You might know Scotland best for its scenic lands, stunning castles, historical background, and natural attractions. However, before visiting, you must remember that Scotland is home to some of the most excellent Galleries in Europe. Art, culture, and tradition – the most relevant parts that tell us the story of this great country. So, let’s see which National Galleries are a must-see!
Scottish National Gallery
Absolutely stunning pieces of art and architecture are here at the Scottish National Gallery in the heart of Edinburgh. Essential for every art-lover, or sympathizer, the gallery contains masterpieces by some of the most famous artists, such as Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Rembrandt, and many many others.
How lucky it is that we can find these pieces right here in Scotland? So purchase the tickets right now, and see everything with your own eyes!
Remember that it will take a lot of time to explore the pieces thoroughly, not to mention that the gallery comprises the National Gallery Building and the Royal Scottish Academy Building, so there will be a lot of ground to cover.
See more Scotland tours for further inspiration!
The exhibition, art gallery:
Modern One and Modern Two
Scottish National Museum of Modern Art hosts not one but two striking galleries of modern and contemporary art. We are talking about some of the most progressive artists, the complicated yet stunning pieces, and overall superb collections.
Let’s start with Moder One, a gallery of sculptures dating back to the 1900s and back to this day. The pieces feature authors such as Joan Miro, Henry Moore, Rachel Whiteread, and Barbara Hepworth. If you are unfamiliar with the names, not to worry – you are about to become very familiar! In fact, we guarantee you will leave the gallery a fan!
Other names you will see among the ones mentioned are Matisse, Picasso, Vuillard, and Dix. This is not something you can miss out on!
Modern Two has The Stairwell Project at its center. A large-scale, intricate work by Richard Wright. It has been declared his best and most challenging piece.
If you get tired from the touring, do not worry, there is an excellent cafe in the building for Modern One that serves lunch, cake, and coffee!
Work by Pablo Picasso: If you want to learn more about Scotland, you may also read our article, Why Do Scots Wear Kilts and Tartans?
Barbara Hepworth – Art & Life
A whole gallery is dedicated to one artist. How can one not want to know what is so special about her? And believe us, she is.
Featuring more than 120 of Barbara’s works, the exhibition is located in the same building as Modern Two at the Scottish National Museum of Modern Art and tells an interesting story of the life of an artist. Walking through is kind of like watching a movie and seeing how the character grew, how she was feeling, and the way she was acting. Her art shows the development in her practice, even her involvement with political and societal parties, and how it changed the way she creates.
Art & Life is a gallery of historical landscape paintings, drawings, and some of Barbara’s best sculptures. So, if you wish to watch a person’s life change without words – this is the place for you. After all, art is way louder than words, is it not?
The guide suggests booking tickets two months in advance, so do that as quickly as possible. There are schedules and additional information online, and audio guides are available! This is something you must see!
The exhibition, people, watching:
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A gallery set in one of the most remarkable buildings in Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery is like a door to the portal that leads to the past.
The gallery is filled with portraits of people that built the country, saved it, celebrated it, and helped shape it into Scotland it is right now. However, it is not only the faces from the past that are hanging proudly here at the gallery. You will be pleased to know that some of these works feature modern-day creators as well. Such as Emeli Sande, Billy Connolly, and Tilda Swinton.
If you are interested in faces and think you can read them as if they were a book, you will love this exhibit. Compare the features, lines, emotions, and overall mood of different paintings. For example, can you compare an old-time hero to this day’s entertainer? And how can you tell the difference?
Get ready for a thorough journey of inspection, awe, and pride for Scotland!
Exploring a gallery:
Art is love; art is power! So find that inside you and get ready for a fulfilling journey searching for inspiration. Remember to book tickets in advance and keep an eye on the schedule. Good luck and have the best time in Scotland!