Our artistic journey begins in the heart of Scotland - Edinburgh, a city that has inspired artists from around the world for centuries. Our first stop is the National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait, located at 1 Queen St. This impressive gallery, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5, is a veritable treasure trove of Scottish history told through the lens of portraiture. As one visitor noted: 'This building is a must visit. The hall is magnificently decorated and is incredibly impressive. Of course, the works of art collected here are magnificent and worthy of a visit. The gallery offers a fascinating glimpse into Scottish culture and history through portraits of famous personalities, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Nearby, at The Mound, is the National Gallery of Scotland, which, with a rating of 4.6, is equally impressive. This gallery is a true paradise for lovers of classical painting. As one visitor describes: 'Great museum. Admission is free. Stunning works of art, beautifully displayed. The depth of the paintings is added by the colors of the walls. At the National Gallery of Scotland, you can admire works by such masters as Van Gogh, Da Vinci and Monet, as well as an extensive collection of Scottish artists.

Both galleries offer free entry, making them accessible to all art lovers. The National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait stands out for its extensive collection of portraits and fascinating temporary exhibitions, while the National Gallery of Scotland impresses with the variety of styles and eras represented in its collection.

Comparing the two institutions, it is worth noting that the National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait focuses mainly on portrait art and Scottish history, making it an ideal destination for those interested in local culture and history. The National Gallery of Scotland, on the other hand, offers a broader cross-section of world art, making it an excellent choice for those who want to see works by renowned masters from different eras and countries.

Both galleries are perfectly located in the center of Edinburgh, making it easy to visit them in one trip. It's worth planning at least a couple of hours for each to fully appreciate the richness of the collections there. Keep in mind that while admission is free, it's worth checking opening hours and any special exhibitions before visiting.

Leaving Edinburgh, head to Glasgow, Scotland's second largest city, where a real gem awaits - the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Located on Argyle St, this impressive institution with a 4.7 rating combines the functions of an art gallery and a museum. As one visitor notes: 'A beautiful and very interesting museum, which additionally hosts organ music concerts. The cross-section of exhibits through centuries of history and types of human activities and interests is stunningly diverse.''

Kelvingrove stands out not only for its extensive art collection, but also for its impressive architecture and the diversity of its collections. From works by Salvador Dalí to natural history exhibits, there is something for everyone. What's more, regular organ concerts add to the gallery's unique character.

Moving northeast, we arrive in Aberdeen, where the Aberdeen Art Gallery awaits. This recently renovated institution, with a rating of 4.7, is a true treasure trove of contemporary art. As one visitor describes: 'Worth a visit, a large selection of permanent and touring exhibitions. Plus the café offers a nice place to have lunch or something good. Aberdeen Art Gallery is famous for its impressive collection of Scottish and international contemporary art.

When comparing the two institutions, it's worth noting that the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum offers a more diverse collection, combining art with historical and natural history exhibits. It is an ideal place for families with children, where everyone will find something of interest. Aberdeen Art Gallery, on the other hand, focuses more on contemporary and modern art, making it attractive to lovers of the latest art trends.

Both galleries offer free entry, which is an added bonus. Kelvingrove stands out for its monumental architecture and extensive collections, while Aberdeen Art Gallery impresses with its modern approach to art presentation and newly renovated spaces.

It's worth planning at least half a day to visit each of these institutions. You can easily spend a full day at Kelvingrove, exploring the various exhibitions and enjoying additional activities such as organ concerts. The Aberdeen Art Gallery, while smaller, offers an intensive contemporary art experience and may require several hours for a thorough tour.

Both galleries are perfectly located in the centers of their respective cities, making them easy to visit as part of a broader exploration of Glasgow and Aberdeen. Be sure to check out the current temporary exhibitions prior to your visit, as both institutions regularly host fascinating exhibitions that can further enhance your visit.

Our artistic tour of Scotland ends in Dundee, a city that has experienced a true cultural renaissance in recent years. The centerpiece of our visit is The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum, located in the heart of the city in Albert Square, Meadowside. This institution, with an impressive 4.7 rating, combines the functions of an art gallery and a museum, offering a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Dundee and Scotland as a whole.

Housed in a beautiful neo-Gothic building from the 19th century, The McManus underwent a major renovation in 2010, making it a modern and visitor-friendly venue. As one visitor notes: 'I recommend it to tourists because it's free. Such for a 2-hour tour, some nature, art, inventions and general history of the city. This opinion perfectly sums up the diversity of The McManus' offerings.

The gallery offers an impressive collection of Scottish and European art, from the 19th century to the present day. Here you can admire works by artists such as John Duncan, David Wilkie and James McIntosh Patrick. At the same time, the museum showcases Dundee's fascinating history, from prehistoric times to the present day, with a special focus on the city's industrial and maritime past.

What sets The McManus apart from other galleries and museums in Scotland? First and foremost, its versatility. Unlike the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, which focuses mainly on art, or Kelvingrove in Glasgow, which offers a more diverse yet extensive collection, The McManus presents a more focused but equally fascinating look at the art and history of Scotland, with a particular focus on Dundee and the Tayside region.

One of the greatest strengths of The McManus is its accessibility. The gallery is designed to be family-friendly, with interactive exhibitions and educational spaces, making it an ideal place to explore art and history for visitors of all ages. As another visitor notes, 'A good place for families with children. The exhibit is the story of Dundee.

It's worth noting that The McManus, like most Scottish public galleries, offers free entry. This makes it a great place to spend a few hours, even if you're on a tight budget. The gallery is also conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to combine your visit with other Dundee attractions.

To conclude our tour of Scotland's most interesting art galleries and installations, it's worth noting how diverse and rich the country's artistic heritage is. From classic collections in Edinburgh, to modern approaches to art in Glasgow and Aberdeen, to the fascinating combination of art and history in Dundee, each of these places offers a unique art experience.

Whether you're a lover of traditional painting, passionate about contemporary art, or simply a curious world traveler, Scotland's galleries and museums have something to offer. Remember to plan enough time for each visit, check current exhibitions before you arrive and be open to new experiences. Art in Scotland isn't just paintings on the walls - it's the nation's living history, culture and identity that is worth discovering and understanding.