Scotland is home to many wonderful art galleries and museums. Most of them have significant collections of art by Scottish artists or on Scottish themes, but they also include the old master's, 19th and 20th century art, and modern art. The five art galleries mentioned here are some of the most popular in the country. Take the time to visit some, or all, of these galleries. You will not be disappointed. It is nice to take some time out of your busy day to relax and look at the beauty that artists have captured through the ages.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

The Kelvingrove opened in May of 1901 as part of the Glasgow International Exhibition. The collection was founded on the donation of 400 paintings by industrialist Archibald McLellan in 1854. It was further enhanced by the collection of artist John Graham-Gilbert in 1877. Before the Kelvingrove opened they were housed in the McLellan Galleries.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum features art by Scottish artists and on Scottish themes, a large collection of European art, displays from Ancient Egypt, and many hands-on displays. It is located on Argyle Street Glasgow and is open weekdays from 10am to 5pm, and on weekends from 11am to 5pm. Admissions is free.

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow

The Burrell Collection features the art collection of Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance which was donated in 1944. The current home of the Burrell Collection was built in 1983 and is situated in Pollok County Park. The collection features over 9,000 works of art from medieval to modern. It features a large number of European, Asian and Islamic art as well as sculpture from the times of the Ancient Greeks.

Admission to the Burrell Collection is free and it is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm, and on Friday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm.


Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery, Stirling

The Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery opened in 1874. It features Scottish, British and World history collections. There is a special William Wallace collection of over 300 paintings and images. The Stirling Smith also has a large collection of art by Scottish artists and of Scottish artefacts. The art gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is free.

National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh

The National Galleries of Scotland include the National Gallery, The National Scottish Portrait Gallery, the Royal Scottish Academy and the Gallery of Modern Art and Dean Gallery. All are housed in a complex situated on The Mound in Edinburgh. The first stone was laid for the building of the gallery by Prince Albert in 1850; it opened in 1859. The National Portrait Gallery opened in 1889. The National Gallery features Western art from the early Renaissance to 1900 and Scottish art from 1600 to 1900.

The National Galleries are open from 10am to 5pm daily and from 10am to 7pm on Thursday. Admission is free except for special exhibitions.

Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh

The Talbot Rice Gallery is named after David Talbot Rice who was a professor of Fine Art at the University of Edinburgh. The gallery, which was established in 1975, is housed on the grounds of the University of Edinburgh. The gallery features contemporary visual art by Scottish and international artists. It also has collections of architecture, the old masters, painting and sculpture. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and admission is free.