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    National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

    Overall rating

    About

    This neo-Gothic palace is a loveletter to Scotland. A hidden gem right at the heart of Edinburgh, it was designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson as a shrine for Scotland’s heroes and heroines. It opened to the public in 1889 as the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery. The art within tells you stories of the land and its people. Discover familiar faces of Scotland - contemporary portraits of pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé and Tilda Swinton sit alongside pioneers in science, sport and famous historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and Charles Edward Stuart. The gallery is decorated in elaborate murals and sculptural embellishments inside and out. Take time to look up at the Zodiac ceiling in the world-famous Great Hall and reflect and relax in Café Portrait.

    Reviews

    Overall rating

    4.25

    (6 reviews)

    Overall rating breakdown

    5

    1

    4

    4

    3

    1

    2

    0

    1

    0

    Access (avg.)

    4.58

    Parking (avg.)

    3.91

    Toilets (avg.)

    4.16

    Staff (avg.)

    4.91

    User profile picture

    tinahodgkinson

    Jul 2023

    star

    5

    Very accessible with Extremely Helpful Staff

    The Portrait Gallery is home to the national collection. It features both historic and contemporary portraits in its permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions. It also host regular events. This review is based on my very brief visit to the Gallery specifically to see a photography taken by my second great uncle, which was not on display, but was able book a visit to view it in their Library and Print Room. I found the gallery was very accessible.
    User profile picture

    kayfergone

    Dec 2020

    star

    4

    Visit during Covid restrictions

    This was my first visit to the museum, and although the first floor was closed due to Covid restrictions, I still really enjoyed my visit and look forward to going back.
    User profile picture

    amymccombes

    Apr 2018

    star

    4.5

    interesting history, art and brilliant cafe

    I have many positive experiences of this place. I find it aspiring and educational as a young photographer. I also think the cafe is really good and the staff are very helpful.

    Disabled Access Information Provided by National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

    Disabled Access at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

    The main entrance of the Portrait is accessed by 4 steps or a permanent ramp. During opening hours, a member of our gallery team is always at the entrance to welcome you and open the front door. There is step-free access to all areas in the gallery. There is a lift to all floors.
    Disabled access
    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.

    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.

    Toilets features at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

    There is an accessible toilet on the ground level near the main entrance.
    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.

    Accessible formats at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

    Large print

    Information is available in large print format.

    Sign Language

    BSL interpretation is available.

    Audio formats

    Information is available in audio format.

    Accessible services at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

    There is also a 'welcome area' at the Portrait near to the information desk. Here visitors will find accessible items on open display available to borrow, including: ear defenders; communication badges; sunglasses, magnifying glasses, reading overlays, sensory maps and large print labels. The welcome area is semi-enclosed and includes comfortable seating, weighted blankets and stim/sensory items.
    Audio Description

    Audio description is available to describe visual information.

    Assistance dog facilities
    Wheelchair hire

    Wheelchairs are available for visitors to hire or borrow.

    Disability awareness/equality training

    Staff have received disability awareness or equality training.

    Touch Tours

    Touch tours are available for blind and visually impaired customers.

    Other features at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

    Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi is available for customers.

    Carers Discount
    Online Booking
    Map or floorplan

    A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities 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.

    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

    1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, EH2 1JD

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