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Scottish National Portrait Gallery

1 Queen St., Edinburgh EH2 1JB, Scotland
44 131 624 6200
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As featured in Edinburgh for free
Ranked #14 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Type: Art Museums
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Owner description: Visit one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings and explore a fascinating overview of Scotland past and present though a wealth of imagery encompassing... more » Owner description: Visit one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings and explore a fascinating overview of Scotland past and present though a wealth of imagery encompassing painting, photography, sculpture and film. Meet the people who have helped shape the nation’s identity at home and abroad from Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert Burns, through to more recent pioneers in science, sport and the arts.. See this outstanding national Collection in its newly refurbished 19th century home, from the suite of grand, top-lit galleries to smaller, intimate rooms, and discover the new Photography Gallery and the atmospheric Victorian Library. Round off your trip to the Portrait Gallery with a visit to our new café. Serving a delicious menu of fresh dishes and classic recipes, our team are passionate about sourcing the very best local ingredients and seasonal produce. A great place for lunch or even just a coffee break, our family-friendly venue is one of the best cafes in Edinburgh. Admission is free. Charges may apply for special exhibitions. « less
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516 reviews from our community

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London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

I spent a very enjoyable and absorbing few hours in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery when I was in Edinburgh. The House of Lennox exhibition on Annie Lennox was a bit different but great - very well presented, interesting and a very modern take on the idea of a person, their image and portrait. We made the trip to see... More

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See 3 more reviews by SalO17 for Edinburgh
Grasmere, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

At first it seemed an odd idea for an exhibition, but it was a privilege to have this fascinating insight into the life of Annie Lennox. The presentation is excellent and the exhibits totally absorbing. The gallery is worth visiting just to view the exquisite main hall. There is also a fascinating display of busts taken from dead and alive... More

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

A polite doorman opened the door & greeted me on arrival - a nice welcoming touch. The special Annie Lennox exhibition was great and was a good contrast to some of the other exhibits on display. The cafe serves delicious food - worth a visit by itself - and there are spacious tables and comfortable chairs. The gift shop is... More

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See 6 more reviews by AntoniaLB for Edinburgh
Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

I went for the Annie Lennox exhibition which was very good. The rest of the museum was interesting too, lots of different things to see. The cafe is excellent, all the cakes and scones are home-made, as are all the yummy salads. Great place to stop for lunch!

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See 5 more reviews by Bedrijfsbakker for Edinburgh
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2013

My boyfriend and I very much enjoyed the museum. We wondered around in what felt like our own wee world despite being surrounded by people. There were lots of rooms dotted about; it was like making your way through a beautiful maze. Fabulous!

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See 3 more reviews by Meg M for Edinburgh
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 10, 2013 via mobile

Visited for the Lennox exhibit and found it very enjoyable. Very informative and lots of interesting sights. Only quibbles were that it would have been nice to see more costumes, but that's not the gallery's fault. Wandered round rest of gallery and very entertained. Extremely clean and informative.

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See 16 more reviews by gambit80 for Edinburgh
Ipswich
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

We visited to see the special exhibition of the clothes Annie Lennox designed and wore in relation to her various songs and tours.Plenty of colour and music in this fascinating show and followed by an insight lecture by a curator.

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See 6 more reviews by petersuff0lk for Edinburgh
Eastbourne UK
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2013

We went to Edinburgh specifically to visit this exhibition which was amazing. Uncrowded when we went and beautifully displayed in a lovely building in parkland. The cafe is also recommended.

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See 10 more reviews by PollyEastbourneUK for Edinburgh
chicago
Top Contributor
86 reviews 86 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 43 cities Reviews in 43 cities
41 helpful votes 41 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

we really were surprised at how wonderful a museum this was. allow enough time to check out the entire museum learn about Mary Queen of Scots and that whole complicated relationship with Elizabeth- do visit this unsung gem

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See 3 more reviews by jfadds for Edinburgh
Helensburgh, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

The gallery has a floor showing different times in history. It had a couple of exhibitions on which we thoroughly enjoyed. I will go back and for longer next time.

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See 2 more reviews by Brigadoon007 for Edinburgh

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