National Galleries Scotland: Modern

Delve into displays, sculptures, paintings, prints and installations from today’s leading artists, both inside and outdoors. On arrival you will be in awe of the spiralling land feature Landform in front of the gallery, designed by landscape architect Charles Jencks. Pick up a free copy of the sculpture trail for kids or download it before you arrive and set off to discover sculptural works by other major artists including Barbara Hepworth, Joan Miró and Tracey Emin. With a special trail for all ages and stages - they'll get your family exploring the galleries, inside and out!

Pack a lunch and take in the stunning grounds of the Moderns or if the weather isn’t on side, our drop-in picnic and play area, can be found on Level 2 in Modern One. Here you can also help yourself to art books, big blocks and plenty of materials to make your own works of art.

For those looking to plan their visit before they arrive, we provide sensory maps to help visitors identify areas with changes in light, smells and noise. They locate permanent seating areas and less crowded, quieter spaces. Child and adult-sized ear defenders are available at the information desks.

Weave your way through two exciting gallery spaces featuring leading artists' works which define the Modern era. Discover playful, thought provoking and compelling artworks on display and get ready for a captivating, light-hearted and all-encompassing experience at National Galeries Scotland: Modern.

At Modern One experience impactful new displays by Louise Bourgeois, Helen Chadwick and Robert Mapplethorpe. Visitors will encounter Louise Bourgeois’s giant Spider (1994), standing at an impressive three metres high, innovative works by Helen Chadwick, and Robert Mapplethorpe’s striking self-portraits.

Jounrey through the rest of Modern One to find works from the nation’s magnificent collection. Explore paintings, drawings, prints and photography by artists such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Sarah Lucas, Jasleen Kaur, Edvard Munch, Lee Miller and many more! Offering something for everyone, these displays provide a place to think, dream, and reflect.

Then head across the road to the wacky and the wonderful Modern Two. Sitting atop its own expansive green space. The gallery building looks out over sculptural works by Dan Graham and Nathan Coley.

Modern Two also benefits from Paolozzi’s Kitchen, named after the Scottish artist Eduardo Paolozzi. Dine beside Paolozzi’s gigantic Vulcan sculpture and treat yourself to Italian inspired dishes with a Scottish twist.

If you are looking for something to keep the kids busy, join one of our free, monthly workshops. At the Modern, under 5s can take part in sculpture-hunting, art-stomping and feel-good making - while older children can explore their own creativity with Saturday morning workshops.