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National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Museum4.7 · 5 8464.6 · 2 775≈ 1 h 30 minFree entry401 m from the center
A red sandstone neo-Gothic museum opened in 1889 and considered the world's first purpose-built portrait gallery. Its great hall is wrapped by William Hole's processional frieze of Scottish heroes, from the chieftain Calgacus to Victorian engineers. The rooms hang portraits of Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns by Ramsay, works by Van Dyck and contemporary photography. Admission is free, and Princes Street is a few minutes away.
Highlights
- The world's first purpose-built portrait gallery (1889)
- William Hole's frieze of Scottish heroes in the great hall
- Portraits of Mary Queen of Scots and Burns, works by Van Dyck
- Admission is free
Opening hours
| Mon | 10:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 – 17:00 |
What’s nearby
Melville's Monument is a memorial located in St. Andrew Square.
2 min walk · 144 m
St Andrew Square Garden is a landscaped public area.
2 min walk · 145 m
Memorial to John, Fourth Earl of Hopetoun.
2 min walk · 164 m
New Town Church
3 min walk · 215 m
George IV statue.
4 min walk · 320 m
St Paul's & St George's
4 min walk · 338 m
David Livingstone Memorial.
4 min walk · 341 m
Scott Monument
4 min walk · 347 m
4.7
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