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Art Lover’s Guide to Edinburgh


One of Edinburgh's grand art galleries
Hi, I'm Mandy!

Mandy Hegarty is a writer who specializes in food and travel. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, she’s previously lived in New York, London, and Montreal. She has written for the likes of Time Out New York, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.

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Hi, I'm Mandy!

Mandy Hegarty is a writer who specializes in food and travel. Currently based in Dublin, Ireland, she’s previously lived in New York, London, and Montreal. She has written for the likes of Time Out New York, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.

see more

Though often overshadowed by artsy Glasgow, Edinburgh plays a starring role in Scotland’s cultural landscape. Art-keen visitors to the Scottish capital will find an array of art-centric attractions, including the national galleries. Here are some of the best spots for art lovers looking to explore Edinburgh’s art scene.

Scottish National Gallery

Outside the Scottish National Gallery on Princes Street.
This gallery is on Princes Street. | Photo Credit: David Ridley / Shutterstock

The Scottish National Gallery showcases classical European art, from Tintoretto and Titian to J.M.W. Turner and Paul Cézanne. Homegrown Scottish talent is also well represented with works from the likes of Allan Ramsay, Sir Henry Raeburn, and William MacTaggart on show.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Statues in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Inside the famous museum. | Photo Credit: clivewa / Shutterstock

Art lovers come face-to-face with famous figures from Scotland’s past, from Mary Queen of Scots to James Bond -actor Sir Sean Connery, at this Venetian Gothic-style gallery on Queen Street.

Scottish Gallery of Modern Art

The lawns of the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art.
This spot is near Dean Village. | Photo Credit: Piers Mathias / Shutterstock

Set across two separate buildings—Modern Art One and Modern Art Two (Dean Gallery)—the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art is a must for contemporary art fans. Pretty much every major art movement from the 20th century is covered in its collection, which includes pieces from the likes of Henri Matisse, Roy Lichtenstein, and Tracey Emin.

National Museum of Scotland

The atrium of the National Museum of Scotland.
Near Cowgate, this museum is free. | Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock

Though much of the modern portion of the National Museum is given over to historical and geological exhibits, the Victorian galleries house displays on art, design, and fashion, and include everything from colorful Bernat Klein textiles to a rare glass sculpture designed by Pablo Picasso.

The Queen’s Gallery

The Queen’s Gallery on the Royal Mile.
You'll find this spot at the bottom of the Royal Mile. | Photo Credit: Lasse Ansaharju / Shutterstock

Get a peek at some of the British Royal family’s art collection, showcased at this gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Works from the Royal Collection are shown as part of changing exhibits that move between here and the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

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How to Visit the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
How To Visit the Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh