National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
View on Google MapsPhoto: Jagruti
About National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Discover Scotland's finest portrait collection in this fully accessible Edinburgh gallery, where families with pushchairs and wheelchairs can easily explore centuries of faces and stories.
What's nearby
- Ultrasound Direct Edinburgh next door
- The New Town Hotel next door
- Harvey Nichols Edinburgh next door
- Scott Monument 350m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Such a lovely gallery! It’s one that you can spend 1-2 hours on, it’s not very big and you will finish everything in a day. I loved being able to read the historical aspects of the paintings and also look at how detailed they were. The strokes, marks were everything. I had a pleasant surprise looking at Victoria’s portrait as the last painting after spending 2 hours in the museum. Do definitely check out if you are heavily into portraits and painting!
· via Google
Went to Wendy McMurdo ‘The Digital Mirror’ exhibition focusing on the nature of play and the introduction of computers to children- superb! Definitely worth a visit and it’s free. Enjoyed coffee in the cafe pre viewing. One of Edinburgh’s most stunning buildings (there are many!) Enjoy!
· via Google
It's a lovely, decent-size portrait gallery showing a nice range of portraits of people important for the Scottish culture across the centuries. I took my art oriented teenage daughter there and it allowed us a good chat about art. It is free of charge and has a nice a café and gift shop as well. Highly recommend!
· via Google
Housed in an absolutely stunning, purpose built home, the Portraits are beautifully displayed. This collection is housed over 3 floors and around an inner space. It was very pleasing to see the care and attention that has been put into curating the works, each one given its own space. I enjoyed the Alfred Buckham display and also the modern portraits of Scots such as Doddie Weir, Billy Connolly and Carol Ann Duffy. There’s a good lift perfect for wheelchairs, buggies etc, there are lots of lockers for storing coats and bags, good toilet facilities, a small shop and a very busy cafe. Did I mention it’s free?!!
· via Google
Visitors say this gallery features a diverse collection of historical and modern portraits, with well-displayed exhibits and informative descriptions. They also highlight the stunning architecture of the building, including the Great Hall and murals. Guests mention the free entry, friendly staff, and the pleasant cafe and gift shop.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (5,866 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 1-2 hours
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Edinburgh