Museums & galleries
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Overview
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is situated on Belford Road, west of Edinburgh's city centre. Comprising two buildings facing each other across the street, the site houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art dating from 1900 onward. Visitors come to see works by twentieth-century and contemporary artists, as well as outdoor sculptures situated on the surrounding lawns.
Getting There
From the city centre around Princes Street, walking takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Local public buses running towards Belford Bridge or Belford Road take about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Recommended Time
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours to explore the permanent galleries across both buildings and walk around the outdoor sculpture grounds.
When to Go
Weekday mornings are typically the least crowded times to visit. The galleries become significantly busier on weekends and during the peak summer tourist season. Visiting earlier in the day offers a calmer environment for viewing the exhibits.
What to Combine It With
You can easily pair a visit with other nearby points of interest:
- Modern Two (0.2km): Located directly across the street, holding additional modern collections and archives.
- National Galleries Scotland (0.3km): Associated cultural sites in the immediate area.
- St Mary's Cathedral (0.7km): A historic Victorian Gothic cathedral located a short walk east.
- Usher Hall (1.4km): Edinburgh's main classical concert venue in the West End.
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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