Edinburgh Modern Art

07 October 2022|Read time 3 mins

Discover 2 of Edinburgh's most loved art galleries on your trip to Scotland's capital city.

Edinburgh is lucky enough to have two modern art galleries standing just across the road from each other, The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: Modern One and Modern Two.

Edinburgh Art Galleries

Both Galleries of Modern Art are former schools set in extensive parkland close to the city centre, within 15 minutes walking distance from Edinburgh's West End.

Both make for great days out with art, food, and relaxing spaces to enjoy.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: Modern One

Modern One, at 75 Belford Road, exhibits works from 1900 to the present day, with a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art.

They are home to a standing collection featuring works by Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, and Lucian Freud.

It also features works from contemporary artists - Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and Gilbert and George are all represented.

There are often special exhibitions, combined with a mix of styles, from audio to video, and sculpture to pencil sketches.  

The displays change often, with works on display on loan from other galleries bringing fresh perspectives for regular visitors.

Visiting with family? It's the perfect location.

Just as pertinent, at least for those visitors with small children, is a good cafe (but expect long queues at lunchtime) and a walled garden. If you want to bring a picnic, you'll love the outdoor space.

The 'landform' to the front of the Gallery is also worth a special look and is a much-loved aspect of the gallery. The coiled snakes of land and water are landscaped to a design by artist Charles Jencks.

There are dedicated spaces for younger children to create their own masterpieces, experiment and enjoy their surroundings. With trails, sketchbooks and activities, your children will love their visit. 

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: Modern Two

Over the road is the former Dean Gallery now known as Modern Two. It is home to works from Surrealist artists including Dali, Miro, Ernst, Magritte, and Picasso.

A giant robot-shaped sculpture by Eduardo Paolozzi dominates the ground floor, fascinating even regular visitors.

The building itself is a sight to see. Built originally as the Dean Orphanage, it has grand staircases, chimneys, and an English Baroque style.

The galleries are accessible by bus, or, if you're not in a hurry and fancy a scenic stroll, you can walk from central Edinburgh via the Water of Leith walkway.

If you are visiting during autumn take a bag with you as the owners of the allotments at the galleries often leave apples and other produce for passersby to take home!

After visiting the Galleries, head to the beautiful and historic area of Dean Village.

Formerly the home of water mills, today visitors to Dean Village can see Wells Court, originally built to house mill workers in the 18th century.

To the rear of Modern One, the Water of Leith is easily accessed via a staircase.

The art continues here with a series of statues by sculptor Antony Gormley, beginning at the Modern Art Galleries and continuing along the Water of Leith.

Modern One has free car parking.

Entrance to the permanent exhibitions is free - but there is a charge for special shows.

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Take time to visit two of Edinburgh's much loved art galleries on your self-catering trip to Edinburgh.