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Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

4.5

#5 of 60 in Museums in Edinburgh

Art Museum Museum

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Discover one of the world’s finest collections of art at Scottish National Gallery, situated on the Mound, an artificial hill in the middle of the city. Designed by architect William Henry Playfair in the Neoclassical style, the gallery opened in 1859. Today, it houses Scottish and international art from the beginning of the Renaissance to the start of the 20th century. At the heart of the collection is a group of paintings transferred from the Royal Scottish Academy, including masterpieces by Jacopo Bassano, Anthony van Dyck, and Giambattista Tiepolo. The collection also includes notable works by Cézanne, Botticelli, Degas, El Greco, Monet, Goya, Gauguin, Raphael, Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Vermeer, to name just a few. Check online for special events and temporary exhibits. Use our Edinburgh online tour itinerary maker to arrange your visit to Scottish National Gallery and other attractions in Edinburgh.

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Scottish National Gallery Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5,347 reviews

Google

4.5

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4.5

3,745 likes

• By redeco

  I love the Scottish National Gallery. Though under construction, we could still see enough to satisfy my curiosity about its fabulous collection. The galleries are spacious and nicely arranged. The lu...  more »

• By karenshaw537

  Some very interesting paintings here that maybe havent been seen before. Currently work is being done so in places the actual building looks a bit shabby in places but still worth a visit  more »

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Google

• By Michael Shemeld

  The art in here is really good, however it did seem very limited. Unfortunately some rooms were closed for rehanging, which I can appreciate, however even so there wasn't a lot to look at. It is free so either way it's worth doing, even if it does only take an hour or so. Additionally it's not hugely busy (in the week) so you can get a really good look at the paintings.

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• By Edward Vega

  A beautiful building situated on Princes Street right next to Waverley station looking up to the royal mile and Edinburgh Castle. The galleries are free to enter, but donations can be made and there are shops and a cafe. The range and quality of art is wonderful. You could quite easily spend a whole day appreciating the art. However, if you are spending more than a few days in the city, it would be nice to pop into the galleries several times to take it all in. Lockers are available if you have bags you don’t want to carry around.

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