The National Edinburgh Scotland

UK Museums: The National, Edinburgh, Scotland

The National (formerly the Scottish National Gallery)

The gallery displays both paintings and sculpture. — The gallery displays both paintings and sculpture

Formerly the Scottish National Gallery, The National is located on The Mound in central Edinburgh. The museum is housed in a 19th century building and displays Scotland's national collection of fine art from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

National Galleries Scotland administers The National, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and also the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Adjacent is the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA). It is Scotland's national academy of art and promotes contemporary Scottish art. Both buildings, The National and RSA are the work of architect William Henry Playfair (1790-1857). The city of Edinburgh is a favorite for short city breaks for visitors from the rest of the UK and Europe.

Paintings on display at The National. — Paintings on display at The National in Edinburgh

History

The gallery was founded in 1850 when the Scottish Academy, led by Sir George Harvey, began collecting artworks with the goal of creating a national collection. The initial collection was housed in the Royal Institution building on The Mound in Edinburgh. The gallery officially opened its doors to the public in 1859.

London-born, Edinburgh-educated architect William Henry Playfair's other major works in the Scottish capital include the unfinished National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill (in collaboration with Charles Robert Cockerell), planned as an exact copy of the Parthenon in Athens and Old College, part of Edinburgh University.

His other works in the city include Surgeons' Hall, St. Stephen's Church, Regent, Royal and Carlton terraces, the Dugald Stewart Monument and City Observatory.

atural light from above. — The space is lit with natural light

Exhibits

The National's collection spans European paintings from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, featuring works by artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Turner, Van Gogh, and many others. The gallery has also expanded its collection over the years through donations and acquisitions.

The Early Renaissance and Italian Art collection includes works by Italian masters such as Titian, Raphael, and Botticelli. "The Madonna of the Yarnwinder" by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the notable masterpieces in this category.

The Dutch and Flemish art collection features works by artists like Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Vermeer. "The Three Graces" by Peter Paul Rubens is a significant painting in this collection.

The French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism section has works by Monet, Degas, and Cézanne. Van Gogh's "Olive Trees" is one of the notable pieces on display.

Scottish art is represented by artists such as Sir Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay.

In addition, the gallery includes paintings by British artists, including works by Sir Joshua Reynolds, J.M.W. Turner, and Sir Edwin Landseer including Lanseer's iconic The Monarch of the Glen.

As well as paintings, the gallery also houses a collection of sculptures, including pieces by Sir Francis Chantrey.

William Henry Playfair designed the building. — William Henry Playfair designed the building

Architecture

The neoclassical building is the work of the Scottish architect William Henry Playfair. The gallery's architecture is a significant aspect of its identity and contributes to its grand and imposing presence on The Mound. It was part of a larger urban development plan for the city of Edinburgh, which also included other structures designed by Playfair.

The facade of the building features a series of columns and pilasters, creating a sense of symmetry and classical proportion. The main entrance is adorned with a grand staircase leading to the entrance portico supported by columns.

A prominent feature of the building is the central dome, which adds to its architectural elegance. The dome is visible from both inside and outside the gallery and serves as a distinctive element of the structure.

In 2004, an extension was added to the Scottish National Gallery with the opening of the Playfair Project. This extension linked the gallery to the adjacent Royal Scottish Academy Building. While the extension provided additional exhibition space, it was designed to complement the original neoclassical architecture.

The adjacent Royal Scottish Academy Building. — The adjacent Royal Scottish Academy Building with an exhibition by British artist Grayson Perry

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

The collection includes paintings from the Renaissance to the 20th century. — The collection includes paintings from the Renaissance to the 20th century

Access & Hours

The Mound
Edinburgh EH2 2EL
Tel: 0131 624 6200
www: nationalgalleries.org

Entrance to the gallery is completely free and visitors to the city should not miss the chance of a visit.

The museum is a short walk from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and The Scott Monument. Edinburgh Waverley Station is a 6 minute walk.

If you wish to stay in this area of Edinburgh try The Balmoral, with five stars and a fine restaurant. Other places to stay in the center of Edinburgh include The Bonham, the Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh, and the Apex Grassmarket Hotel.

The Feast of Herod. — The Feast of Herod by Rubens, oil on canvas

Nearby

Also within easy walking distance of the gallery are the National Museum of Scotland, St Giles' Cathedral and Old College, part of the University of Edinburgh.