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    National Galleries of Scotland: National

    Overall rating

    About

    Home to one of the greatest art collections in the world, the National is situated in the heart of Edinburgh and is one of Scotland’s top free visitor attractions. Experience artworks from some of the greatest artists of all time including Titian, Rembrandt and Constable. Dive deeper into Scottish history with painters like Raeburn and Traquair. Enjoy food and drink at the gallery café and restaurant and pick up a stylish memento from the shop. Whether you are new to the gallery, doing research or just passing by, the National welcomes everyone to explore artworks, discover new things or just simply take time to unwind.

    Reviews

    Overall rating

    4.36

    (11 reviews)

    Overall rating breakdown

    5

    3

    4

    8

    3

    0

    2

    0

    1

    0

    Access (avg.)

    3.2

    Parking (avg.)

    1.85

    Toilets (avg.)

    3

    Staff (avg.)

    3.4

    User profile picture

    WalkingWithWheels

    Aug 2026

    star

    4

    Accessible art with smooth wheelchair navigation

    I accessed the National Galleries of Scotland from the Princes Street Gardens. This was level access into the building below The Mound. You can also enter the building above the gardens via The Mound directly. Inside there was plenty of space to manoeuvre my wheelchair around the exhibits with lift access between the floors.
    User profile picture

    bwp

    May 2024

    star

    5

    Bringing art alive

    Not at all what I expected. Used to the very formal, almost library like, settings that art galleries can be like I was blown away by the National Galleries of Scotland. I had read about the upgrades to the building and improvements but wasn't expecting what I found.
    User profile picture

    sarahatlargo

    Aug 2022

    star

    5

    A Taste Of Impressionism

    The exhibition was beautiful, completely accessible and staff were extremely helpful. Paired with the accessibility of the nearby trams, it gave us an uplifting and completely stress-free day, amazing!

    Disabled Access Information Provided by National Galleries of Scotland: National

    Disabled Access at National Galleries of Scotland: National

    The main entrance of the National is situated in East Princes Street Gardens. From the paved area of the mound precinct, it is accessed via a step-free, gentle winding pathway measuring approximately 200 metres, or via a flight of 29 steps. There are two smaller, ramped entrances on the mound precinct itself. The accessible rear entrance of the Academy building has a lift that can take you directly down to level 1 information point and facilities. The mound entrance leads directly into the historic National Gallery building on Level 3. The partial Changing Places toilet is located on this level. There is step-free access to all areas in the gallery. There is a lift to all floors.
    Lift to all areas

    The venue is on multiple levels, with lifts available to all areas.

    Seating at regular intervals

    Seating is available at regular intervals.

    Disabled access
    Accessible retail space

    The retail space is accessible, with step-free access and space to move around easily.

    Step-free entrance

    There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance.

    Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet

    There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.

    Step-free access to most areas

    There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift.

    Accessible parking at National Galleries of Scotland: National

    There is a drop-off point just off The Mound, next to the National Gallery building. There is limited onsite parking available to book for visitors who are blue badge holders. If a booking space is not available alternative parking is available nearby. Please visit our website for more information.
    Drop-off or pick up point

    There is a drop-off or pick up point less than 50 metres from the accessible entrance.

    Transport nearby National Galleries of Scotland: National

    All city centre/ Princes Street buses pass by the Scottish National Gallery. Waverley Station is a few minutes away by taxi or 5 minute walk through Princes Street Gardens.
    Tram stop or station

    There is an accessible tram station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.

    Bus station or stop

    There is an accessible bus station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.

    Train station

    There is an accessible train station nearby with suitable facilities and assistance available for disabled passengers.

    Toilets features at National Galleries of Scotland: National

    There are accessible toilets on levels 1, 2 and 3 of the National. There is a partial Changing Places Toilet on level 3. This is open 10am-5pm, a key is not required. This facility has all the required facilities and floorspace (13.54m2), but as it’s in a listed building, it is slightly too narrow to be a full Changing Places toilet. The room width is 1.9m at the narrowest point.
    Accessible toilet icon
    Accessible toilet

    A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.

    Changing Places toilet icon
    Changing Places toilet

    There is a Changing Places toilet, which includes an adult-size changing bench, toilet, sink and hoist.

    Accessible formats at National Galleries of Scotland: National

    Large print

    Information is available in large print format.

    Audio formats

    Information is available in audio format.

    Sign Language

    BSL interpretation is available.

    Accessible services at National Galleries of Scotland: National

    Wheelchair hire

    Wheelchairs are available for visitors to hire or borrow.

    Disability awareness/equality training

    Staff have received disability awareness or equality training.

    Audio Description

    Audio description is available to describe visual information.

    Designated quiet times

    Designated quiet times are available, during which noise levels are reduced to meet the needs of visitors with sensory sensitivities.

    Touch Tours

    Touch tours are available for blind and visually impaired customers.

    Assistance dog facilities

    Facilities for assistance dogs, such as water bowls and toileting areas, are available.

    Other features at National Galleries of Scotland: National

    Carers discount

    A carers discount is available.

    Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi is available for customers.

    Online booking

    Online booking is available.

    Virtual tours

    A virtual tour of the venue is available, allowing visitors to explore areas they might not be able to access in person.

    Map or floorplan

    A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available.

    Dedicated disabled access information email address

    The venue has a dedicated email address for customers to request additional detailed accessibility information.

    More Information

    For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: access@nationalgalleries.org

    Location

    The Mound, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH2 2EL

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    If you believe the information displayed on this page is not up to date or the venue has closed, please send us an email at hello@euansguide.com

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