Scottish National Gallery

Why go

The collection offers a chance to look closely at painting rather than simply follow Edinburgh’s architectural skyline. The building also belongs to William Henry Playfair’s transformation of the Mound. Pair the art with a look at the neighbouring Royal Scottish Academy to understand this small cluster of cultural buildings.

What to look for

• William Henry Playfair designed the neoclassical gallery building.
• The collection brings Scottish and European art together.
• The neighbouring Royal Scottish Academy forms a second classical landmark on the Mound.

The full story

The gallery opened to the public in 1859 in William Henry Playfair’s neoclassical building on the Mound. Its position between the two parts of Princes Street Gardens gives the collection a central setting at the meeting of the Old and New Towns. Together with the neighbouring Royal Scottish Academy, it makes art part of the architecture of that crossing. A group of paintings transferred from the Academy formed the heart of the collection, including works by Bassano, Van Dyck and Tiepolo. The gallery did not receive its own purchase grant until 1903, an important step in developing a national collection of Scottish and European art. Both buildings were remodelled in 1912 by William Thomas Oldrieve. An underground connection opened in 2004 as part of a later project. These changes show that the classical buildings have continued to adapt around their collections. Outside, compare their forms; inside, let the paintings determine the pace of your visit.

Useful to know

• Use the gallery as an indoor stop during a walk between Princes Street and the Old Town.
• Check current displays if a particular painting is the reason for your visit.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.