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.

Shopping

Tea Green Winter Market: National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

22nd November 2025 - 23rd November 2025

National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait, Edinburgh New Town

Join Tea Green for an unforgettable Winter Market at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November!

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

Gallery Close

4B Howe Street, Edinburgh New Town EH3 6TD

Gallery-Close Photography Gallery is a friendly gallery that showcases photographic work from various genres, from portraits of rock stars to landscapes.

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

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

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

Flamingosaurus Rex

22 Bruntsfield Place EH10 4HN, Edinburgh South EH10 4HN

A dynamic, multi-functional gallery, shop and art space, situated in Edinburgh’s Bruntsfield district.

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

Fruitmarket

45 Market Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1DF

A free, public space for culture in the heart of Edinburgh, the Fruitmarket provides inspiration and opportunity for artists and audiences.

Art Galleries

Out of the Blue Drill Hall

36 Dalmeny Street, Leith EH6 8RG

Out of the Blue supports artists by providing them with workspace and selling opportunities, enabling them to work as artists, and to connect to the local community to pass their skills onto others.

Art Galleries