Discover one of the world’s finest collections of art at Scottish National Gallery, situated on the Mound, an artificial hill in the middle of the city. Designed by architect William Henry Playfair in the Neoclassical style, the gallery opened in 1859. Today, it houses Scottish and international art from the beginning of the Renaissance to the start of the 20th century. At the heart of the collection is a group of paintings transferred from the Royal Scottish Academy, including masterpieces by Jacopo Bassano, Anthony van Dyck, and Giambattista Tiepolo. The collection also includes notable works by Cézanne, Botticelli, Degas, El Greco, Monet, Goya, Gauguin, Raphael, Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Vermeer, to name just a few. Check online for special events and temporary exhibits. Use our Edinburgh online tour itinerary maker to arrange your visit to Scottish National Gallery and other attractions in Edinburgh.
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Tours to Scottish National Gallery
Scottish National Gallery reviews
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Terrific museum. The collection is relatively small but about a third of it is represented by great masters. I've seen their exhibition at Frick back in 2014 with the Botticelli, El Greco, Velazquez..... more
Terrific museum. The collection is relatively small but about a third of it is represented by great masters. I've seen their exhibition at Frick back in 2014 with the Botticelli, El Greco, Velazquez..... more »
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This is a small art museum with some very nice pieces. It took me about 45 minutes to walk around on the first and second floors. It is free of charge. The museum houses 1 of 36 Vermeers...one of...
This is a small art museum with some very nice pieces. It took me about 45 minutes to walk around on the first and second floors. It is free of charge. The museum houses 1 of 36 Vermeers...one of... more »
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Outstanding museum offering free entry. Make sure to see the Duchess of Lochnaw, She really is beautiful. Allocate a least a couple of hours.
Outstanding museum offering free entry. Make sure to see the Duchess of Lochnaw, She really is beautiful. Allocate a least a couple of hours. more »
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due to the works they are having the current exhibition is very small
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The best thing, it is a free entry. I and my flatmates really did enjoy time at this gallery. As they had huge selection of pictures with lots of stories to tell. Just looking at them sort of takes you back into those times and a person can just wonder what was like back then.
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Myself and my partner visited this Gallery while on holiday. While neither of us are very knowledgeable when it comes to the Art World we both enjoyed the Gallery. It is a great way to spend an hour or two. The entry is free. The information about the individual exhibits was concise and informative.
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I'm giving this three stars because, despite the exhibitions being very worthwhile, there's no disabled parking at the museum. Once you're at the entrance then it's fully accessible, but it's disappointing that with the refurbishment of the gallery no thought was put into maintaining some parking for blue badge holders as they used to have. The Turner exhibition is always worthwhile even though it's a smaller selection of work this year (Jan 2022).
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What an incredible experience. I found the descriptions clear and concise and helpful. I learned a lot. I still can't believe I was fortunate enough to experience all that beautiful historic art for free. And it is a beautiful location that offers a lovely cafe as well.
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