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

ArchitectureArtClosed · Opens 10amFreeHaymarket Station (tram & rail, 15 min walk)

The Modern holds Scotland's national collection of modern and contemporary art, from about 1900 to now, across two buildings that face each other on Belford Road west of the city centre. Modern One, a William Burn neoclassical school of 1825, shows the permanent collection — Picasso, Magritte, Dalí, Tracey Emin, Anne Redpath — including one of the world's most important Surrealism holdings, assembled from the Roland Penrose and Gabrielle Keiller collections. Modern Two, opened in 1999 in the former Dean Orphan Hospital, runs the changing exhibition programme and houses the meticulous recreation of Eduardo Paolozzi's Chelsea studio. Both sit in landscaped grounds with sculpture by Bourgeois, Mueck and Nathan Coley, and Charles Jencks's Landform earthwork in front of Modern One.

What's On

Now
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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

73 & 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR, United Kingdom

Nearest station: Haymarket Station (tram & rail, 15 min walk), Edinburgh Coach Lines bus service 13 (Belford Road), Princes Street / West End (15-20 min walk)

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
Wed10:00–17:00
ThuToday10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

Free

Free admission to the permanent collection and displays; charges apply to some temporary exhibitions (typically £3.50-£14).

Accessibility

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.

Nearby

The Georgian House

Architecture15 min walk

Edinburgh Printmakers

DesignFree16 min walk

National War Museum

Military20 min walk

Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

ArchitectureFree23 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), 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 Spider by Louise Bourgeois, Peter Doig: Morning, Paramin, Paolozzi Studio.
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.

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