National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Edinburgh, Edinburgh and Lothian
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.
The gallery is decorated in elaborate murals and sculptural embellishments inside and out. 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.
Or why not 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.
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.
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Changing Rooms
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Opening 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
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-17) : Free
- Adult (17-18+) : Free
Tickets may be required for some temporary exhibitions, Friends go free. We offer a range of concession tickets, including free tickets for children under 13 and discounted tickets for those aged 13-17. Please check the website before visiting
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to National Galleries Scotland: Portrait by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
After visiting the galleries head to Café Portrait, where you can relax and enjoy delicious food in impressive surroundings. All our food is prepared from scratch in our kitchen, which is why it tastes so good. Choose to pick up lunch, coffee or cake from the counter or book in advance for brunch in The Nook, our new table-service restaurant. You can choose from a wide variety of gluten and dairy free dishes.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Contact Details
National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
1 Queen Street
Edinburgh
Edinburgh and Lothian
EH2 1JD
Scotland
Tel: 0131 624 6200
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
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.
Verification & Last Updated
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This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 09:26 22/07/2025
National Galleries Scotland: Portrait Reviews
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