National Galleries of Scotland: National

Art gallery · Old Town

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Art gallery · Old Town

2

The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom

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National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by Photo by Eoin Carey, courtesy of National Galleries of Scotland
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null
National Galleries of Scotland: National by null

Highlights

Scottish National Gallery: masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt  

The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom Get directions

nationalgalleries.org

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The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 131 624 6200
nationalgalleries.org
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@natgalleriessco

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Nov 2, 2025

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@afar

"Scotland’s art collection is spread across three sites: the National Gallery, home to classics by Velázquez and Botticelli; the National Portrait Gallery, including Ken Currie’s haunting Three Oncologists ; and the National Gallery of Modern Art, complete with a stunning sculpture park. The art here proves itself distinct from—and no less treasured than—that on display in London. Pay special attention to the Scottish works, whether by Pop Art pioneer Eduardo Paolozzi or Realist painter James Guthrie (especially his luminous In the Orchard ). The Gallery Bus regularly shuttles visitors between the museums, making it possible to hit all three in one day."

The Essential Guide to Edinburgh
View Postcard for Scottish National Gallery
@cntraveler

10 Best Museums in Edinburgh | Condé Nast Traveler

"Think of the Scottish National Gallery as the Louvre of Edinburgh. It houses the very best Scottish art, as well as a sprawling collection of international art by the likes of Monet, Velázquez, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Gauguin, Turner, and Vermeer. The building dates from 1859 and was built in the Neoclassical style—all pillars and hefty majesty. Its high-ceilinged rooms are grand old affairs, with walls that have maintained their original colors through the decades." - Freya Herring

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-edinburgh
View Postcard for National Galleries of Scotland: National

little girl

Google
One of my absolute favorite art galleries! There are so many beautiful paintings — including famous works by Van Gogh and Monet. I absolutely love it here! You could spend hours just walking around and taking it all in. Truly an art lover’s paradise!

Max Buijsman

Google
Beautiful building with historic expositions of life in Scotland and beyond through the ages. The first floor can get quite busy, but the galleries on the second floor are more pleasant to visit. Admission is free. Great to see todays Edinburgh in real life and then explore historic perspectives on the city. Recommended, must see for a city trip to Edinburgh.

Leipziger Gnom

Google
It's cool and it's free! Lots of art from past centuries, and some impressionism. No modern stuff here (except for a small section at the very end). You'll see great works by Scottish artists as well many other famous European artists.

Nigel Huxtable

Google
World class in every respect. Spend half a day enjoying the art. Or meet up for lunch or a coffee and browse the shop for a present. Happy to say prices are still reasonable and in the shop you can get international icons of Scottish art or pieces from local artists. The setting is central just at the Mound and on the tram and many bus routes. A welcome break from the temptations of Princes Street shopping. And the toilets are accessible and as modern as the layout inside the old pillared exterior. Cool in the Summer and welcoming in Winter and not full of the ever present tourists to be found in the old town and, well everywhere.

DOVETAIL

Google
The Andy Goldsworthy exhibition is midway through its time at the National Gallery’s of Scotland and we couldn’t recommend this enough. It is such a great celebration of 50 years of Andy’s art and one of the best we have seen in a long time. Such large exhibits that are fascinating and must have been such fun to create, if you had the imagination and patience. We will definitely be back again for a second visit as we got so many ideas to help us create art, thank you .

Nimllh Acandeh (Nimmy)

Google
The gallery showcases many beautiful paintings, each accompanied by insightful artist notes. It was very easy to tour the entire gallery thanks to the clear directions, and there were helpful assistants stationed in every area. Accessibility is well thought out, with seating and lifts available throughout. The gallery assistants were especially welcoming, offering help with warm and friendly smiles.

William Furby

Google
A true world-class collection! The National Galleries of Scotland offers an incredible journey from Titian and Vermeer to Scottish masters and Impressionists—all housed in beautiful buildings. The newly opened Scottish galleries are stunning. A free, inspiring, and essential cultural experience in Edinburgh!

Miriam Akurátna

Google
Beautiful historic building and works on display, I definitely recommend visiting. Free admission, lockers available for a small fee. Shop with nice souvenirs. Restaurant. Nice staff.
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Richard D.

Yelp
Dean Gallery (or as it is now known, Modern 2) is the smaller sister venue to the Modern Art Gallery that is just across the road. The outdoor lawn is dominated by the 'There will Be No Miracles Here' permanent installation but inside the gallery it is usually home to temporary exhibitions - I was there for the MC Escher exhibition which is probably the largest collection of his work that has been seen in the UK - it's a pricey £9 but you don't often get to see so many of his works of art. There is a small cafe in the gallery where you are overlooked by a huge Paolozzi statue which we didn;t use this time. It is quite small but if it is too busy you can always cross the road to the Modern Art Gallery.
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Sarah-Jane B.

Yelp
Art that feed the soul. Located in a grand Georgian building surrounded by greenery, the Dean Gallery is a wonderous art gallery that was opened in the late nineties. Owned and run by the National Gallery of Scotland, it showcases a selection of permenant and touring contemporary art. There's a selection of spacious rooms spread over two floors and I've had the good fortune to see some incredible art for free or nominal admission. Earlier this year, I was blown away by the Diane Arbus exhibition showcasing some of her seminal black and white photos from the 1950s and 1960s alongside provocative personal projects. The thing I'll never forget however, is seeing Tracey Emin's wooden rollercoaster and beach hut on stilts exhibited alongside her legendary quilts, polaroids and sketches. Art that feeds the soul indeed.
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Cheryl C.

Yelp
Pretty much all of the city centre located, or nearby galleries in Edinburgh are really impressive in terms of architecture, and a grand joy to observe, which is a good starting point, considering this is just the impression you get before you even see any of the art. I'm really fortunate to have both the Dean Gallery and The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art close to where I live, and in fact, if you're in the centre of town, The Dean is just a short walk from the west end, and a pretty nice walk at that, particularly on a sunny day (we do get them sometimes). The Dean houses the Gallery of Modern Art's permanent collection, and also exhibits its own temporary shows. The permanent collection includes Dada, surrealist art and the amazingly intimidating Vulcan sculpture by Eduardo Paolozzi, which is well worth a trip to see. There is also The Paolozzi Gallery, which includes more work from the late Edinburgh born artist and sculptor. I recently saw the Diane Arbus photography exhibition here, which I thought was compelling and excellently displayed. I strongly recommend taking a wander away from town to get here, because after you've finished at Dean Gallery, there is the added luxury of being able to simply cross the road and have a peek, or more, at the Gallery of Modern Art.
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Emma C.

Yelp
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to art galleries in Edinburgh, undoubtedly we were first in line when God was bestowing culture upon (Scottish) cities, and I do feel rather lucky to have so much on my doorstep. Of all the big galleries, the Dean is my favourite, but I sometimes feel the culturally minded among us forget about it, like it's the runt of the art pack or something. It's a shame because this is a wonderfully bizarre place with all sorts of mad pieces to be intrigued by. There is a room which contains the entire contents of the sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi's studio, set up as he would have had it; I could easily spend a day in here looking at the hodge-podge of items that he accrued and was inspired by. If you're interested in Dadaism or Surrealist works, then this is the gallery for you. If not, it is still worth a visit, even if it is just to roam around the lovely building and grounds.
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Jonny L.

Yelp
I visit the Dean Gallery, pary of the National Galleries of Scotland, several times a year. It remains one of my favourite galleries in Edinburgh. Opened in relatively recent times, it houses some of Edinburgh greatest modern art. A gallery of consistent quality, the Dean houses modern art with a particularly strong collection of Dada and surrealist work. It also displays a collection of works by Eduardo Paolozzi worth seeing. Situated in lovely grounds, opposite the Gallery of Modern Art, there is a surreal but contemplative atmosphere. The building itself displays lovely 19th century architecture. The Dean Gallery is great for a morning or afternoon out, especially with its great cafe. Combine this visit with the gallery opposite and you have a recipe for an even better day out of culture and stimulation. Also try walking along the nearby stretch of the Waters of Leith to get here from the city centre (well signposted if you're approaching from the East). Check you their website for news on their temporary exhibitions.
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Qype User (es…)

Yelp
One of my favourite places to disappear off to in Edinburgh. The Dean is a little outside the city in leafy Dean Village but is worth a jaunt - combine it with a wander along the best stretch of the Waters of Leith walkway, accessible and signposted from Haymarket station, to make it memorable -or take the free bus from the Waverley Bridge/Mound or Queen Street galleries. The Dean Gallery specialises in modern art has great permenant and temporary exhibitions which, on the whole, are free to view and the building and gardens (+ that of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art adjacent) are great to wander lonley as a Ess
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Qype User (Jonath…)

Yelp
A gallery of consistent quality, the Dean houses modern art with a particularly strong collection of surrealist work. Situated in lovely grounds, opposite the Gallery of Modern Art, there is a surrean but contemplative atmosphere. The Dean Gallery is great for a morning or afternoon out, especially with its great cafe. Combine this visit with the gallery opposite and you have a recipe for an even better day out of culture and stimulation.
google avatar

Qype User (paga_m…)

Yelp
Great place for a day off or an artie weekend. The gallery is small and dedicated to contemporary art. The green area, which could be called a park, is stunning. There is a pool of water in the form of a snail in front of the main entrance. The last exhibition I saw there was a famous collection of contemporary portraits. The first prize was of a young girl and the colours were so unusual and touching at the same time. The cafe is on the ground floor and can seat a fair number of visitors.
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Qype User (marily…)

Yelp
Absolutely worth a visit both for the tourist and local. Free admission. Lots of beautiful Scottish impressionist paintings to look at on the ground floor (Roland Penrose Gallery). Plus like every place of interest ~ they have a shop! The sculptures and the beautiful Dean Gallery itself is a feast! Dig in!
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Carmela S.

Yelp
I'm starting to turn into a proper wanker who likes art galleries. Had the best time here today with me mammy. There was an exhibition on about witches which was very cool and interesting and some other neat paintings too. The spiced fruit scone in the cafe with cream and jam was totally epic too.
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Qype User (Jean_J…)

Yelp
The Dean Gallery, situated across the road from the Gallery of Modern Art is an equally impressive building. Its architecture is very different from the modern art it houses. If surrealist art isn't your thing, it does have some great visiting exhibitions, recently including Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Van Gogh and Picasso. There is also a great café.
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Qype User (CatOnT…)

Yelp
A walk along the river to the Dean Gallery is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon. As a keen photographer I've been very impressed with some of the photography exhibitions here. This gallery may be a little way out of the city centre but its worthy of your extra effort. Take a look at the website for upcoming events.
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Antony M.

Yelp
We took ourselves for a walk along the river to the Dean Gallery of Modern Art. This too me was something I was looking forward too after a long walk. Sadly for us they closed off some of the floors to the public as they were changing some of the installations and hangings. Also just across the road is The Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art, but again some of the rooms were closed to the public. Dean Gallery had a very nice restaurant attached to it and it was very busy so I would phone to book in advance.
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Qype User (jmk0…)

Yelp
The Dean Gallery is just out of the city centre but easily reached by a free bus that is also handy for the Gallery of Modern Art that is situated just across the road. The gallery also has a spacious car park which is very handy. The building itself is gorgeous, set in its own grounds with lovely gardens. It quite often has visiting exhibitions, one I visited not so long ago was Van Gogh which was fantastic, with lots of fantastic pieces.