Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Queen Street, Edinburgh has re opened after a major refurbishment. The Gallery is home to the Scottish National Collection of Portraits of Scottish Men and women and the Scottish National Photography Collection.
Philanthropist John Ritchie Findlay, proprietor of The Scotsman newspaper gifted the funds for the building of the Gallery. He commissioned the architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson who created what can still be seen today; an ornately decorated red sandstone gallery decorated with statues of prominent Scotsmen. With Robert the Bruce and William Wallace keeping watch over the main entrance.
The Gallery opened in 1889 with a collection of portraits of famous Scots, forming the main part of the original collection, which was collected by David, 11th Earl of Buchan.
Refurbishment to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery included the removal of false ceilings and walls and opening up windows to allow more room and light into the building. The west side of the Gallery on the upper floors now reveals the wonderful coved ceilings.
Visitors to the Gallery can now access all floors in the new glass lift. Educational spaces are now available and a new Photographic Gallery has been created.
Your introduction to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery begins in the central Main Hall, where you are met with a striking frieze running along the first floor balustrade, which portrays many famous Scots; in reverse chronological order beginning with Thomas Carlyle.
There are Trails to follow and Exhibitions to discover.
Throughout its three floors the Gallery will continue to intrigue and delight you.
The Portrait Gallery Café is family friendly and serves fresh dishes and classic recipes using the best local ingredients.
The Shop offers an interesting range of gifts, prints, posters and books, many from Scottish artists.
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Directions |
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In the centre of Edinburgh, in Queen Street behind St Andrew Square Bus Station and two minutes walk from the East end of Princes Street.
By bus: Any bus to Princes Street. By car: There is limited meter parking nearby. |
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery Postcode for SatNav: EH2 1JD
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Contact
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Days Out near Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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Scott Monument (<1 Mile)*
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National Gallery of Scotland (<1 Mile)*
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Edinburgh City Art Centre (<1 Mile)*
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Nelson Monument (<1 Mile)*
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The Writers' Museum (<1 Mile)*
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Gladstone's Land (<1 Mile)*
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Edinburgh Dungeon (<1 Mile)*
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St Giles Cathedral (<1 Mile)*
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National War Museum (<1 Mile)*
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Camera Obscura & World Of Illusions (<1 Mile)*
Places to Visit near Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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Edinburgh (<1 Mile)*
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Leith (1 Mile)*
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Granton (1 Mile)*
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Cramond (4 Miles)*
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Craigmillar (5 Miles)*
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Newton Grange (8 Miles)*
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South Queensferry (8 Miles)*
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Kirkcaldy (11 Miles)*
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Pumpherston (11 Miles)*
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Livingston (13 Miles)*
Also near Scottish National Portrait Gallery |
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