Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One) Edinburgh
Explore world-class modern art for free, set amidst a sculpture park and scenic riverside walks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One) Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore world-class modern art for free, set amidst a sculpture park and scenic riverside walks.
"A poetic blend of modern creativity, nature, and history."
🎯 Free Entry for All!
Enjoy permanent collections for free! Donations are welcome to support this amazing venue.
🚶♀️ Scenic Water of Leith Walk
Take the beautiful walkway from Dean Village to the galleries.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sculpture Park
Outdoor grounds
Wander through a beautiful park dotted with striking contemporary sculptures, offering a unique outdoor art experience.

Paolozzi's Studio
Modern Two
Step into the recreated studio of Eduardo Paolozzi, a vibrant space filled with his eclectic creations and artistic process.

The American Dream 2020
Modern One
A poignant and visceral artwork by Grayson Perry that offers a powerful commentary on contemporary American society.

Raffaello Sanzio Drawing
Modern Two (Print Room)
See a rare, up-close view of a drawing by the Renaissance master Raffaello Sanzio.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Art & Nature Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry for All!
Enjoy permanent collections for free! Donations are welcome to support this amazing venue.
🚶♀️ Scenic Water of Leith Walk
Take the beautiful walkway from Dean Village to the galleries.
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the cafe for excellent coffee and scones, though it can be pricey.
🎨 Kids' Art Zone
Engage little ones in the dedicated art space with drawing materials.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry for All!
Enjoy permanent collections for free! Donations are welcome to support this amazing venue.
🚶♀️ Scenic Water of Leith Walk
Take the beautiful walkway from Dean Village to the galleries.
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the cafe for excellent coffee and scones, though it can be pricey.
🎨 Kids' Art Zone
Engage little ones in the dedicated art space with drawing materials.
🗺️ Grab a Paper Guide
Enhance your exploration of the sculpture garden with a guide from reception.
🖼️ Check Exhibition Schedules
See what special exhibitions are on, like the Ray Harryhausen showcase.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art for its impressive collection, free admission, and beautiful setting. The combination of thought-provoking art, a lovely sculpture park, and the scenic Water of Leith walkway makes for a highly recommended experience. While the cafe can be a bit pricey, the overall value and quality of the visit are exceptional, with many highlighting its family-friendly atmosphere and inspiring exhibitions.
"I’ve just stepped out of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh, and it felt like walking through both a museum and a living park. Inside, the galleries were filled with bold colors and thought-provoking works; outside, the wide lawns and sculpture gardens were simply beautiful, a perfect place to chill under the sun. What makes it even more special is its location—right beside Dean Cemetery, where history and memory rest quietly. The contrast between the modern creativity of the gallery and the timeless stillness of the cemetery made the whole visit feel poetic, as if art, nature, and history were all part of the same conversation.
2025.08.17"
Kaileton Huang
"Always a good place to visit sometimes the art is very accessible sometimes challenging but thought provoking. If you have children check the website as often things for them. Nice room to sit and look at art books provided, great cafe, not cheap but excellent and I hope the profits help support this excellent venue"
Sonia Hawes
"An amazing gallery with an awesome cafe.
It has a few floors of galleries and a space for kids to practice art or play in the open space. There is a log that the kids can draw with or sketch with.
One can go on the trail between the two galleries.
Also there's a nice trail through the woods right next to the galleries.
The cafe there has the best scones in Edinburgh. You must go there for coffee and scones.
Had a lovely experience in the outside sitting area beautiful and pleasant.
It has a free entry.
Highly recommended to do it with kids."
Mrigank Mehrotra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the galleries by bus, taxi, or a scenic walk. Many visitors enjoy walking along the Water of Leith walkway from Dean Village, which is a beautiful route.
Buses are also a convenient option, with several routes stopping nearby. If driving, there is parking available, though it can get busy.Yes, it's a very pleasant walk along the Water of Leith walkway from Dean Village to the galleries. It's a popular and scenic route that many visitors recommend.
Absolutely! You can continue your walk from the galleries towards Stockbridge, a charming neighbourhood with shops and cafes. It's a lovely way to explore more of Edinburgh.
Yes, there is parking available at the galleries. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early or considering public transport is advisable.
Modern One and Modern Two are located close to each other, and you can easily walk between them. There's also a lovely trail through the woods connecting them.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The permanent collections at both Modern One and Modern Two are free to enter. Special exhibitions may have a separate charge, so it's worth checking their website.
The galleries are typically open daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check the official National Galleries of Scotland website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
For the free permanent collections, advance booking is usually not required. However, for special exhibitions, it's always a good idea to check if timed entry or booking is recommended or necessary.
While the permanent collections are free, concessions might apply to special exhibitions. Check the National Galleries of Scotland website for details on any applicable discounts.
Yes, donations are highly appreciated and help support the gallery's operations and acquisitions. You can usually donate at the gallery or online.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find 3-4 hours sufficient to explore both galleries. Modern Two is a large building but not overwhelmingly packed with exhibits. Allow extra time for the cafe.
The sculpture park features a variety of contemporary artworks set within beautiful grounds. It's a lovely place for a stroll and offers a different perspective on art.
Yes, there's a dedicated space for kids to practice art and play, often with drawing materials provided. It's a great way to keep younger visitors engaged.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the permanent collections, but flash and tripods are usually prohibited. Always check for specific signage in exhibition areas, as some may have restrictions.
Modern Two features a recreation of Eduardo Paolozzi's studio, offering a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and the eclectic nature of his work.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, both Modern One and Modern Two have cafes. The cafe at Modern One is particularly noted for its excellent scones and coffee, though it can be a bit pricey.
The cafes typically offer a range of options including coffee, tea, pastries, light meals, and snacks. They are a great place to relax and refuel during your visit.
While the gallery cafes are convenient, you can find more budget-friendly options in nearby Stockbridge or by exploring the Water of Leith walkway.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the gallery spaces. However, you might be able to consume them in designated outdoor areas, especially if the weather is good.
Yes, the cafe is generally family-friendly, and the presence of a kids' art space nearby makes it a convenient spot for families to dine.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is usually permitted in the permanent collections, but always check for specific signage. Flash photography and tripods are typically not allowed.
Many visitors find the outdoor sculptures in the park highly photogenic. Inside, artworks like Paolozzi's studio or striking contemporary pieces often capture attention.
The sculpture park offers great opportunities for outdoor shots. The Water of Leith walkway also provides scenic backdrops.
While personal photography is usually allowed, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always adhere to gallery guidelines.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for indoor shots. However, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing most artworks and the overall atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Art Enthusiasts & Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Modern One and Modern Two
Modern Two, formerly the John Watson School, offers a different experience. It's home to a significant collection of Surrealist art, as well as works by Eduardo Paolozzi, including a recreation of his studio. This building also houses the gallery's print room, where you might get a chance to see rare drawings, like those by Raffaello Sanzio, up close. The two buildings are connected by a beautiful outdoor sculpture park and walking trails, making it easy to transition between them.
Many visitors recommend allocating at least 3-4 hours to fully appreciate both galleries. The free entry to the permanent collections makes it an excellent value, allowing ample time to absorb the diverse range of art on display.
The Sculpture Park and Water of Leith Walkway
Adding to the natural beauty is the Water of Leith walkway. This picturesque path runs alongside the river and conveniently connects the galleries to other parts of the city, including the charming Dean Village and the vibrant neighbourhood of Stockbridge. Many visitors choose to incorporate this walk into their visit, making for a delightful day out that combines art, nature, and urban exploration. It's a highly recommended route for those looking to experience more of Edinburgh's scenic beauty.
Art for Everyone: Accessibility and Family Focus
Furthermore, the gallery often features exhibitions with a strong representation of women artists, providing diverse perspectives and inspiring a broader audience. The accessible layout of the galleries and the availability of guides also contribute to a positive experience for all visitors, regardless of age or background. The combination of free access, family-friendly facilities, and diverse programming makes the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art a welcoming destination for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit