Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom - Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What can we expect from the Scottish National Gallery? The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is actually two institutions—Modern One and Modern Two—situated within two grand Georgian mansions flanking a sculpture park. They're a big draw for tourists, sure, but they're also much-beloved by locals, too, given that the permanent exhibits (as with every public museum in the UK) are free. Got it. So what in particular should we look out for? Scotland has a very high caliber of 20th-century art, and the crème de la crème is housed here. Modern One has British artists like Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin; American artists like Andy Warhol; and legends like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Modern Two has a particularly impressive Dada and Surrealism collection; you can arrange a private viewing of the archives, a real treasure trove of those movements. Any good temporary exhibitions to check out? There are ever-changing exhibitions of exceptional quality, but even if the current show doesn’t catch your fancy, it’s still worth popping in just to walk the elegantly appointed halls of these 200-year-old buildings and see the enthralling permanent collection. Who can you expect to see here? Scotland’s galleries are open to everyone; on weekends and school holidays things can get busy, but never unbearably so. Because the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is a 30-minute walk or short bus ride from central Edinburgh, it’s almost always a welcome relief from the tourist hoards in the heart of the city. If you're looking for a double dose of culture, hitch a ride from a shuttle that runs between the the centrally located Scottish National Gallery to the modern art museum (for an optional £1). How easy is it to get around? Both galleries are accessible and have wheelchairs available onsite. To help navigate, would you recommend locking down a guided tour? You can book guided tours in advance, but everything is pretty self-explanatory. Great. Should we make a stop in the gift shop on our way out? The shops in both buildings are worth a visit, especially for their extensive collection of art books. How about the café? Modern One and Modern Two both have good café. There’s nothing like a walk around a gallery followed by tea (or Champagne) and a slice of cake—it’s the perfect way to wind down after all that visual stimulation. Cool. So if we're tight on time, what should we prioritize during our visit? If your time is limited, head to Modern Two to see the Dada and Surrealism exhibits, and wander around the sculpture park. If nothing else, you'll get a sense of what Georgian Edinburgh might have felt." - Freya Herring