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

Whitespace

76 East Crosscauseway , Edinburgh South EH8 9HQ

Whitespace is a gallery and venue in Edinburgh that provides space for exhibitions, event and classes, run by artist Leigh Chorlton.

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

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

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

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

Powderhall Bronze Editions

4-5 Summer Place, Stockbridge EH3 5NR

Powderhall Bronze Editions is a contemporary fine art gallery situated in the Canonmills area of Edinburgh, near to the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Art Galleries

Baskwell Arts

18 Spey Street Lane , Leith EH7 4PZ

Baskwell Arts brings you highly cherishable art and craft objects from the european and british makers we love.

Art Galleries

EMBASSY Gallery

10B Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh New Town EH1 3LY

EMBASSY is an artist-led organisation based in Edinburgh. We programme exhibitions, performances, residencies, and events in our gallery space, online and off-site.

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

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