The List

National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

One of the most magnificent buildings in the entire city, modelled on the Doges Palace in Venice, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery has an impressive Gothic red sandstone façade designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. As well as classical subjects such as Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, the gallery is home to more contemporary Scottish portraits, such as those of Sean Connery (by John Bellany), Robbie Coltrane and Tilda Swinton (both John Byrne, whose self-portrait is also at the gallery). In 2009, the gallery was closed for the first major refurbishment in its 120-year history, re-opening to great acclaim in late 2011.

What's On @ National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait

Wendy McMurdo | The Digital Mirror

Wendy McMurdo | The Digital Mirror

16 Jun 2026 - 25 Oct 2026

Experience Wendy McMurdo’s photographic reflections on childhood, the digital world, learning and make-believe in her largest exhibition to date. Working at the forefront of developments in digital photography, Wendy McMurdo: The Digital Mirror, charts 20-years of ground-breaking work by this pioneering photographer. McMurdo has blazed a trail in the experimental use of computers and digital tools in photography from the early days of computer-based learning in schools to the growth of the internet and networked gaming. Wendy McMurdo: The Digital Mirror comes at a time when the digital landscape is changing faster than ever before, with technology offering limitless possibilities and scope for imaginative learning. With children spending more and more time online, the exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the impact of technology on learning and play in childhood.
Tea Green Summer Market

Tea Green Summer Market

27 Jun 2026 - 6 Dec 2026

Join Tea Green for an unforgettable Summer Market hosting a dynamic showcase of independent creative businesses across Scotland. Discover a carefully curated selection of luxurious textiles, exquisite jewellery, stunning ceramics, vibrant illustrations, and more! With an eclectic range of independent creative businesses exhibiting each day, this market is your ultimate destination to discover, support & celebrate Scotland's remarkable creative community. Established in 2014, Tea Green Events has emerged as a leading and prominent pop-up events platform. Over the past decade, they have been committed to championing Scotland's wealth of independent creative talent through thoughtfully curated events across Scotland.
Coco's Art History Comedy Highlights Tour
Max Norman, 5 Foot Entertainment, National Galleries of Scotland Join London socialite and time-travelling tour guide, Coco the Time-Travelling Tart, through a series of intimate tours of the National Gallery of Scotland. Expect sharp storytelling, playful humour, and cheeky fresh take on some of the gallery's most iconic works as well as some less well known treasures. Coco blends curious facts, light scandal, and joyful wit in a warm, welcoming, queer-friendly atmosphere – with light adult themes, big smiles, and a sparkling new way of seeing history. Audience participation, Audience will be standing throughout, Audience required to walk or move around during the performance Age category: 16+

↖ Back to all venues