National Galleries of Scotland: National - Image 1

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Edinburgh, United Kingdom•4.6(16.1k)•Art Gallery, Museum

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2 upcoming

Scotland's premier art collection featuring masterpieces from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism in a stunning neoclassical building on The Mound.

The Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland's greatest collection of European paintings and sculpture from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Discover masterworks by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and the Impressionists. The gallery also celebrates Scottish art with dedicated rooms for Ramsay, Raeburn, and the Scottish Colourists. Free admission makes this an ideal family destination in the heart of Edinburgh, with The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant and Cafe Espresso on site.

Prices

Free entry

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

5 years – 14 years

Perfect for

#Art

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant

Fresh Scottish food, breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea

Hours: 10:00-17:00 daily

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What Parents Say

KiddyCompass™ Family

We analysed 785 parent reviews from the past 12 months and distilled the key insights for you.

Updated 26 February 2026

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Google Reviews

4.6(16.1k reviews)
J
Josephine W

Josephine W

2 weeks ago

I was delighted to see the art of great masters — Monet, Van Gogh Seurat, Courbet, and Degas — beautifully and tastefully displayed at the National Gallery. The Gallery boasts vast collections that span centuries, from Renaissance masterpieces to modern / contemporary art. It is a world‑class destination for anyone who loves art and history. Art lovers, dedicate at least 3-4 hours to appreciate the works. Unfortunately , I only had about an hour during my visit!

I
Ilya

Ilya

3 weeks ago

This is one of the best galleries I've ever been to. The selection of art is extraordinary. The gallery isn't too big and you can comfortably walk through it in 1.5 hours. The museum store is fairly priced too.

S
Sofie

Sofie

a month ago

Take enjoyed this gallery, they have a lot of famous artists on display, we spend a few hours here looking around. They have plenty of seats throughout the gallery, and foldout ones if you want to sit closer for a while, or sketch. The height of some pieces was fascinating, and you could stand in front of them for quite a while, figuring out the story. My favourites were those depicting scenes from A Midsummer night's dream, the statue of the 3 graces, and the tall embroidered pieces by Phoebe Anna Traquair. (See photos) We started off at the cafe on the 3rd level, then worked from the top down (old art student trick!) which worked very nicely and meant we ended up finishing at the shop, where I bought a LOT of postcards! Highly recommend coming here if you're an art lover ❤️

A
Aine C

Aine C

a month ago

Free to enter, the artwork is absolutely incredible and transports you to different times and places. The gift shop also has amazing pieces, worth having a look in there too! Highly recommend visiting the galleries whilst in Edinburgh.

A
Ana

Ana

a month ago

AMAZING art (paintings, sculptures) and space design! And the fact that is free was extraordinary to see! It sends a message ❤️ And like always, love the souvenir shop. It is huuuge and has a variety of things to choose from: cards, books, handmade mugs, scarves, games, notebooks, souvenirs 😍

Reviews last updated: 6 December 2025

Events at National Galleries of Scotland: National

This venue was last updated on 4 December 2025

Frequently asked questions about National Galleries of Scotland: National

Is National Galleries of Scotland: National free to visit?

Entry to National Galleries of Scotland: National is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is National Galleries of Scotland: National suitable for?

National Galleries of Scotland: National is best for children aged 5 to 14.

Is National Galleries of Scotland: National dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at National Galleries of Scotland: National.

Is there parking at National Galleries of Scotland: National?

National Galleries of Scotland: National doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at National Galleries of Scotland: National?

Yes — The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant is on site at National Galleries of Scotland: National. Fresh Scottish food, breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea

Is National Galleries of Scotland: National pushchair-friendly?

Yes, National Galleries of Scotland: National is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at National Galleries of Scotland: National?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to National Galleries of Scotland: National.

How do I get to National Galleries of Scotland: National by public transport?

National Galleries of Scotland: National is well-served by public transport — buses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 stop nearby, and Princes Street tram stop is about 2 minutes' walk away. For the full list, see the public transport section above.

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