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Scottish National Portrait Gallery    

4.6/5
(2.8K) · Art gallery in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future at the Portrait. Dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, this gallery is a hidden gem right …
Come face to face with the people who shaped Scotland’s past, present and future at the Portrait. Dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, this gallery is a hidden gem right at the heart of Edinburgh. Meet with friends in Café Portrait. Find other familiar faces when you discover contemporary portraits of pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé and Tilda Swinton in the galleries above. 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 - take time to look up at the Zodiac ceiling in the world-famous Great Hall.

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.6/5 · 2,763 reviews
Recent reviews
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May 17, 2025
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION HARASSMENT FROM STUART AND AMY AND ABBY AND OTHER MEMBERS OF VISITOR FACING TEAM IF YOU ARE TATTOOED OR AUTISTIC DO NOT VISIT ANY OF THESE GALLERIES I was a regular visit…Full review by Gary A
May 16, 2025
The building itself is beautiful. The portraits show a different side to the people of Scotland. Not a must see but a good side tripFull review by Mark L
May 3, 2025
The Gallery itself is nice enough, but it's a pity they can't afford working soap dispensers in the men's toilets. These have not worked for months and months and for some reason the staff are incap…Full review by GordieC11

Facts

Established:1889

Questions & answers

Q:
Is there a place to securely store a suitcase? If so, how much does it cost
A:
I didn’t see one, but it is usual at a Gallery, so worth checking.
A:
Answer by B F · Jun 26, 2018
Q:
I believe there are two cafe/restaurants in the gallery, where are they situated?
A:
hi. There is one cafe/restaurant on the ground floor. Wonderful venue for lunch with healthy salads and homemade soup. Also serve the best scones in edinburgh if you're having a …
A:
hi. There is one cafe/restaurant on the ground floor. Wonderful venue for lunch with healthy salads and homemade soup. Also serve the best scones in edinburgh if you're having a tea/coffee break.Bonus are the lovely paintings adorning the walls in the Portrait Cafe
Q:
What do you class as "the main attractions" of Edinburgh? The NPG is 2 streets away from Princes Street, within walking …
Q:
What do you class as "the main attractions" of Edinburgh? The NPG is 2 streets away from Princes Street, within walking distance of both Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle, The RSA and the National Gallery at The Mound. Plus the 2 galleries in Market Street.
A:
The Old Town area is best for visitors. There are plenty of things to see when you get to the Castle and all of them are in walking distance. Also there plenty of nice places to eat and drinks.
Q:
Hi is it easy to find coming from Aberystwyth town centre? I'm towing a trailer tent.
A:
Easy to find but very difficult to park. Better to park in a 'park and ride' and get bus into city centre.
A:
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
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A:
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