Trip Planner: Europe / UK / Scotland / Edinburgh / Museums / Scottish National Gallery

Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

4.3

#5 of 55 in Museums in Edinburgh

Art Museum Museum

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 vacation generator to visit Scottish National Gallery on your trip to Edinburgh, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.

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Where to stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh hides a maze of cobbled streets dotted with boutique hotels offering inexpensive rooms and outstanding restaurants. Many of the city's Gothic buildings house chic hotels with easy access to most of the city’s main tourist sites. For a uniquely Scottish experience, consider staying in the famous old town. Despite being in this historical district, many hotels here feature contemporary decor with lots of glass walls and muted color schemes. They’re also known for offering spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and restaurants serving classic European cuisine, with a modern Scottish twist.

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3,852 reviews

Google

4.2

Carolie2014

It is hard to bring 3 teenage boys to a museum... here they enjoyed the selection of great art, arranged to catch their imagination. Well done!! As an art major myself, many decades ago, I too appreci... more »
ruthiebabeCheshire

One of the best museums we have ever visited.Beautifulbuilding. Gods variety of exhibitions. Well worth a visit. more »
Stephanie G

We spent a couple of hours looking through this museum. They have works by Scottish artists (McTaggart, for example), as well as works by Monet, Van Gogh, etc. more »

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Dilupa Samarakoon

Such a beautiful place with amazing sunlight pouring in that helps appreciate the art. There are a few Raphael, Degas and Monet pieces that are a must see! Oh best to spend at least an hour or 2 in there if u really want to see everything.

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John Tait

I first came here as a Sunday treat when I was a wee laddie in the 1950s. I was at Heriot Watt Uni on Chambers Street in the 1970s and often dropped in. Several rebuilds later the Museum is better than ever and I still recognize some of the exhibits from way back. A great visit yet again.

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Shrinath Valsang

Wonderful collection of selected artworks articulately placed. Very neat and clean gallery. Proudly upheld its 'national gallery' status!

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Timothy Bates

A very well curated collection, beautiful building, and some exceptional pieces: the Rembrandt self portrait, for example. Will leave you uplifted and thoughtful. Oh, and it's free!

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David Wiles

The exhibits had information telling you about the art work, which was great in understanding and appreciating the art work and also there were seating for people with mobility difficulties and the great names of art were all there. It also helped me with my mental health

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