National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two

Art gallery · Dean

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two

Art gallery · Dean

4

73 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DS, United Kingdom

Photos

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by Alamy
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by Alamy
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by Alamy
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null
National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two by null

Highlights

Modern art in Georgian mansions and sculpture park  

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73 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DS, United Kingdom Get directions

nationalgalleries.org
@natgalleriessco

Information

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73 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DS, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 131 624 6200
nationalgalleries.org
@natgalleriessco
𝕏
@natgalleriessco

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Oct 14, 2025

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@cntraveler

The Best Places to Visit in Scotland | Condé Nast Traveler

"Housed outside the Old Town, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is a significant cultural stop where modern works help balance Edinburgh’s historic theatricality with contemporary art." - Mike MacEacheran

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-places-to-visit-in-scotland
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11 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh | Condé Nast Traveler

"There are so many things to love about the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art—not least, the peace and quiet. Situated a leisurely (and very enjoyable) half-hour walk from Edinburgh’s Old Town, the gallery is actually two separate Georgian mansions (known as Modern One and Modern Two) separated by a lush sculpture park. Modern One houses some of Scotland’s best collections of modern art, from the Scottish Colourists to Tracey Emin. Hop past the pond and you’ll find yourself at Modern Two, which is renowned for its extensive collection of Dada and Surrealist works, along with the reconstructed studio of pioneering Scottish Pop artist Eduardo Paolozzi. Look out for the changing exhibitions, too—a lot of Europe’s leading shows visit these galleries. And the best part is the museum is completely free (except for temporary exhibitions) so you can wander in and out at your leisure, all while soaking up classic Georgian Edinburgh." - Freya Herring

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-edinburgh
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@cntraveler

10 Best Museums in Edinburgh | Condé Nast Traveler

"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. 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." - Freya Herring

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-edinburgh
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@cntraveler

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

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/edinburgh/scottish-national-gallery-of-modern-art
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Shelley C

Google
The building that houses the Modern Two is architecturally interesting. You have to pay to enter this building. On the first Monday of every month you can choose how much you want to pay with a minimum starting amount of two pounds. There are a number of rooms that display the latest exhibits, in this case it was Resistance. This consists of photographs showing activism in the United Kingdom over the last century. It was quite interesting comparing the past to what is happening today. There are toilets, which were clean, a small gift shop and a cafe. There was also a car park. There are some sculptures outside the building which can be seen for free. Staff were welcoming and happy to chat. There is disabled access to all floors. You have to go to the rear of the building for step free access. There are disabled parking spaces in the carpark and there is a disabled toilet.

AJ Merron

Google
It’s a little off the beaten track so tends to be quieter than some of the other National Galleries in the city. Modern Art 2 (The Dean) is smaller than its sibling just across the road so tends to be used for special exhibits. However it does house the more pleasant cafe. The cafe provides the opportunity to eat under the feet of Vulcan, a two story high sculpture by Edinburgh local Paolozzi. The one downside to the cafe is you need to go to the counter to see the cakes for the day and to order, yet you also need to have a table number for where you’re sitting. The amount of times I’ve gone to order and returned to my table to find other people had now sat there. It’s not a sensible system and I wish they’d change it

UK Photo Journey

Google
Not really free entry its £14 ticket which is not worth because the exhibition wasn’t very impressive. Hardly spent couple of minutes inside and moved on. Location was nice though sitting in the middle of green grassy open space.

Suneeda Sisuwan

Google
In Edinburgh and specifically Modern Two, I had the pleasure of leveraging the accessibility of spaces that hold art galleries and their subsequent programs e.g. shops, resource centres (the Reading Room as they call it) and even the beautiful accompanying views both inside and looking out – with one of Jencks’ renowned landscapes. Pleased to have caught “Decades: The Art of Change (1900-1980)” in August ‘23, with works reflecting societal change of respective decades: war-time scarcity pushing creativity to its limits and beyond, optimism and realism that came out of post-war decades, and societal stability seeing the emergence of playful and more experimental art. The exhibition hosts reputable works of Donald Judd, Salvadore Dali, Yayoi Kusama, and Piet Mondrian, among many others. The gallery is also permanently home to a recreation of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi’s studio filled with sculptures and his art-making tools curated with such a humane touch, almost coming to life.

IJA AN

Google
The exhibition was very well explained and organized, very nice story behind the art pieces

Rosi Petkova

Google
Nice gallery located in a beautiful building.  Although it looks massive from the outside,  it's actually not that big, as a lot of the areas were closed to the public when we visited. The admission is free, and they have different art exhibitions. When we visited, there was an exhibition dedicated to Eduardo Paolozzi, who was a Scottish artist known for his sculpture and graphic works. In the galery there is a big cafe area and a gift shop. If you’re an art fan, you will definitely enjoy the gallery.

Jamie Stewart

Google
One of my favourite places, and very personally important to me. A stunning venue for some of the world's most astonishing artists. This is where you find a rolling programme of exhibitions tackling topics, asking questions, and expanding horizons. There's also a very high brow cafe, and an art-themed shop.

Dana Bashi

Google
The women in revolt exhibition is an absolute must. Troubling, makes you think,sometimes funny and super artistic. Walking to the museum from the city center was beautiful (it was a sunny day in Edinburgh after all).