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Scottish National Portrait Gallery

1 Queen St., Edinburgh EH2 1JB, Scotland
44 131 624 6200
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As featured in Edinburgh for free
Ranked #16 of 175 attractions in Edinburgh
Type: Art Museums
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Owner description: Visit one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings and explore a fascinating overview of Scotland past and present though a wealth of imagery encompassing... more » Owner description: Visit one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings and explore a fascinating overview of Scotland past and present though a wealth of imagery encompassing painting, photography, sculpture and film. Meet the people who have helped shape the nation’s identity at home and abroad from Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert Burns, through to more recent pioneers in science, sport and the arts.. See this outstanding national Collection in its newly refurbished 19th century home, from the suite of grand, top-lit galleries to smaller, intimate rooms, and discover the new Photography Gallery and the atmospheric Victorian Library. Round off your trip to the Portrait Gallery with a visit to our new café. Serving a delicious menu of fresh dishes and classic recipes, our team are passionate about sourcing the very best local ingredients and seasonal produce. A great place for lunch or even just a coffee break, our family-friendly venue is one of the best cafes in Edinburgh. Admission is free. Charges may apply for special exhibitions. « less
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540 reviews from our community

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Nottingham, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

I love the SNPG, even before it had its refurbishment. I like looking at portraits, and there's a really interesting mix here, from scientists, of whom we may not know but have changed our lives, to comedians, to monarchs and aristocrats, to the people of Scotland today. There's lots of information and a fabulous cafe.

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London, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery was surrounded by road works, but once inside we were entranced. The beautiful galleries and paintings were so well organised and information so clearly labelled that we received a complete and fascinating history of Scotland as well as a visual feast of artwork.l If we had had more time we could have spent all day... More

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See 7 more reviews by MargaretW197 for Edinburgh
Sylva, North Carolina
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

The phrenology display with casts of real people is weirdly fascinating. It's also interesting to see the faces of famous people like Robert Louis Stevenson. The two temporary shows were entertaining: there were "radio" booths for listening to famous Scots comedians and the Annie Lennox show had her costumes and videos on a giant screen.

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See 2 more reviews by jeanforrister for Edinburgh
Mississauga, Canada
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Recently renovated, it was for us the best art gallery of the capital's big three, all of which we visited. Both the café and shop were of a similar exceptional standard. If you appreciate art, you will not want to miss this one. Be sure to look for the special exhibitions.

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See 8 more reviews by Connoisseur-of-Life for Edinburgh
Kent
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

I had the skate wings here which we're very nice. The waiters did remind me how to eat skate, but not in a patronising way.

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See 2 more reviews by Andrea1kent for Edinburgh
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

When we visited the Gallery was being improved. Plenty to see, a wide mixture of artists and medium, very grand and austere. Free admission but donations accepted. On different levels, so be prepared for plenty of leg work ! Well worth a visit.

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See 2 more reviews by MarieButcher for Edinburgh
St Andrews, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

The Portrait Gallery has long been one of my favourite places. From the old-world courtesy of the person who swings the heavy door open and bids me good day to the sweeping staircase, the cosy cafe tucked away in a far corner, even the lapis blue tiles in the ladies loo. The exhibits, of course, are the icing on this... More

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Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 June 2013

The newly-revamped picture gallery is a delight to visit. The galleries are themed, which is such a good idea and there were a couple of very interesting exhibitions when we visited - Scottish Comedians and Annie Lennox. The restaurant is excellent. There isn't a vast array of food but this gives the impression that everything has been freshly prepared on... More

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See 2 more reviews by Monica N for Edinburgh
Tenbury Wells, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

as far as a free attraction goes this one is great! its a great and interesting place with lot's of great paintings and things to learn

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Livingston, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

Loved my visit to the portrait gallery. Beautiful building inside and out. Free entry makes it even nicer but a little donation on the way out helps keep the place ticking over and shows your appreciation.

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See 7 more reviews by AnneFraser17 for Edinburgh

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