The UK’S Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) has released the 2025 visitor figures of its member venues.

At the National Galleries of Scotland, the National at The Mound in Edinburgh enjoyed a record-breaking year, exceeding 2 million visitors for the first time.

The National Galleries of Scotland’s free-to-visit galleries in Edinburgh — the National, the Modern and the Portrait — welcomed over 2.6 million visitors.

Edinburgh Castle continues to be the most visited paid for attraction in Scotland, with a 3% increase in visitors to 2,044,963.

The National at The Mound welcomed 2,004,777 visitors, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow saw a 3% increase to 1,219,831 visitors, and Riverside Museum in Glasgow attracted 1,212,151 visitors.

National Galleries of Scotland Director-General Anne Lyden said: “We welcomed over 2.6 million visitors across all three of our free-to-visit galleries, the National, Modern and Portrait, to discover Scotland’s wonderful art collection, as well as blockbuster exhibitions and events.

“It proves that despite the increasingly difficult economic climate and uncertain times, the public’s desire for rich cultural experiences is bigger than ever.”

National Galleries of Scotland said: “Across Scotland, visitor numbers rose by 2.6%, reflecting a sustained appetite for a moment of joy. Year on year, National Galleries of Scotland continues to offer a space for calm or contemplation, a place to help you relax and to navigate the world through art.

“We can’t wait to continue bringing art to everyone throughout 2026 – with a major programme of exhibitions including April’s fresh new insight into the powerful and expressive paintings of Scottish artist Joan Eardley, May’s biggest ever exhibition of photographer Wendy McMurdo’s intriguing digital world, August’s presentation of Catherine Opie’s captivating photographic portraits, and the first major retrospective in over forty years exploring the fascinating life of Welsh painter Gwen John.”