Overview

The Portrait Gallery is home to the national collection. It features both historic and contemporary portraits in its permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions. It also host regular events. This review is based on my very brief visit to the Gallery specifically to see a photography taken by my second great uncle, which was not on display, but was able book a visit to view it in their Library and Print Room. I found the gallery was very accessible.

Transport & Parking

The Gallery has excellent public transport links and is a few minutes walk from Waverley Station. Several buses stop are nearby. The nearest tram stop is St Andrew's Square.

Access

The Gallery is approached by a sloping pavement on both sides or up a small flight of steps without handrails. There is no markings to show where the edge of the slope or steps which makes it a little difficult to work out where the end of the slope was. The manual, double entrance doors lead into a foyer, which then opens up into the Great Hall which is decorated with impressive frieze, depicting historical figures from Scottish history and above it on the first floor are a series of large scale murals. The hall has padded bench seating with back support and this is a lovely space to just sit and relax. The library was on the first floor which was accessed by a very large, glass lift. The Library space had tables and free standing chairs. Everywhere I visit was step free.

Toilets

The accessible toilet was on the ground floor. It has a manual door and does not require a RADAR key. The accessible toilet was spacious, clean, tidy and well maintained. There was plenty of grab rails and the emergency cord reached towards the floor.

Staff

This was a very personal and special visit as we were viewing a photograph taken by our second great uncle. From first contacting the Gallery, I has a quick and very positive response. The photo was not on public display but they arranged a visit to view it in their Library. This was organised and facilitated by Louise Pearson, the Photography Curator. She was amazing, accommodating a visit within my brief stay in Edinburgh, came downstairs to meet us in the main reception desk at the agreed time, had the photo ready for us to view and answered our questions. It was an amazing and impressive customer service.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I would like to give Louise a huge thank you for facilitating our visit. It was very moving to see a photo from the late nineteenth century taken by one of my ancestors. We were thrilled to be able to view this. The museum building is historic, very beautiful and very accessible. Their collection is fascinating. Staff are very helpful and supportive. I would highly recommend a visit and hope to return to view more of the Gallery on a future visit.

Photos