Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Art museum in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery sits in a Gothic Revival building made of red sandstone, decorated with ornate sculptures on its facades. Inside you find paintings, photographs, and sculptures showing Scottish figures from the 1500s to the present day.
The building was designed by Robert Rowand Anderson and constructed between 1885 and 1889. It was the world's first gallery built specifically to display portrait collections.
The collection shows portraits of famous Scottish people—artists, politicians, writers, and scientists—who shaped their nation across different eras. Walking through the rooms, you see how each face represents a moment in Scottish identity and achievement.
Entry is free, and you can visit every day without worrying about admission costs. The location is central in Edinburgh, making it easy to reach on foot from other parts of the city.
A continuous frieze runs through the entrance hall, showing Scottish history through detailed scenes and clothing from different periods. Many visitors walk past this artwork without noticing it even though it tells the country's story right from the start.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Inception: 1889
Founders: John Ritchie Findlay
Architects: Robert Rowand Anderson
Official opening: 1889
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Operator: National Galleries of Scotland
Part of: National Galleries Scotland
Address: 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00; Thursday 10:00-19:00
Phone: +441316246200
Website: https://nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-portrait-gallery
GPS coordinates: 55.95551,-3.19361
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Edinburgh sits on volcanic rock, with its castle overlooking a medieval street that runs down to a royal palace. The Old Town preserves buildings from centuries past, while the New Town displays Georgian architecture in wide streets and elegant squares. Museums hold collections from Scottish...
Jenners
271 m
St Andrew Square
150 m
The Dome
279 m
Melville Monument
148 m
Dundas House
194 m
St Andrew's and St George's West Church
210 m
National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
6 m
New Register House
258 m
Multrees Walk
134 m
The George Hotel
256 m
Hopetoun Monument
165 m
Edinburgh, 1, 2 St Andrew Square, The Prudential Assurance Office
240 m
Edinburgh, 1 West Register Street, Guildford Arms
287 m
Edinburgh, 26 St Andrew Square
61 m
Edinburgh, 38, 39 St Andrew Square, Bank Of Scotland
199 m
Edinburgh, 28-48 West Register Street, South East Block
276 m
Queen's Hall Picture Theatre
126 m
Edinburgh, 3, 5, 9, 11 George Street, Standard Life Assurance Company
166 m
Edinburgh, 3 St Andrew Square
247 m
Edinburgh, 21 St Andrew Square, Phoenix Assurance
79 m
Edinburgh, 71 Hanover Street, Clydesdale Bank And North Of Scotland Bank
282 m
Edinburgh, 1b Dublin Street Lane North
278 m
Edinburgh, 42 St Andrew Square, Royal Bank Of Scotland
223 m
27, 28 And 29 St Andrew Square And 1 North St Andrew Lane
54 m
Edinburgh, Thistle Street, 2 Thistle Court
150 m
Edinburgh, 17 West Register Street, Cafe Royal
267 m
Edinburgh, Queen Street, York Buildings
34 m
Edinburgh, 20 Abercromby Place
201 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes