National Galleries of Scotland

What makes us a great choice for education

With regularly changing displays of world-famous art and the best contemporary painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and installations from around the world, this is a refreshingly different, thought-provoking destination for curious young minds to explore and develop their understanding of what art can be. Our workshops help learners of all ages develop their creativity skills, while a self-guided visit lets you do your own thing at your own pace, or with the support of our online learning resources. There’s truly something for everyone.

What is typically included on our school trips

All workshops are tailored to suit the age range of your group. If your groups have additional support needs, please contact us before booking so we can tailor your visit to your needs.

Descriptors of our workshops and virtual visits are available on our website. Book here.

Group Sizes Catered For

Workshops for up to 33 pupils.

Virtual visits – no limit.

Self-led groups can have a minimum 10 and maximum 45 participants. Please split into groups of 15 to move through the building.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

Most artworks can be photographed for personal use, as long as there is no flash or tripod.  

Risk Assessment Details

We ask schools to complete their own risk assessment before visiting. A generic risk assessment is available on request.

Education Officer Information

learning@nationalgalleries.org

Pricing Information

All self-guided visits are free when you book at least 2 weeks in advance.

Workshops £100 for up to 33 pupils

Virtual Visits free

First Aid Information

There is always a first-aider on site and first aid kits are available. Ask the nearest member of staff.

Available Facilities

Shop

Toilets, including a Changing Place at Modern One and at the National

Lunch space is available – please request when you book.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

All buildings are wheelchair accessible with disabled toilets and a Changing Place at Modern One and the National.

Opening Hours & Information

10am-5pm

7 days a week

Testimonials

Gallery Visits

Thank you so very much for all your help with today's trip - a great time was had by all. All the staff at NG are great, has to be said.  Wish you could have heard the "oo's and "aah's" as the children walked in - great to hear and see! 

The children and staff had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Feedback about the experience was super positive- many said it was the best day they had ever had at school.

Virtual Visits

Many thanks for the great session which our pupils enjoyed on Wednesday.  We really valued the opportunity to engage with artworks from the collection and the tasks were really interesting and pitched at just the right level. 

Thank you for our virtual trip to the art museum, we really enjoyed it. It was the perfect length and there was a great mix of activities and listening and looking. We all agreed that we learned something new. Here are some comments from the kids...

'I think the art pieces were really interesting.'

'I liked seeing lots of different types of artists'.

'The activities were great, I particularly enjoyed building a really tall sculpture in the classroom.'

'My favourite piece of artwork was the helmet, it has made me want to visit the gallery to see it.'

'I really liked seeing all the paintings on the slideshow.'

'The really tall sculpture was my favourite, and it was interesting hearing about how it got into the gallery'.

'My favourite was the sculpture of the town'.

I just want to say a huge thank you for our virtual visit on Monday afternoon.  The pupils really enjoyed seeing the art work and learning more about different types of art.  They all fed back to say it was a wonderful experience, especially as many of them don't ever get the opportunity to visit places like this in person.

It was brilliant. Thank you so much for organising and facilitating the session. The children loved it and it was a great, fast moving session with a lovely mixture of activities.