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The Scottish National Gallery on the Mound on a summer evening, Edinburgh

No. 36 Top 100 Most Visited Art Museums 2025 · 2,004,777 visitors in 2025

National Galleries Scotland: National

Edinburgh, United Kingdom · City guide: Edinburgh

Scotland's national art collection on the Mound in Edinburgh: old masters, Impressionists and Scottish art, all free.

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Photo: Iain Lees, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

National Galleries Scotland: National is No. 36 in The Art Newspaper's survey of the world's most visited art museums, with 2,004,777 visitors in 2025, unchanged on 2024 (a figure that covers more than one building). It covers the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound, designed by William Henry Playfair and opened in 1859, and the neighbouring Royal Scottish Academy building, which are linked underground.

The collection ranges from the Renaissance to the late 19th century, with a strong showing of Scottish art in new galleries opened in 2023 that look out over Princes Street Gardens. Entry is free.

Paintings hung on red walls in the Scottish National Gallery
Paintings hung on red walls in the Scottish National Gallery. Photo: LordHarris, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are the quietest. August, during the Edinburgh festivals, is very busy. Check the official website for hours.

Highlights & collections

  • 1

    The Skating Minister

    Henry Raeburn's portrait of a minister skating on Duddingston Loch, a Scottish icon.

  • 2

    Old masters

    Works by Raphael, Titian, Vermeer, Rembrandt and Velázquez.

  • 3

    The Three Graces

    Antonio Canova's marble sculpture, owned jointly with the V&A in London and shown in rotation.

  • 4

    Scottish galleries

    Scottish art from the 17th to the early 20th century, in bright galleries above the gardens.

  • 5

    Turner watercolours

    The Vaughan Bequest of Turner watercolours is shown every January, when the light is low.

Getting there

The gallery is on the Mound, between Princes Street and the Old Town, about a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station.

Visiting tips

Tickets & hours
Entry is free; some exhibitions charge. Check the official website for hours.
Time needed
One to three hours.
Currency
Pound sterling (GBP). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Visa & entry
Many visitors, including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries, now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Check gov.uk for the current rules.

Official information: National Galleries Scotland (official website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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