Visit The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh | Tour Details & Highlights
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh features exhibitions of major artists’ paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and video work. You can visit curated exhibitions and permanent displays throughout the year with Bright Bus Tours.
Read on to learn more about the contemporary and modern museum under the National Galleries of Scotland.
About the Scottish Modern Art Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art features an impressive collection of modern art (a period spanning roughly from the 1860s to the 1960s) alongside contemporary works.
This free contemporary art gallery comprises two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, and two sculpture parks to explore.
The first Scottish National Gallery was in the Royal Botanic Garden’s Inverleith House. It has since been relocated to its present-day location, along with some of its historic collections, Georgian mansions on either side of Belfort Road, Edinburgh.
Visiting Details
Here are other important details for when you plan your excursion.
Book Our City Tour
While we don’t have a direct bus to the Modern Art Gallery in Edinburgh, you can hop off at Stop 4 for a scenic walk to the Georgian buildings. Stop 4 is situated between the Castle Terrqance and Lothian Road.
Tickets
- Tickets to the famous Edinburgh’s museum of modern art are free to all visitors.
- Some tickets for major exhibitions at all National Galleries of Scotland may start from £4.00.
Opening Times
- Gallery: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Grounds: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. (from October to March, gates to Water of Leith are open between dawn and dusk)
Group Tours for the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art
Groups larger than 10 can book a free self-led tour. Consult their website for special activities and guided tours.
Highlights
Here’s our selection of must-see artwork when you’re in Edinburgh for the Gallery of Modern Art.
Surrealist Collection
Experience the chaos and disruption of the National Galleries of Scotland’s Surrealism collection. Excellent examples of this movement include works by Leonora Carrington, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Joan Miró and Toyen.
Sensory Sculpture Trail
The National Galleries of Scotland masterfully curates experiences beyond historic collections hanging on white walls. At Modern One’s Sensory Trail, young and old can experience sculptures through signposts featuring simple mindful activities.
Paintings By Iconic Figures
The museum has wonderful paintings and drawings from legendary artwork figures such as Henri Matisse and the cubist Pablo Picasso.
Amenities & Accessibility
Visitors can expect the following facilities and accessibility options at this incredible modern art museum in Edinburgh.
Amenities
- Information desk (only at Modern One)
- Wifi
- Baby changing facility
- Lockers are available at a small fee
- Food: Cafe Modern One and Paolozzi’s Kitchen (at Modern Two)
Accessibility
- Full wheelchair access
- Seating throughout and changing places toilet (only at Modern One)
- Accessible public toilets
Bright Bus Tours: Your Passage to Modern & Contemporary Art
Established in 2019, Bright Bus Tours takes Edinburgh visitors around the city centre. Our Britannia Tour extends further than most hop-on, hop-off services, taking you to the Royal Yacht Britannia and surrounding attractions. We also offer an affordable Airport Express shuttle service to and from Edinburgh Airport.
If your dip in Edinburgh’s modern art gallery scene has you hungry for more masterpieces, we can canvas your needs. Other National Galleries of Scotland along our City Tour route are the Scottish National Gallery at Stop 5 and the Portrait Gallery at Stop 2. Hop off at the National Museum of Scotland, which features many fascinating collections and exhibitions at Stop 8.
Experience masterpieces that move you with Bright Bus Tours.
We connect you to the extraordinary installations and paintings at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Book your day pass online and plan the perfect cultural trip!