Conversations with the Collection
Taking over the top level of Modern One, this changing programme of displays offers a brand new way to experience the nation's collection.
Each room brings to light rarely displayed yet fascinating artworks and stories. Works have been selected to create bold juxtapositions and identify visual similarities between artworks, styles and movements to offer a fresh take on how works of art can be presented, and share the stories they tell. The aim is to unearth evocative stories and unexpected connections between artists and encourage a sense of openness and discovery.
Talking points are encouraged and explored by covering a wide mix of techniques, processes and approaches, ranging across sculpture, painting, photography and more. Iconic works by famous artists such as Anish Kapoor, Sarah Lucas, Jackson Pollock, Tracey Emin and Cindy Sherman are on display alongside those by brilliant but lesser-known figures including Carole Gibbons and Catherine Yarrow.
Each display explores a unique theme or topic with the thematic displays placing conversation at their heart in a bid to inspire conversations with the collection.
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Location
Gallery facilities
Detailed information on accessibility at the National Galleries of Scotland
Parking for visitors is available at both Modern One and Modern Two. A donation is requested of £5 for up to 4 hours and £9 for 4-8 hours. Our payment meters have contactless capability. There is free accessible parking for blue badge holders.
Getting here
The Modern is located 15 minutes’ walk from Princes Street. It includes two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, set in a beautiful sculpture park.
Conversations with the Collection displays
Explore the individual displays that make up Conversations with the Collection.
Between Stillness and Animation
Katy Dove, You, 2003
Making a Mark
Experiencing Colour
Architecture and Abstraction
Transformations
From the Hearth
Material Matters
Creative Terrains
Selves and Stand-Ins
Reading Art
Audio tours
A conversation piece
For this audio tour of the Conversations with the Collection display at Modern One we have invited guests to share their thoughts on a selection of artworks from the display. Not knowing in advance which artworks they would be discussing, these responses are honest, real and unscripted.
Welcome Audio Tour
For this tour, our curators introduce the themes of the display room by room and explain how they have drawn from the collection of modern and contemporary art to unearth evocative stories and create bold comparisons between the artists, ideas and ways of making.
Audio Described Tour
Enjoy a selection of audio descriptions of artworks at from Conversations with the Collection. Taking over the top level of Modern One, this display is a celebration of Scottish and international modern and contemporary art.
Related articles
Being so close to the artworks every day, our Security and Visitor Services team have a unique relationship with our collection. In these blogs staff explore artworks in the exhibition.
Staff Insights on Carol Rhodes
In this blog Rachel Howarth looks at the work of Scottish artist Carol Rhodes.
Staff Insights on Anne Redpath
In this blog Emma Griffin writes about The Worcester Jug by Scottish artist Anne Redpath.
Staff Insights on Douglas Gordon
In this blog Eileen Taylor looks at the work of Scottish artist Douglas Gordon.
Staff Insights on Sarah Lucas
In this blog Edward Wilkinson looks at the work of English artist Sarah Lucas.
Friends go free
Become a Friend to enjoy unique access to the nation’s art collection with unlimited free entry to exhibitions, Friends-only exhibition previews and a 10% discount in our gallery shops & cafés.
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