Modern Art Galleries in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has two galleries dedicated to modern art, they are The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Dean Gallery. The National Gallery and the Dean Gallery are just to the west of Edinburgh city centre, and are easy to each via taxi or public transport. A shuttle bus service runs between the National Gallery of Scotland on Princes Street, linking all three galleries, every day so visiting works at each location is simple, and makes an art break in Edinburgh a much more relaxed affair.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

The Gallery houses works by Picasso, Braque, Matisse, Mondrian to name but a few. The Gallery's collection of modern art is very extensive, so much so that the works have to be rotated due to space constraints in the gallery itself. The Gallery also houses temporary exhibits. Dadaist and surrealist works are housed in the adjacent Dean Gallery, and a visit to both galleries is highly recommended.

The garden to the front of the building has been turned into a large sculpture by Charles Jencks and Terry Farrell. The garden sculpture, dubbed “Landform”, is a very tranquil place to relax and contemplate your visit to the gallery, or for a mid-way mind cleansing break between exhibits.

The Garden also houses modern art by Henry Moore, Rachel Whiteread, Tony Cragg and Barbara Hepworth.

Dean Gallery

The Dean Gallery is situated adjacent to the National Gallery and should be included in any trip to see modern art in Edinburgh. The Dean Gallery hosts a large collection of Surrealist and Dadaist works, a large proportion of which was gifted by Gabrielle Keiller.

Art Breaks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a wonderful place to take an art break, the city itself is a work of art, from the organic structure of the old town, to the Georgian symmetry of the new town, with the spectacle that is Edinburgh Castle separating the two. We can make sure that your break, whether it be a weekend break, or a longer holiday, is a success.