National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two)

What's On

Now

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Peter Doig: Morning, Paramin

Twenty-eight etchings by Peter Doig made in response to Derek Walcott's poems, a memorial to the friendship between painter and poet. Free display at Modern One.

Now showingUntil 3 Jan 2027Free

Gwen John: Strange Beauties

The first major retrospective in over forty years of the Welsh painter Gwen John, marking 150 years since her birth, with rarely seen drawings and watercolours. At Modern Two.

Now showingUntil 4 Jan 2027£14

Permanent Collections

Paolozzi Studio

Eduardo Paolozzi's Chelsea studio recreated in full at Modern Two: sculptures, models, books, toys and his bed. Free; opened on request while Gwen John is in the room.

Permanent collectionFree

Ron Mueck, A Girl

Ron Mueck's hyperreal sculpture of a newborn, five metres long, umbilical cord still attached: the miracle and trauma of birth at giant scale. Free display at Modern One.

Permanent collectionFree

Surrealism: Picturing the Strange

A free display drawn from one of the world's most comprehensive Surrealism collections (Ernst, Magritte, Dalí, Carrington, Varo, Toyen and Tanning) at Modern One.

Permanent collectionFree

Spider by Louise Bourgeois

Louise Bourgeois's steel spider stretches across a room at Modern One, cradling a granite egg, her recurring emblem for the mother as both repairer and predator. Free.

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

i

The Georgian House

Architecture15 min walk

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Edinburgh Printmakers

DesignFree16 min walk

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National War Museum

Military20 min walk

Visitor Information

Is National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two) free to visit?

Yes, general admission to National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two) is free. Free admission to the permanent collection and displays; charges apply to some temporary exhibitions (typically £3.50-£14).. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.

What are the opening hours of National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two)?

National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two) is open Open daily, 10am-5pm (both Modern One and Modern Two); closed 25 December. Cafés last orders 4.30pm; car parks 9.45am-5.30pm.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two)?

National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two) is located at 73 & 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR, United Kingdom, in the Dean Village / Belford area of Edinburgh. The nearest stations are Haymarket Station (tram & rail, 15 min walk), Edinburgh Coach Lines bus service 13 (Belford Road) and Princes Street / West End (15-20 min walk).

What can I see at National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two)?

Two neoclassical galleries facing each other across a sculpture park: world-class Surrealism, Paolozzi's studio, free entry. Current highlights include Paolozzi Studio, Ron Mueck, A Girl and Surrealism: Picturing the Strange.

Do I need to book National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two) in advance?

National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two) is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free admission to the permanent collection and displays; charges apply to some temporary exhibitions (typically £3.50-£14).. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.

When is the best time to visit National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two)?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Is National Galleries Scotland: Modern (Modern One & Modern Two) accessible?

Wheelchair access, accessible toilets, Changing Places toilet and wheelchairs available at both buildings; free accessible parking for blue badge holders. General parking £5 up to 4 hours, £9 for 4-8 hours.