The Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street closed its doors in April 2009 for a major refit.
The £17.5m 'Portrait of the Nation' scheme – with £5.1m from the Scottish Government and £4.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund – will involve a radical refurbishment and redesign of the building, and re-presentation of its 30,000 exhibits. At present the building is empty except for busy contractors.
Built in 1885–90 to the design of architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson (also responsible for the former Catholic Apostolic Church in Mansfield Place), the SNPG was the first purpose-built portrait gallery in the world. However, it was never exclusively used as such until now.
The new project is intended to restore the building's interior, but also to open up 50% more gallery space. An education suite, resource and learning centre, enhanced shop and dining area will also be created. More works will be shown, in a more engaging and contemporary style than before. Greater emphasis will now be placed on photography and Scottish art. So far 80% of the necessary funds have been raised, but efforts on this front continue.
'Portrait of the Nation will enable us to create an imaginative and bold portrait gallery for Scotland in the 21st century for the enjoyment of the Scottish people and visitors to Scotland,' said SNPG Director James Holloway.
The Gallery is scheduled to reopen in 2011, but news about ongoing activities and other National Galleries events is available at [www.nationalgalleries.org/].