Scottish National Gallery
Museum National art gallery housing Scotland's fine art collection
On The Mound in Edinburgh, the Scottish National Gallery holds European paintings from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century, a central stop for gallery-goers and walkers from Princes Street.
The Scottish National Gallery houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art and is located on The Mound in central Edinburgh. The gallery’s collection spans European painting and sculpture from the Renaissance through the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Galleries display works by European masters and major British artists, with emphasis on canonical painting traditions and national holdings. Entry to the permanent collection is free; temporary exhibitions may be ticketed.
The gallery building was designed by William Henry Playfair and opened in the mid-19th century; the collection and display spaces have been reorganised and expanded at various times since opening. It forms part of Edinburgh’s ensemble of neoclassical public buildings.
Situated on The Mound between Princes Street and the Royal Mile, the gallery is in the New Town/Old Town interface of central Edinburgh and is a short walk from the city centre and major public transport routes.
- Building: The principal building was designed by architect William Henry Playfair and first opened to the public in 1859.
How to Get to Scottish National Gallery #
The gallery lies a short walk uphill from Princes Street and is reachable on foot from Edinburgh Waverley station in 10-15 minutes. Local buses serve the area as well.
Tips for Visiting Scottish National Gallery #
- Arrive early to enjoy the central rooms with fewer visitors; the National Gallery often fills later in the day, especially on sunny weekends.
- Walk up The Mound from Princes Street for a dramatic reveal of the façade and entrance.
- Don't skip the Scottish collection on the upper floors - it tells a parallel story to British and European galleries.
Best Time to Visit Scottish National Gallery #
Visit in shoulder seasons for quieter galleries; summer festival crowds swell the city and museum footfall.
Weather & Climate near Scottish National Gallery #
Scottish National Gallery's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (654 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
