The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is an art museum located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is part of the National Galleries of Scotland, which also includes the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery's collection includes portraits of Scottish historical figures, as well as portraits of people from around the world who have had an impact on Scottish culture.
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1882 and is located in a neoclassical building designed by architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. The collection features over 3,000 portraits in a variety of media, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs. The gallery's holdings range from early portraits of Scottish kings and queens to contemporary works by contemporary artists.
Some of the highlights of the collection include the famous portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots by François Clouet, as well as portraits of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The gallery also has a collection of photographs that includes works by world-renowned photographers such as Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery also offers a range of educational programs and events, including talks, workshops, and tours. Admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibitions may require a fee.