Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to art galleries in Edinburgh. But if modern and contemporary art is your preference, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art should be your destination: two buildings full of works by some of the most important modern artists, in a spectacular landscaped setting.

A magnificent setting

The gallery is in Edinburgh’s West End, to the west of the New Town. There, on Belford Road and by the Water of Leith, you will find the two buildings of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, surrounded by spectacular grounds. If you join our walk through the New Town, it ends in Dean Village, about ten minutes away.

Practical information

Opening hours

Daily

10am–5pm

Entry

Free. There is a charge for some special exhibitions.

Collection highlights

The first building, Modern One, was originally John Watson’s School and was converted into an art gallery in the 1980s. Here you can see works from 1900 to the present by both Scottish and international artists, including Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Samuel John Peploe, Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst.

The second building, Modern Two, was the Dean Orphan Hospital and was acquired in 1999 to house the collections of Dada and Surrealist art, with works by Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. Don’t miss the recreation of sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi’s London studio and his magnificent statue, Vulcan.

Modern Two also houses the gallery’s library and archive, as well as regularly changing temporary exhibitions.

Relax at the Gallery of Modern Art

Each of the two buildings has a lovely, quiet café. If you like brownies, don’t miss them here! They are especially good.

There is also a gift shop with a great selection of art books, prints, posters and other things related to modern and contemporary art.

The grounds of each building are a work of art in their own right. Admire the lawn in front of Modern One, designed by Charles Jencks, a dramatic serpentine mound reflected in three crescent-shaped ponds, entitled Landform.

Take a stroll around the sculpture park, with works by artists including Barbara Hepworth, Rachel Whiteread and Richard Long. You can also see Pig Rock Bothy, a small timber building that hosts talks, performances and events, part of a wider network of similar venues across Scotland called the Bothy Project.

If you love modern and contemporary art, the Gallery of Modern Art is a must on your visit to Edinburgh.

Combine your visit with Dean Village and Stockbridge

The gallery fits perfectly into a walk through Dean Village, along the Water of Leith and on to Stockbridge.

A good idea is to start in the New Town, head down to Dean Village, follow the Water of Leith and then visit the gallery. Afterwards, continue to Stockbridge for lunch, a coffee or a browse in its independent shops.

It’s an ideal route if you have already seen the Royal Mile, the Castle and the Old Town, and want to discover a quieter, greener and less touristy side of Edinburgh.

Is the Gallery of Modern Art worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you are interested in modern art or have several days in Edinburgh. It wouldn’t be our first recommendation if you only have a few hours in the city, but it’s an excellent choice for a second or third day.

Free entry, two buildings, outdoor gardens and its closeness to Dean Village make it a very complete visit. And being a little off the main tourist trail, it usually offers a calmer experience than other places in the centre.

You can also combine it with the city’s other national galleries, the Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Tips for your visit

Check which exhibitions are open before you go, especially if you want to see a particular show, and allow at least an hour and a half to see Modern One and Modern Two without rushing.

Don’t stay indoors: the gardens and outdoor sculptures are an important part of the experience. Combine your visit with Dean Village or Stockbridge to make the most of the trip from the centre.