Scottish National Museum of Modern Art

Overview

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art occupies two elegant neoclassical buildings surrounded by sculpture-filled grounds in the leafy Dean Village area, west of the city centre.

Highlights

• The Landform Ueda: Charles Jencks' striking serpentine landform in the front grounds — a massive, sweeping earth sculpture that frames the gallery entrance.
• The Paolozzi Collection: A major holding of works by Edinburgh-born Pop Art pioneer Eduardo Paolozzi, including his enormous Vulcan sculpture in the entrance hall.
• Scottish Colourists: Outstanding works by the four Scottish Colourists — Peploe, Cadell, Fergusson, and Hunter.

History

The gallery opened in 1984 in the former John Watson's Institution (1825). The second building, Modern Two, was added in 1999. Together they house Scotland's national collection of modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: The permanent collection is free; some temporary exhibitions may charge.
• Walk from Dean Village: Approach via the picturesque Water of Leith walkway through Dean Village for a beautiful route.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.