Modern (formerly known as The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, before rebranding in March 2023) is an award-winning gallery set in beautiful parkland/sculpture gardens.
Modern is one of three main Scottish National Galleries of Scotland, the other two being National at the foot of the Mound, Portrait on Queen's Street. Modern comprises of two galleries, Modern 1 and Modern 2.
Charles Jencks contoured Landform, makes a large and striking piece of lawn art to the front of the gallery. Landscaped in 2002, it has a stepped, serpentine mound reflected in three crescent-shaped pools of water. One of Henry Moore's statues reclines at the front entrance of the gallery, while with further exploration of the leafy grounds you'll find Rachel Whitehead's Untitled (Pair), and Tracey Emim's Roman Standard - a bronze bird on a pole.
Inside is an amazing collection of 20th and 21st century art, including Bacon, Hirst, Hockney, Matisse, Picasso, Warhol and the Scottish Colourists.
The gallery is directly opposite the Modern Two, formerly known as the Dean Gallery until rebranding in 2011. A visit to the gallery can be combined with a walk using access to the gallery via Water of Leith walkway.
As with all Edinburgh's public art galleries, admission is free to the permanent exhibition although there is often a charge for special exhibitions.
The Scottish National Museum of Modern Art is also one of the venues of the Edinburgh Art Festival in August.