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.
And don't forget, a National Art Pass will get you incredible benefits at every venue, including free or discounted entry!
National Galleries Scotland: Modern
With a collection encompassing both modern and contemporary art, the gallery is 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 Alberta Whittle exhibition create dangerously, originally shown at the prestigious Venice Biennale in 2022.
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 current Lindsey Mendick exhibition SH*TFACED, exploring binge drinking and shame with a trippy bathroom installation and her signature confessional ceramics.
Mount Stuart House and Gardens
A Neo-Gothic mansion set in stunning grounds, Mount Stuart also runs a spectacular contemporary art programme, exhibiting leading Scottish and international artists. Alongside their exhibitions, they run a complementary programme of events, performances, publications and educational activities. Until 20 August, check out Monster Chetwynd's commission, bringing an eclipse of moths in a playful exhibition to the historic house.
Fruitmarket
Housed on the site of a former fruit and vegetable market, the gallery opened its doors in 1974 to bring contemporary visual arts to the city of Edinburgh. It hosts a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring work by both Scottish and international artists.
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. Work on display has been selected on the basis that it highlights the interests, influences and working methods of artists in Glasgow.
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.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.