includes pieces from Allan Ramsay and Sir Henry Raeburn.
The Basics
Because of its central location on the Mound between Edinburgh Old Town and New Town, the exterior of the Scottish National Gallery building is often seen during guided walking tours of Edinburgh. Of course, to explore the gallery’s collections, it’s necessary to venture inside. Visitors can browse permanent and special exhibitions independently or join free drop-in tours, talks, and workshops, which take place on select dates.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Scottish National Gallery is a must for art enthusiasts.
Don’t missThe Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, also known asThe Skating Minister, one of Scotland’s most famous artworks.
A restaurant, café, and shop are located at the National Gallery.
The National Gallery of Scotland is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The ScottishNational Gallery sits on the Mound, an artificial hill connecting Edinburgh Old Town to the New Town. From Edinburgh Waverley Station, it is just a 5-minute walk to the gallery. Take the Waverley Bridge exit and stroll through Princes Street Gardens.
When to Get There
The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and until 7pm on Thursdays. Afternoons tend to be busier, especially on summer weekends, so get there first thing to avoid the rush.
Gallery-Hopping at the Scottish National Galleries
The Scottish National Gallery is one of three institutions—together with the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery—that make up the National Galleries of Scotland. Visitors who want to gallery-hop between the three locations can use the wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus that travels between them.
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