NATIONAL Galleries Scotland will open the doors to its new Scottish galleries this autumn in Edinburgh.
Due to open on September 30, with free admission and fully accessible, the new gallery hopes to celebrate and promote Scottish art focusing on Scotland’s art legacy.
The 10 galleries will feature more than 130 works of art with the new exhibition space promising to transform visitor experience.
Sir John Leighton, director general of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “We believe that we have created a National Gallery that is more open, engaging and inviting than ever before.
“Whether immersing themselves in the highly Romantic paintings of the Scottish Highlands, taking part in a family day or just enjoying the views, all are welcome to come and discover.”
Scotland’s built and natural environment will be brought to life by presenting early city pictures along with Highland landscapes.
Works from Scottish artists will be displayed including by William McTaggart, Anne Redpath, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys.
Across the National Gallery complex, there are five international exhibits this summer and two additional Scottish displays, with more than 460 artworks.
Christina McKelvie, culture minister, said: “The National Galleries of Scotland has the world’s finest collection of Scottish art and I’m delighted that the new galleries will now have space to show this off to a wide national and international public.”
The project was funded in part by the Scottish Government, The National Lottery Heritage and a fundraising campaign.
Work for on the project started in late 2018, with the first phase completed in 2019 with a new entrance, café and restaurant.
The construction of the project was intricate due to the location within a World Heritage site and above railway tunnels.
