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National Galleries Scotland: National

ArchitectureArtClosed · Opens 10amFreeEdinburgh Waverley (rail, 5 min walk)

The National (formerly the Scottish National Gallery) is Scotland's national gallery of fine art, housed in William Henry Playfair's neoclassical building on the Mound, opened in 1859. It shows world-class European and Scottish art from about 1300 to 1945, from Titian, Velázquez, Rembrandt and Canova's Three Graces to the Impressionists, Van Gogh, Raeburn, Wilkie and the Glasgow Boys. Linked underground to the neighbouring Royal Scottish Academy building, where the major ticketed exhibitions are staged, it sits between Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town with sweeping city views.

What's On

Now
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL, United Kingdom

Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley (rail, 5 min walk), Princes Street tram stop (Mound), Princes Street buses (all city-centre routes)

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
Wed10:00–17:00
ThuToday10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

Free

Free admission to the collection and displays; some exhibitions are ticketed (e.g. Catherine Opie at the Royal Scottish Academy, £3.50-£14).

Accessibility

Wheelchair access, accessible toilets, partial Changing Places toilet, wheelchairs available; two accessible parking spaces bookable in advance. Small lockers only, no large-luggage storage.

Nearby

The Writers' Museum

Local HistoryFree2 min walk

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Children2 min walk

Stills: Centre for Photography

ArtFree4 min walk

Fruitmarket

ArtFree4 min walk

Visitor Information

Is National Galleries Scotland: National free to visit?
Yes, general admission to National Galleries Scotland: National is free. Free admission to the collection and displays; some exhibitions are ticketed (e.g. Catherine Opie at the Royal Scottish Academy, £3.50-£14).. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of National Galleries Scotland: National?
National Galleries Scotland: National is open Open daily, 10am-5pm (last admission 4.45pm); closed 25 December. Scottish Café & Restaurant 10am-5pm (last orders 4pm), Café Espresso 10am-4pm.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is National Galleries Scotland: National?
National Galleries Scotland: National is located at The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL, United Kingdom, in the The Mound / Princes Street area of Edinburgh. The nearest stations are Edinburgh Waverley (rail, 5 min walk), Princes Street tram stop (Mound), Princes Street buses (all city-centre routes).
What can I see at National Galleries Scotland: National?
Playfair's temple to art on the Mound: Titian, Vermeer, Velázquez, Van Gogh and the best of Scottish painting, free. Current highlights include Norham Castle, Sunrise, The Glasgow Boys 1880–1900, Catherine Opie: To Be Seen.
Do I need to book National Galleries Scotland: National in advance?
National Galleries Scotland: National is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free admission to the collection and displays; some exhibitions are ticketed (e.g. Catherine Opie at the Royal Scottish Academy, £3.50-£14).. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit National Galleries Scotland: National?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is National Galleries Scotland: National accessible?
Wheelchair access, accessible toilets, partial Changing Places toilet, wheelchairs available; two accessible parking spaces bookable in advance. Small lockers only, no large-luggage storage.

M J Richardson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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