Visually Impaired Programme - In-person
This service is Free to use
Delivered by:
National Galleries Scotland
Last updated:
12/08/2025
In gallery sessions
Our live, in-gallery sessions take place in the gallery spaces and our learning rooms from 10.15am-3.30pm. In the morning, specialist artists lead a conversational, descriptive tour. In the afternoon participants are invited to explore their creative responses to artworks in a supportive and friendly art-making workshop. Friends and supporters are also welcome. Simply pack a lunch (or you’re welcome to use the café) and we’ll provide the teas coffees and artworks! Guide and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the gallery, there are designated toileting areas, and we provide water bowls.
Free, but booking essential.
Addresses:
Navigate to each location using the following links below
Portable hearing loops are available for public talks and lectures. These are free of charge and do not need to be booked.
You can find accessible parking spaces at both Modern One and Modern Two for blue badge holders. Parking is free for disabled visitors.
At Modern One, there are four disabled parking bays at the front of the building beside the step-free main entrance, and two disabled parking bays in the main car park to the rear of the building.
At Modern Two, there are four disabled parking bays at the rear of the building directly beside the accessible (step-free) entrance.
The main entrance of Modern One is accessed by a permanent ramp or flight of 3 steps. The front door is manually opened. During opening hours, a member of our gallery team will be happy to open the front door.
The accessible entrance to Modern Two is at the rear of the building, adjacent to the disabled parking bays. This door is manually opened. If you require assistance, please press the buzzer.
There are accessible toilets at all our sites.
At Modern One there is a full Changing Places Toilet in the rear car park that is open every day from 9.45am–5.30pm, a key is not required.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. For questions or assistance, please approach any staff member.
We have an area to charge mobility scooters and battery powered wheelchairs at each gallery. Please ask a member of staff and they will be happy to assist you.
The main entrance can be accessed via a step-free, gentle winding path measuring approximately 200 meters. There are two smaller, ramped entrances on the mound precinct itself. The accessible rear entrance of the Academy building has a lift that can take you directly down to level 1 information point and facilities. The mound entrance leads directly into the historic National Gallery building on Level 3. The partial Changing Places toilet is located on this level.
There are accessible toilets at all our sites.
At the National there is a partial Changing Places Toilet on level 3. This is open 10am-5pm, a key is not required. This facility has all the required facilities and floorspace (13.54m2), but as its in a listed building, it is a few inches too narrow to be a full Changing Places toilet. The room width is 1.9m at the narrowest point.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. For questions or assistance, please approach any staff member.
We have an area to charge mobility scooters and battery powered wheelchairs at each gallery. Please ask a member of staff and they will be happy to assist you.
Portable hearing loops are available for public talks and lectures. These are free of charge and do not need to be booked.
The trams pass by the National on Princes Street in both directions. Use the stop at the Mound.
The National is a few minutes’ walk from Waverley Station. Take the Waverley Bridge exit, and walk the short distance through Princes Street Gardens.
All city centre/Princes Street buses pass by the National.
Cars (but not larger vehicles) with blue badges are permitted to park in the back lane of the Portrait as long as they avoid access points and fire exits (which are marked with double yellow lines). The Highway Code applies.
The nearest designated parking bays for blue badge holders are on West Register Street and St James Place. These are a 5-8 min walk to the Portrait.
The main entrance of the Portrait is accessed by 4 steps or a permanent ramp. During opening hours, a member of our gallery team is always at the entrance to welcome you and open the front door.
There are accessible toilets at all our sites.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. For questions or assistance, please approach any staff member.
We have an area to charge mobility scooters and battery powered wheelchairs at each gallery. Please ask a member of staff and they will be happy to assist you.
Portable hearing loops are available for public talks and lectures. These are free of charge and do not need to be booked.
There is is a tram stop at St Andrew Square which is 2 minutes walk to the Portrait. Form the tram stop, go down North St Andrew Street. The Portrait is on your left at the junction with Queen Street.
The Portrait is a few minutes’ walk from Waverley Station. Take the Princes Street exit, cross the road and walk the short distance through St Andrew Square, turning left onto Queen Street.
Bus numbers 10, 11, 12, 16, 26 and 44 all go past the Portrait.
Blind / Visual Impairment
Sensory Impairment
Conditions
Creative and Cultural Activity
Activity
Museums and Galleries
Sensory Impairment
Contact information
You can use the information below to get in touch with Visually Impaired Programme - In-person