National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is one of Edinburgh's most remarkable buildings – a great red sandstone neo-gothic palace which sits proudly on the city's skyline!

About National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

	1 Queen Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 1JD
	01316246200
	National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait Website
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Listed Under Attractions - Art Galleries / Attractions - Days Out

A neo-Gothic palace dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, this gallery is a hidden gem right at the heart of Edinburgh. The art tells you stories of the land and its people, through the medium of imagery.

Meet with friends in the welcoming Café Portrait. Find other familiar faces when you discover contemporary portraits of pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé and Tilda Swinton in the galleries above. You will spot recent pioneers in science, sport and the arts and sit alongside famous historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and Charles Edward Stuart.

The gallery is decorated in elaborate murals and sculptural embellishments inside and out - really, take time to look up at the Zodiac ceiling in the world-famous Great Hall. Seriously, it is like 2,000 golden stars and 47 constellations! Bedazzling.

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Upcoming Events at National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

Exhibitions

Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer

18th October 2025 - 19th April 2026

National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait, Edinburgh New Town

Take to the skies and discover the world from above the clouds through the remarkable work of Alfred Buckham: Daredevil Photographer at the National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait.

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern

73 & 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh West EH4 3DR

Home to Scotland's outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the National Galleries of Scotland includes two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two.

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Scottish National Gallery The Mound, Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EL

The Scottish National Gallery is one of Scotland's top free visitor attractions. It is made up of three interconnected buildings, right in the heart of Edinburgh!

Art Galleries

Open Eye Gallery

34 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh New Town EH3 6QE

The Open Eye Gallery offers an extensive and varied exhibition programme of Scottish contemporary painting, printmaking and applied arts throughout the year.

Art Galleries

Royal Scottish Academy

Royal Scottish Academy The Mound, Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EL

The RSA runs a year-round programme of exhibitions, artist opportunities and related educational talks and events which support artists at all stages of their careers.

Art Galleries

Coburg House Art Studios

15 Coburg St, Leith EH6 6ET

Coburg House Art Studios is a gallery, shop and artist studio space, home to a thriving hub of artists, designers and makers in the heart of Edinburgh's Leith.

Art Galleries

Harbour Lane Studio

Harbour Lane NA, South Queensferry EH30 9PT

Harbour Lane is a Studio and Gallery run by Tori Gray.

Art Galleries

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Scottish National Gallery The Mound, Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EL

The Scottish National Gallery is one of Scotland's top free visitor attractions. It is made up of three interconnected buildings, right in the heart of Edinburgh!

Art Galleries

Stick Factory

69 Mayfield Road, Edinburgh South EH9 3AA

Stickfactory Creative is a multifaceted team of artists, designers and builders.

Art Galleries

Wasps Patriothall

Patriothall Studio off 48 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge and Canonmills EH3 5AY

Patriothall Gallery is an Artist led gallery run by the artists in the WASPS Patriothall Complex.

Art Galleries

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern

73 & 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh West EH4 3DR

Home to Scotland's outstanding national collection of modern and contemporary art, the National Galleries of Scotland includes two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two.

Art Galleries

Arusha Gallery

13A Dundas Street , Edinburgh New Town EH3 6QG

Arusha Gallery is an international contemporary gallery established in 2013, with main premises in Edinburgh's historic New Town.

Art Galleries

Studio Bizio

20a Raeburn Place, Stockbridge EH4 1HN

Studio Bizio is Photography Gallery based in Edinburgh, Specialising in 20th Century & Contemporary Photography but with occasional forays into other...

Art Galleries

The Sutton Gallery

18A Dundas Street, Edinburgh New Town EH3 6HZ

The Sutton Gallery is based on Dundas Street in Edinburgh's New Town gallery district, specialising in modern British and European art at affordable prices...

Art Galleries