Modern Two

Modern Two stands in Edinburgh’s west end, a converted orphanage built in the 1830s. The stone building rises above Dean Village with Baroque towers that mark the skyline. Its clock came from the Netherbow Port demolished in the 18th century. After serving as an education centre, the structure was adapted by Terry Farrell and Partners. In 1999 it opened as a gallery opposite its twin across Belford Road. The gallery holds the Paolozzi Gift, 1994’s donation of works by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. Gabrielle Keiller bequeathed a major Dada and Surrealist collection. Temporary exhibitions fill further rooms. Outside, a sculpture garden displays modern pieces by William Turnbull, George Rickey and Nathan Coley among others. Visitors walk from the entrance through allotment gardens planted in 1940. Inside, light falls on classical detailing and tall windows. The sculpture garden stretches behind the building, where metal and stone forms catch the afternoon sun.