Modern Two
Gallery in a former orphanage opposite Modern One, with changing exhibitions, a recreation of the Paolozzi studio and a sculpture park.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Modern Two is housed in the former Dean Orphan Hospital, a neoclassical building designed by Thomas Hamilton and built in 1833. When the collection of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art outgrew the building opposite, the orphanage was converted by Terry Farrell and Partners and opened as the Dean Gallery in 1999.
The gallery became known as Modern Two in 2012, when the two Belford Road buildings were renamed Modern One and Modern Two. Modern Two is where the national galleries show a programme of changing exhibitions as well as permanent installations. These include a detailed recreation of the studio of the Scottish sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi, whose monumental sculpture Vulcan fills the entrance hall, and Richard Wright's installation The Stairwell Project.
The grounds around the building are part of the shared sculpture park of the two galleries, with works by Dan Graham, Nathan Coley and Richard Long. Modern Two also welcomes visitors to its print room, library and archive by appointment.
Highlights
- Recreation of Eduardo Paolozzi’s studio
- Paolozzi’s monumental sculpture Vulcan in the entrance hall
- The Stairwell Project, an installation by Richard Wright
- Sculpture park with works by Dan Graham, Nathan Coley and Richard Long
- Changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art
Permanent exhibitions
- Eduardo Paolozzi's Studio – A detailed recreation of the studio of the Scottish sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi, open on request.
- The Stairwell Project – A permanent installation by Richard Wright, the winner of the 2009 Turner Prize.
- Vulcan by Eduardo Paolozzi – A monumental sculpture by Paolozzi that dominates the gallery café.
- Founded
- 1999
- Operated by
- National Galleries of Scotland
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Concessions are available for disabled visitors to paid exhibitions; carers accompanying visitors with disabilities enter exhibitions free of charge. |
|---|---|
| Groups (10+ people) | –Schools and community groups of 10 or more can book free self-led visits to all the galleries. |
General admission is free, but some special exhibitions are charged and use timed tickets. The sculpture park is free to visit.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description
The main entrance is reached by 5 steps; a step-free entrance at the rear of the building, next to the four disabled parking bays and the drop-off point, has a manually opened door with a bell for assistance. Lifts with audio announcements serve all floors. The accessible toilets are decorated with bright multi-coloured tiles and chequered floors; toilets with neutral décor and a full Changing Places toilet are across the road at Modern One. Parking is free for disabled visitors. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge, and ear defenders and magnifying glasses are available at both entrances. Large print labels are provided for special exhibitions, and a sensory map, a BSL introduction and an audio-described introduction are available. Guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Free family trails for all ages (including a sculpture trail and Art Stomps for under-5s), free monthly workshops (Saturday-morning workshops for older children) and a drop-in Learning Space for picnics, play and making on level 2 of Modern One. The grounds invite visitors to stomp around the sculpture park. There are baby changing facilities and buggy parks at both buildings.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Haymarket station and tram stop · 15-min walk
The Modern is a 15-minute walk from Princes Street and from Haymarket station, which is the nearest railway station and tram stop; follow Palmerston Place down to Belford Road and cross the bridge. Edinburgh Coach Lines service 13 serves the site, and Modern One can also be reached along the Water of Leith walkway.
By car
Paid parking
Visitor parking at both buildings is paid by donation (£5 for up to 4 hours, £9 for 4 to 8 hours; contactless payment meters); overnight parking is not allowed and the car parks are open 09:45–17:30. Parking for Blue Badge holders is free. Modern One has electric car charging points (slow charge only).
- Accessible parking
Cycling takes about 10 minutes from the west end of Princes Street. Modern One and Modern Two stand opposite each other on Belford Road, set in a shared sculpture park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
- Lockers
- Wi-Fi
Free visitor wifi is listed among the facilities. Paolozzi's Kitchen serves Italian-inspired dishes and cakes around Paolozzi's Vulcan sculpture. Coin-operated lockers cost £1 or £2. The shop at Modern Two shows items linked to the current exhibition.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 500 guests.
The sculpture park can host an evening reception for 500 or a dinner for 250; the double-height Great Hall holds a reception for 60 or a dinner for 38.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Non-flash photography and filming for personal use are welcome; flash and tripods are not allowed, and some works carry a no-photography label. |
| Good to know | An audio-described tour of the sculpture park and a sensory sculpture trail are available online. Guided tours can be requested from the gallery. Modern One stands directly across the road. |
