Are all areas of the attraction accessible by wheelchair?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can wheelchairs be rented? If so, what is the cost?

Yes, wheelchairs can be rented. The cost is £1 per rental. You’re welcome to borrow a wheelchair free of charge at any location, and we also offer charging points for power wheelchairs. Just speak to one of our visitor assistants or ask at the information desk.

Do you offer special assistance for visitors in the wheelchair?

Yes, special assistance is available.

Is National Galleries Scotland: Portrait baby friendly?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities.

Are all areas of the attraction accessible with a pushchair?

Yes, all areas are pushchair friendly.

Is there a restroom for mothers that are breastfeeding?

No, there are no breastfeeding rooms available.

No, National Galleries Scotland: Portrait have stated they are not dog friendly. Sevrice dogs are welcome

Is there food and drink available to buy?

Yes there is dining and snack options.

Can visitors bring their own food?

No, guest are not allowed to bring their own food

How much does food and drink typically cost for a family of 4?

For a typical family of 4, food and drink costs around £40.

No, there is no parking. There is no car park at the Gallery, and very limited on-street parking near the venue. We recommend that you park your car in one of the many city centre car parks instead, the nearest of which is the St James Quarter Car Park.

Does your attraction offer private hire, for parties or events?

Yes, National Galleries Scotland: Portrait has stated that you can hire privately for parties/events.

What type of packages do you offer?

The Portrait is a stunning backdrop for world-class events. Play host to your guests alongside notable artworks in the collection, depicting key famous Scots, from royals and rebels, to poets, heroes and villains. The National Galleries of Scotland deliver bespoke event options for businesses and individuals, including curator’s talks, behind-the-scenes tours, dinners drinks receptions and theming around art exhibitions. This means that your guests will participate in a genuinely unique experience of the highest of standards, leaving a lasting impression, long after the event.

Can you rent a private room? If so, what are the costs?

Get in touch events@nationalgalleries.org

Is catering provided?

Yes, private catering can be provided.

What is the maximum number of guests allowed?

The maximum number of guests allowed is 150.

Do visitors need to pre-book time slots or tickets to get into the attraction?

No, National Galleries Scotland: Portrait had stated that you do not need to pre-book.

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are toilets available to the public.

Are there baby changing facilities available?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities available

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets available

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Edinburgh, Edinburgh and Lothian

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About National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Come face-to-face with the many faces at the Portrait gallery. What... or who will you spot when you visit!

A neo-Gothic palace dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, this gallery is a hidden gem right in the heart of Edinburgh. The art tells you stories of the land and its people, through the medium of imagery.

Pick up everything that you need to help you explore the galleries; pencils, sketchbooks, cushions, story books and more. See if you can find familiar faces when you discover contemporary portraits of pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé, Tilda Swinton, Ncuti Gatwa and Lorraine Kelly. 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.

Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland
See if you can find familiar faces when and discover contemporary portraits of pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé, Tilda Swinton, Ncuti Gatwa and Lorraine Kelly. 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.
Discover Scotland's world class collection of art!
The Portrait gallery was the first purpose-built portrait gallery in the world: Opened in 1889, it was designed specifically to house portraits, making it totally unique! A neo-Gothic palace dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, this gallery is a hidden gem right in the heart of Edinburgh. The art tells you stories of the land and its people, through the medium of imagery.
From the moment you arrive outside you'll spot 30 fascinating sculptures of historic Scots by Scottish sculptors which took 17 years to complete and resulted in one of the great examples of Victorian public art.
Decorated in elaborate murals and sculptural embellishments inside and out. Once you venture in to the gallery you'll be instantly wowed by the Great Hall. Really, take time to look up at the Zodiac ceiling in the world-famous Great Hall. There are 2,000 golden stars and 47 constellations! Bedazzling.
Get creative with free family art materials and events
Feeling inspired by the magnificent art! Pick up everything that you need to help you explore the galleries; pencils, sketchbooks, cushions, story books and more.
Or grab a trail and get exploring! What... or who will you spot when you visit! : Enhance your visit with wee ones with our Art Spot guide. You can pick up copies in the gallery or use our online resource. Who will you meet - and what will you spot?
Join us at the Portrait for regular, relaxed, sensory-friendly mornings for children with additional support needs. At these sessions you can meet other people, see artworks in our gallery spaces and take part in creative activities.

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Monday, 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00

25 December: Closed

26 December: Closed

1 January: 12noon-5pm

Plan Your Visit

Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours

Suitable for Kids and Adults too

FAQs

Directions

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh and Lothian, EH2 1JD, Scotland

Tel: 0131 624 6200

Get Directions Visit Website

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last updated: 13:03 09/07/2026

Train: The Portrait is a few minutes’ walk from Waverley Station. Take the Princes Street exit, cross the road and walk the short distance through St Andrew Square, turning left onto Queen Street.

Tram: There is is a tram stop at St Andrew Square which is 2 minutes walk to the Portrait. Form the tram stop, go down North St Andrew Street. The Portrait is on your left at the junction with Queen Street.

Bus: Bus numbers 10, 11, 12, 16, 26 and 44 all go past the Portrait. Alternatively, take any Princes Street or city centre bus, to the East end of Princes Street, opposite Waverley Steps and walk through St Andrew Square, turning left onto Queen Street.

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

About National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland

Discover Scotland's world class collection of art!

Get creative with free family art materials and events

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Pricing & Tickets

Facilities

Plan Your Visit

FAQs

Directions

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait Reviews

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