National Galleries of Scotland: National Reviews Summary

Artwork and Exhibitions

Pros:

• "One of the greatest collections in the world, where you can have direct contact with artworks of grand masters as Tintoretto, Rafaello Sanzio, Rembrandt, Hals… Don’t miss it!"
• "Seeing paintings and sculptures in the flesh from some of my favourite artists was magical."
• "The selection of artwork is diverse and organized; each room is organized by year and by the movement that inspired the works."
• "Amazing pieces of art and sculpture to see."
• "Masterpieces by Rafael and, in my opinion, the only masterpiece by Leonardo, the Madonna of the Yarnwinder."
• "Stunning artwork. And they allow photos to be taken inside."
• "Housing some of the most influential artists of the 15th century right through to the 19th century."

Cons:

• "Although it was interesting and not all open yet, this was the least interesting gallery we visited while in the city."
• "Where is the art painted by women? In the entirety of the downstairs gallery there is not one piece of art painted by a woman."
• "However, it didn't leave a lasting impression. Once I stepped out, nothing particularly thrilling to remember."
• "It is nice enough but a fairly unimaginative way of displaying some very good works of art."
• "I like different types of art but the exhibits on display were terrible."
• "Was saddened by all the perspex on the paintings, I've never seen this in any art gallery visit before."
• "A wider range of paintings would be nice though, very Christian centric."

Accessibility and Facilities

Pros:

• "The staff at the Museum was very knowledgeable and help to us fine those pieces quickly."
• "The staff were friendly and helpful."
• "There is plenty of seating for visitors to gaze at the paintings and sculptures."
• "Free WiFi."
• "The staff are very nice and helpful as well."
• "There are also lifts/elevators for those who may need them."
• "The staff were very friendly and attentive, also knowledgeable."

Cons:

• "No parking on site but in Edinburgh, you are probably walking or taking a taxi."
• "The door man at the impressionist entrance really put us off."
• "Unfortunately I was unable to view the galleries on the first floor as I have limited mobility and the lift is currently not working."
• "I'm giving this three stars because, despite the exhibitions being very worthwhile, there's no disabled parking at the museum."
• "No wheelchair access upstairs yet until development works."
• "The ladies toilets were out of order with no directions to other ones so I didn't stay as long as I would have."
• "Long waits for the lift."

Value and Experience

Pros:

• "A brilliant viewing experience and being free to enter was an additional bonus."
• "It's free to enter and they do have a couple of contactless (£10) donation points."
• "Free entry so that makes it a very worthwhile visit."
• "Absolutely outstanding and completely free."
• "Would happily pay for entry but the fact that it is free makes it a must visit!"
• "Considering the gallery is a free day out, this should already be on your list of places to visit."
• "And it's all free - but please make a generous donation as it's a brilliant day out."

Cons:

• "The gift shop is good but somewhat expensive."
• "The shop was very expensive as well."
• "Grayson Perry admission price felt like a rip off."
• "Closes at 5 pm which is outrageous."
• "Unfortunately the Coffee Shop near the main entrance is a disgrace, looks like a cheap, dismal school canteen."
• "Service a bit slap dash."
• "Seemed small. Problem with cafe - no only drinks outside."