National Galleries of Scotland: National

Art gallery · Old Town ·

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Art gallery · Old Town ·

National art gallery featuring Scottish & international masters

Information

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

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"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

Photo by Eoin Carey, courtesy of National Galleries of Scotland

Scottish National Gallery

@cntraveler

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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

National Galleries of Scotland: National

@ricksteves

706 Postcards · 220 Cities

Edinburgh Travel Guide by Rick Steves

"▲▲ Choice sampling of European masters and Scotland's finest." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland/edinburgh

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Josephine W

Google

I was delighted to see the art of great masters — Monet, Van Gogh Seurat, Courbet, and Degas — beautifully and tastefully displayed at the National Gallery. The Gallery boasts vast collections that span centuries, from Renaissance masterpieces to modern / contemporary art. It is a world‑class destination for anyone who loves art and history. Art lovers, dedicate at least 3-4 hours to appreciate the works. Unfortunately , I only had about an hour during my visit!

Martin H.

Google

This is a beautiful and serene art Museum perfect for a wet cold afternoon in Edinburgh. It's situated centrally just off Princess street so very easily accessible. It's home to world-class international and Scottish art from 1300 to 1945 and even better it's completely free. Experience paintings by internationally renowned artists such as Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and the Impressionists. Marvel at spectacular views over Edinburgh and discover the work of pioneering artists such as William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Phoebe Anna Traquair, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys. A must visit if in Edinburgh.

Ana

Google

AMAZING art (paintings, sculptures) and space design! And the fact that is free was extraordinary to see! It sends a message ❤️ And like always, love the souvenir shop. It is huuuge and has a variety of things to choose from: cards, books, handmade mugs, scarves, games, notebooks, souvenirs 😍

Sofie

Google

Take enjoyed this gallery, they have a lot of famous artists on display, we spend a few hours here looking around. They have plenty of seats throughout the gallery, and foldout ones if you want to sit closer for a while, or sketch. The height of some pieces was fascinating, and you could stand in front of them for quite a while, figuring out the story. My favourites were those depicting scenes from A Midsummer night's dream, the statue of the 3 graces, and the tall embroidered pieces by Phoebe Anna Traquair. (See photos) We started off at the cafe on the 3rd level, then worked from the top down (old art student trick!) which worked very nicely and meant we ended up finishing at the shop, where I bought a LOT of postcards! Highly recommend coming here if you're an art lover ❤️

LJ M

Google

A gallery in the heart of Edinburgh. Free entry, an impressive collection with world-class artists, such as Botticelli, Titian, Turner, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, alongside important works by Scottish artists. The building is easy to explore, well laid out, and welcoming for all. A cafe and gift shop are available. A must-visit when in the city.

Aine C

Google

Free to enter, the artwork is absolutely incredible and transports you to different times and places. The gift shop also has amazing pieces, worth having a look in there too! Highly recommend visiting the galleries whilst in Edinburgh.

Ilya

Google

This is one of the best galleries I've ever been to. The selection of art is extraordinary. The gallery isn't too big and you can comfortably walk through it in 1.5 hours. The museum store is fairly priced too.

little G.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Qype User (.

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

Qype User (.

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.

Qype User (.

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.

Qype User (.

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!

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.

Qype User (.

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.

Qype User (.

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.

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.

Qype User (.

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.

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

The Essential Guide to Edinburgh

Photo by Eoin Carey, courtesy of National Galleries of Scotland

Scottish National Gallery

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,685 Cities

10 Best Museums in Edinburgh | Condé Nast Traveler

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-edinburgh

National Galleries of Scotland: National

@ricksteves

706 Postcards · 220 Cities

Edinburgh Travel Guide by Rick Steves

"▲▲ Choice sampling of European masters and Scotland's finest." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/scotland/edinburgh

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Josephine W

Google

Martin H.

Google

Ana

Google

Sofie

Google

LJ M

Google

Aine C

Google

Ilya

Google

little G.

Google

Richard D.

Yelp

Sarah-Jane B.

Yelp

Cheryl C.

Yelp

Emma C.

Yelp

Jonny L.

Yelp

Qype User (.

Yelp

Qype User (.

Yelp

Qype User (.

Yelp

Qype User (.

Yelp

Carmela S.

Yelp

Qype User (.

Yelp

Qype User (.

Yelp

Antony M.

Yelp

Qype User (.

Yelp

National Galleries of Scotland: National

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10 Best Museums in Edinburgh | Condé Nast Traveler

Edinburgh Travel Guide by Rick Steves

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