8 Art Galleries to Explore in Edinburgh

The Scottish National Gallery is one of Scotland’s top free visitor attractions. It houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art from the early Renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century. The gallery comprises two main buildings, the National Gallery of Scotland building and the Royal Scottish Academy building, both designed in neoclassical style by William Henry Playfair.

It was one of the most iconic buildings in Edinburgh. You can explore a fascinating overview of Scotland past and present though a wealth of imagery encompassing painting, photography, sculpture and film. Its collection of modern and contemporary art dating from about 1900 to the present in two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, that face each other on Belford Road to the west of the city centre.

The National Galleries of Scotland cares for, develops, researches and displays the national collection of Scottish and international art and, with a programme of activities, exhibitions, education and publications, aims to engage, inform and inspire the broadest possible public. It has a collection of more than 6000 paintings, sculptures, installations, video work, prints and drawings and also stages major exhibitions.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is an art museum on Queen Street, Edinburgh. The gallery holds the national collections of portraits, all of which are of, but not necessarily by, Scots. It also holds the Scottish National Photography Collection. You can explore the outstanding National Collection in its bespoke 19th century home, from the suite of grand, top-lit galleries to smaller, intimate rooms, and discover the Photography Gallery and the atmospheric Victorian Library.

Talbot Rice Gallery is dedicated to exploring how the University of Edinburgh can contribute to contemporary art production today and into the future. The exhibitions exemplify creativity and ambition, seen through a distinctive programme of Scottish and international artists, with informed interpretation and lively educational events.

The Queen's Gallery is an art gallery in Edinburgh, Scotland. It forms part of the Palace of Holyroodhouse complex. It was opened in 2002 by Queen Elizabeth II, and exhibits works from the Royal Collection. It is open to the public daily. This Victorian building was originally built as Holyrood Free Church, but was last used for worship in 1915, see Redundant church. Prior to its conversion to become the Queen's Gallery the building was used as a storeroom.

The Royal Scottish Academy is the country’s national academy of art. It promotes contemporary Scottish art. The Academy was founded in 1826 by eleven artists meeting in Edinburgh. Originally named the Scottish Academy, it became the Royal Scottish Academy on being granted a royal charter in 1838. Based within the Royal Scottish Academy building, the RSA runs a year-round programme of exhibitions, artist opportunities and related educational talks and events which support artists at all stages o

The Scottish National Gallery is the national art gallery of Scotland, first opened to the public in 1859. It is located on The Mound and Princes Street in central Edinburgh. The gallery comprises two main buildings, the National Gallery of Scotland building and the Royal Scottish Academy building, both designed in neoclassical style by William Henry Playfair. The gallery houses Scotland's national collection of fine art, spanning Scottish and international art from the beginning of the Renaiss