National Galleries Scotland: National, International Galleries

So this is probably my favourite gallery. The building itself is a work of art. A subtle mixture of old and new. The grand hall is amazing. There are pictures of various types and styles - something for everyone... and to discuss at length. The layout is relaxing, every thing is accessible and there a plenty of chairs to take a rest. There are large text descriptions. The library is a nice place to relax, even among the death masks. My favourite is Voltaire, such a cheery chap! Cafe serves nice food/cafe and the shop has decent relevant stuff. There is both a permanent and temporary displays. I can easily spend a day there... and it's all for free.

Probably one of my favourite galleries I visited in Edinburgh. The National Portrait Gallery brings together many different eras around the world -- admittedly, I think the Scottish history was probably the weakest. The way the exhibitions are arranged means the periods flow really well into one another. Moving through the rooms almost feels like watching the story of History unfold. The layout made it easy to follow the timeline, and I appreciated how clearly everything was explained. The descriptions were concise and understandable, which made it easy to understand the nuance behind the portraits and the wider historical context. Some of the most beautiful art I've ever seen was here, and they had some Monet. It’s also a very comfortable gallery to spend time in. The building itself is beautiful and central, and there are plenty of places to sit and take in the artwork. Like many of the national museums and galleries in Edinburgh, entry is free, which is wonderful. I would definitely recommend donating if you visit to help support and preserve these incredible collections.