National Galleries of Scotland
Edinburgh · United Kingdom · Founded 1859
Good for: Art Lovers · First-timers · Budget travellers
1859
National Gallery Founded
3
Gallery Venues
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit (one venue)
Quick answer
National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, United Kingdom — the National Galleries of Scotland comprise the National, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, and Modern One and Two in the city's west. Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: ✓ Free standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About National Galleries of Scotland
The National Galleries of Scotland comprise the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One and Modern Two) in the West End — together one of Europe's great public art collections.
The flagship gallery on the Mound, designed by William Henry Playfair, sits between Edinburgh's Old and New Towns and houses masterpieces by Titian, Velázquez, Rembrandt, and Scotland's own Henry Raeburn. Admission to all permanent collections is free.
The Portrait Gallery on Queen Street — a Gothic Revival palace with a great hall of Scottish history murals — holds the world's largest collection of Scottish portraits. Modern One and Two in the West End display Picasso, Bacon, Hockney, and Scottish Colourists.
A free shuttle bus connects the Mound to Modern One and Two. The Portrait Gallery is a 10-minute walk from the National Gallery.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Galleries of Scotland without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch
📍 Scottish National Gallery, Room X
The 'Skating Minister' — Raeburn's portrait of a clergyman gliding on ice, one of Scotland's most beloved paintings and an icon of Scottish art.
- 2
Diana and Callisto
📍 Scottish National Gallery
Titian's late mythological masterpiece from the Metamorphoses series — acquired jointly with the National Gallery London and the National Gallery of Scotland.
- 3
An Old Woman Cooking Eggs
📍 Scottish National Gallery
Velázquez's early bodegón of an elderly woman frying eggs — remarkable naturalism from the artist's Seville period, before he moved to Madrid.
- 4
Great Hall Murals
📍 Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street
William Hole's narrative murals of Scottish history covering the walls of the Portrait Gallery's great hall — a Victorian panorama of national identity.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define National Galleries of Scotland — and why they matter.
The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch
Henry Raeburn · c. 1795
📍 Scottish National Gallery, Room X
The 'Skating Minister' — Raeburn's portrait of a clergyman gliding on ice, one of Scotland's most beloved paintings and an icon of Scottish art.
Diana and Callisto
Titian · 1556–1559
📍 Scottish National Gallery
Titian's late mythological masterpiece from the Metamorphoses series — acquired jointly with the National Gallery London and the National Gallery of Scotland.
An Old Woman Cooking Eggs
Diego Velázquez · c. 1618
📍 Scottish National Gallery
Velázquez's early bodegón of an elderly woman frying eggs — remarkable naturalism from the artist's Seville period, before he moved to Madrid.
Great Hall Murals
William Hole · 1898–1904
📍 Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street
William Hole's narrative murals of Scottish history covering the walls of the Portrait Gallery's great hall — a Victorian panorama of national identity.
Collections & highlights
- • Scottish National Gallery — Titian, Velázquez, Raeburn on the Mound
- • Scottish National Portrait Gallery — Queen Street Gothic Revival building
- • Modern One and Two — Picasso, Bacon, Scottish Colourists
- • The Skating Minister by Henry Raeburn
- • Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
- • Scottish art from Allan Ramsay to contemporary
- • Free admission to all permanent collections
Frequently asked questions
Are all three galleries free?
Yes, all permanent collections are free; special exhibitions are ticketed.
Can I walk between them?
The National and Portrait Gallery are a short walk apart; Modern One and Two are reached by a free shuttle bus.
How long should I spend at National Galleries of Scotland?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is National Galleries of Scotland best known for?
The National Galleries of Scotland comprise the National, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, and Modern One and Two in the city's west. Together they form one of Europe's great public art collections. Key highlights include The Skating Minister by Raeburn, Diana and Callisto by Titian, Old Woman Cooking Eggs by Velázquez.
How do I get tickets for National Galleries of Scotland?
✓ Free standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/
Can I walk between the galleries?
The National Gallery and Portrait Gallery are a 10-minute walk apart via George Street. Modern One and Two are in the West End — a free shuttle runs from the Mound.
Where is the Skating Minister?
Henry Raeburn's Skating Minister is in the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound — one of the most requested works in the collection. Room numbers may change during rehangs; ask at reception.
You might also like
World Animal Rescue Network
Adopt a tiger symbolically
Tigers need allies worldwide. A symbolic adoption is a meaningful one-off or monthly gift — with a certificate — that funds real conservation in the field. Please consider a donation to support this work.
Enjoying our free guides? Support World Museum Guide — optional, and every guide stays free.