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

The World of King James VI and I

26th April 2025 - 14th September 2025

National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait, Edinburgh New Town

Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition.

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

Scottish Storytelling Centre

43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a vibrant arts venue with a seasonal programme of live storytelling and theatre, music, workshops and festivals.

Art Galleries

Gallery 23

23 Atholl Cresent, Edinburgh West EH3 8HQ

We aim to foster new connections by bringing together the artist and the viewer in a diverse new environment.Our mission is to develop an understanding...

Art Galleries

Stills

23 Cockburn Street , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1BP

Stills is a centre for photography based in the heart of Edinburgh. We offer exhibitions and production facilities as well as a range of engagement opportunities...

Art Galleries

Summerhall

1 Summerhall , Edinburgh South EH9 1PL

Summerhall, Edinburgh’s biggest arts venue, is open to the public all year round.

Art Galleries

City Art Centre

2 Market Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1DE

Enjoy a visit to the City Art Centre, a main Edinburgh art gallery with one of the best collections of Scottish art.

Art Galleries

Seashore Gallery

Seashore Gallery Marshall Street, Cockenzie EH32 OHT

Seashore Gallery is a popular, friendly art gallery, studio and gift shop by the sea. It is located in the small fishing village of Cockenzie & Port Seton...

Art Galleries

Custom Lane

1 Customs Wharf, Leith EH6 6AL

Custom Lane is a centre for design and making comprised of studio/workspaces, a gallery, event space and community workshop run by Edinburgh Tool Library

Art Galleries

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.

Art Galleries

Dundas Street Gallery

6A Dundas Street, Edinburgh New Town EH3 6HZ

The Dundas Street Gallery is a rental space situated in a prime Edinburgh city centre location. It is available to hire by the week.

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

Art and Vintage

3 Lyne Street, Edinburgh East EH7 5DN

Art and Vintage is a shop, cafe and art gallery selling original art works, crafts, good food and coffee and beautiful vintage items!

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.

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