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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

This is the big red sandstone building on Queen Street. It looks like a gothic palace and is dedicated to the people who shaped Scotland’s history. It is in Edinburgh, postcode EH2 1JD.

What to Expect and Enjoy
This is less about “art” and more about “stories.” It’s a bit like a giant history book where you can see the faces of the people you’ve heard about.

  • The Great Hall: As soon as you walk in, look up! The main hall is breathtaking, with a gold zodiac ceiling and a massive mural that shows a parade of famous Scots throughout history.
  • Famous Scots: You can see portraits of everyone from Mary, Queen of Scots and Robert Burns to modern stars like Sean Connery and Billy Connolly.
  • Photography: The gallery often hosts incredible photography exhibitions, featuring everything from local life to famous celebrities.

Best For and Time Spent
Great for history buffs, families, and adults. Because it’s all about people, children often find this more interesting than a traditional art gallery.

  • Duration: You’ll likely spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Free Entry: This is another wonderful free attraction in the city centre.
  • The Library: There is a beautiful Victorian research library inside that feels like something out of a film.
  • Food & Drink: The “Portrait Cafe” on the ground floor is excellent and usually a bit quieter than the cafes on the main tourist streets.
  • Accessibility: There is a lift to all floors, making it very easy for those with buggies or wheelchairs.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre
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