Top five contemporary art galleries in Scotland
Scotland is brimming with some of the best contemporary art galleries in the UK. Here are our top five recommendations.
Scotland has a thriving contemporary art scene and although its major cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow are hubs of creativity, you can find innovative contemporary art spaces all over the country.
If you're in Scotland over August for Edinburgh Art Festival or Edinburgh Fringe, don't miss the opportunity to explore some of the best contemporary art spaces too. We've hand-picked our top five in Scotland to inspire your next culture trip.
And don't forget, a National Art Pass or a Teacher Art Pass will get you incredible benefits at every venue.
Where can I see contemporary art in Scotland with an Art Pass?
National Galleries Scotland: Modern
With a collection encompassing both modern and contemporary art, National Galleries Scotland hold an amazing archive of 20th- and 21st-century practice spread over two galleries, Modern One and Modern Two. Discover some of the biggest names in contemporary art, including David Hockney, Rachel Whiteread and Andy Warhol. Don't miss their Do Ho Suh exhibition in Modern One or the blockbuster touring from Tate Britain, Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-90, in Modern Two.
Dundee Contemporary Arts
Visitors to Dundee Contemporary Arts can explore two stunning gallery spaces and discover both early-career and established artists. Their programme champions Scottish artists while bringing major international artists to Dundee, giving local audiences the opportunity to experience world-leading contemporary art. On top of that, they've also got a cinema, a print studio, and a learning space, offering fun activities for families and kids. And did you know they were shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024?
Jupiter Artland
This award-winning contemporary sculpture park on the outskirts of Edinburgh is an incredible place to see installations and exhibitions by some of the biggest names in contemporary art. Don't miss their commission for 2024, Laura Aldridge's LAWNMOWER, a colourful sculptural installation blending the everyday with the cosmic.
Fruitmarket
Housed on the site of a former fruit and vegetable market, the gallery opened its doors in 1974 to bring contemporary visual art to the city of Edinburgh. It hosts a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring work by both Scottish and international artists. Catch their current exhibition, Ibrahim Mahama: Songs About Roses, which has extended opening hours during Edinburgh Art Festival.
GoMA, Gallery of Modern Art
Opened in 1996, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is a popular modern art gallery, with five exhibition spaces presenting a changing programme of temporary exhibitions. Housed in an iconic neoclassical building located in the heart of this vibrant Scottish city, GoMA prides itself on being a centre for people to gather, discuss and learn, inspired by the art it collects and shows. Their current exhibition, Sam Ainsley: Wednesday is Cobalt blue, Friday is Cadmium red, celebrates an artist who creates vibrant works to explore the relationships between the human body and the wider world.
For even more to see and do with your National Art Pass, take a look our full guide to museums, galleries and exhibitions in Scotland.