National Gallery of Scotland
- akakd
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National Gallery of Scotland
- October 11, 2006
- Rated 3 of 5 by
Mandan Lynn from Smithwick, South Dakota
National Gallery
10am to 5pm daily (7pm on Thursday)
Free!
I have to be honest: this is not my favorite of all the art galleries I've been to. The National Galleries of Ireland and England are both far superior. That said, it is still worth visiting. First of all, it's free. Also, it's small, which is part of the disappointment to me, but it means that it doesn't take long to get through it.
There are some paintings worth seeing. Rembrandt and Vermeer both have paintings here, as does my very favorite artist, Rubens. There weren't very many people here when I visited - midday on a Saturday. Of course, it is October, but there were still plenty of visitors around the castle and elsewhere in town.
If you really like art or have a little time to fill, stop by the National Gallery. If gazing at art isn't your favorite activity, this gallery isn't going to make you enjoy it any more. You shouldn't feel guilty if you don't make time for it.
From journal Taking the High Road to Scotland
Editor Pick
National Gallery of Scotland
- April 20, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
artslover from Calgary, Alberta
Any art lover should visit the National Gallery of Scotland. The National Gallery is relatively modest in size but immense in its collection and its importance.
The gallery is located in the Princes Street Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh. Its sandstone exterior is a beautiful classical architectural design. The main entrance is a modest door along the street heading up to the Mound. Inside there is a coat check with a staff who will ask you to check large bags or backpacks. No photography is allowed.
Likely because of its long history and generous patrons, the National Gallery has a significant number of old masters' works. Viewing the permanent collection on display can easily be accomplished, unlike some massive galleries, like the National Gallery in London or the Met in New York. And if you get tired or want to pause to admire a work, there are numerous leather-covered benches and chairs.
On the main floor there are paintings by Raphael and Rembrandt, and sculptures by Houdin, to name only a few. My favourites are the large Titans. I think there are more Titans in Edinburgh than almost anywhere outside of Italy. On the second floor are a number of Impressionist painters, including a lot of Monets and Renoirs, as well as British painters, such as Turner and Reynolds. The gallery's advertising uses Raeburn's painting of a minister skating on Duddingston Loch. That painting can be found on the second floor.
Most of the permanent collection can be found on the two main floors, which make up the National Gallery, with special exhibits usually located in the connecting building, the Royal Scottish Academy of Art. We have enjoyed special exhibits of the American painter Helen Frankenthaler and the Royal Scottish Watercolour Society, which featured some watercolours by HRH Prince Charles, whose paintings were very accomplished.
The admission to the gallery is free, but a fee applies to any special exhibits. The special exhibit fees vary; the watercolour exhibit was only £2.
The National Gallery was recently connected to the Royal Scottish Academy by a new building called the Weston Link. The link also contains a cafe, which has received favourable reviews for its food.
From journal Endlessly Fascinating Edinburgh
National Gallery of Scotland
- April 9, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Em2go from Flower Mound, Texas
This was just one of the museums I checked out during my quick visit. I only stayed for 2 days, so my time was very limited. There were many works of art that I was exited to see in person. I only wish I had more time to explore.
When you walk in the front doors, it suddenly seems very small and more like a gallery than a museum. But once you go in to the actual display areas you can start to see the size of the place. There are rooms tucked into every corner and level. Make sure you go up stairs for a truly wonderful surprise.
I could have spent the whole trip there if it had not been my last afternoon.
From journal Picked Up by 12 50-Year-Old Women
National Gallery of Scotland
- February 18, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
akakd from , Arizona
If you appreciate fine art, you won't want to miss the beautiful National Gallery of Scotland. The Gallery exhibits an outstanding collection of Scottish & European works from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. The recently acquired Canova "Three Graces" was prevented at the last moment from being whisked away by the J. Paul Getty Art Museum in California! Our loss, their gain. Admission to The National Gallery of Scotland is FREE.
From journal Elusive Edinburgh