It’s been a good few years since I’d visited the busy café at The Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, and even longer since I’d worked a few shifts there ‘on loan’ from the caff at The National Portrait Gallery in the winter of 2000. A lifetime ago, it feels like! What do I remember about the place? The food we cooked was always from scratch, soups and salads were creatively crafted (Ottolenghi before Ottolenghi, if you will) and that it was very busy!
The highlight of the cafe at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is probably the large garden, which, on a warm sunny day, is always packed. It's a cafeteria-style setup inside and everything is made from scratch including exotic-sounding soups and salads. The prices can seem a bit high but there is a whole countertop of treats to choose from including the famed cheese scones and the coffees are, I think, some of the nicest in Edinburgh.
I love this place! Across the two galleries there is so much to see and do. The 1960s decade exhibition at Modern Two was the highlight. We finished our visit with a delicious lunch in Paolozzi’s Kitchen followed by the gift shop where you can buy postcards of your favourite artworks!
If you like modern art, this museum is worth for you to visit in Edinburgh, there are plenty of collections inside
Two modern art galleries with a short walk in between. Helpful descriptions in the rooms. Great cafe with blankets available to take out and sit on the lawn to enjoy the sculptures.
Just a short walk away from Modern Two with interesting sculptures outside on its public ground. Not to miss Antony Gormley’s figure, a part of the figure series extended to the Water of Leith. And Henry Moore’s Reclining Figure next to the main entrance.
Fans of modern art beware of the 5pm closing time if you intend to visit both Modern One and Two together. We couldn’t do justice to Modern One as we came after lunch. Better to drop in earlier and lunch there.
Always a nice relaxed, chill time at the Modern Galleries in Edinburgh.
Super friendly and welcoming vibes and well organised when busy. I was there on a quiet Monday and so didn’t have to wait to enter. Alberta Whittle exhibit is a must. As is “The Decades of Change 1900-1980”. To top off, outside, you’re surrounded by lovely green scenery…perfect for a wee packed lunch in the sun afterwards!
I had to pop here to pick up a Click and collect item from the gift shop. The staff were extremely helpful and once I did that, I then had a wander around the gallery. Lots to see,from paintings to video installations. The grounds of this gallery are simply beautiful. It was a lovely sunny day when I attended, so afterwards, I sat outside on one of the numerous benches and read, just enjoying the view and tranquility. Recommended for a nice afternoon.
We visited specifically on a day when we knew a family event was being hosted which allowed us to follow a trail around the exhibits and talk through various pieces of art and inspire some sketching. Exhibits are well laid out and have plenty of explanation.
The family art basket was a great idea with a picnic blanket to take and sit in the beautiful surroundings around the land form. We had to shelter in one of the learning spaces from the rain but equally pleasant to be in with the kids.
Facilities are bright and clean, and cafe has a good selection of snacks or hot meal options and coffee.
Stunning building with a not extended, but very interesting collection (Dada, Surrealists, contemporary art). The garden is a sculpture of its own! If interested in Afroamerican and Afrocaribean art, there is an amazing Alberta Whittle exhibition until Jan 2024. The entrance is free of charge, as in all National Galleries of Scotland.
Very nice place, the learning room for children it's great, just a little bit dirty and without wipes to clean surfaces.
Everything great.
I went to see the Harryhausen-Titan of Cinema exhibition when it was on at Modern Two, and it blew my mind. Having grown up with his movies and having trained to be prop maker myself, this was a dream come true. The curation of the display was a phenomenon to behold. It was clear that a lot of input was given by Vanessa Harryhausen to make sure that the models were viewed properly. The facilities and staff at the venue were second to none and do not even get me started on the variety of things available in the giftshop (I may have run amok, lol). At the time, Covid precautions were still in place, and all efforts were made to keep everyone safe. Thank you to the staff for help contributing to a day I will never forget.
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