The National Gallery of Modern Art

National Gallery of Modern Art

Built in 1822 as John Watson's School, and based on designs by William Burn, it was converted in the '80s into The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. It has a grassy area in front with some weatherproof sculptures.

Although the interior architectural integrity has been lost by conversion to a gallery, it still just manages to avoid the sometimes characterless almost clinical exhibition space common in many contemporary galleries. Everyone will enjoy visiting this fine and at times idiosyncratic collection of 20th century paintings, drawings, prints, and sculpture, many international and many from Scotland.

There is an excellent bookshop, and a good café with a garden open in the summer.

Four images from the Ground Floor, Main Galleries:

Magritte

Right:
René Magritte, 1898-1967,
"The Weather".

Ernst

Right:
Max Ernst, 1891-1976.

Miro and Ernst

Right:
Max Ernst and Joán Mirò.

Miro and Matisse

Right:
Joán Mirò, "Maternity".

Nash

Right:
Paul Nash, 1899-1946, "Spring Equinox".

Piccasso

Right:
Pablo Picasso, 1881-1973.

The National Gallery of Modern Art is open year round, a short bus ride or 20 minute walk from the centre of Edinburgh.

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