Accessibility Guide for Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)

Travel by public transport

You can get to Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One) by bus.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is serviced by Edinburgh Coach Lines Service 13. The nearest bus stop is on Belford Road. The bus stop is 0.1 miles / 0.2 km from Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One).

Our Gallery Bus takes visitors to all three of the National Gallery venues. There is a pick-up/drop off point at the front of Modern One and a pick up drop/off point at the back of Modern Two.The timetable is published in the Visit section of the website: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/gallery-bus

Starting at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art the bus runs a circular route to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery. A voluntary donation of £1 is requested. The bus drops off, but does not pick up at the Portrait Gallery. There is space for one wheelchair.

Travel by taxi

You can get a taxi with City Cabs (Edinburgh) by calling 0131 228 1211. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Parking

We have a car park. There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is free.

There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point does not have a dropped kerb.

From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp.

The route is 1360mm wide, or more.

At Modern One, there are four FREE disabled parking bays at the front of the building beside the main entrance, and two FREE disabled parking bays in the main car park to the rear of the building near the Changing Places toilet.

For visitors not using accessible parking facilities, parking is charged at £2 per day and applies from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week. 

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

The main door is side hung and manual.

Visual Impairment - General Information

We have contrast markings on all glass doors.

Some parts of the venue have low lighting.

Lift

We have 2 lifts.

You can get a lift to all floors.

Main Lift

The lift door is 900mm wide.

The lift is 1100mm wide. The lift is 2170mm deep.

The lift says the floor number at each floor.

The lift buttons have raised numbers or letters.

The lift shows the floor number, at each floor.

The lift provides access to all floors and has a maximum capacity of 14 people. The walls and floor are covered by a vinyl finish with tactile raised bumps. The lighting is from a covered strip light in the ceiling . There is no music playing. There is a mirror at one end of the lift opposite the door. There are two control panels, one next to the lift door and one on a side wall.

Level 2 - Lift to Room 20

The lift is a platform lift.

The lift door is 720mm wide.

The lift is 1100mm wide. The lift is 2570mm deep.

The lift buttons have raised numbers or letters.

This is a small platform lift that provides access to Room 20 from Room 21. To use the lift, visitors are requested to speak to a member of staff who can assist, there is a sign on the lift door to indicate this. The lift flooring is vinyl with tactile raised bumps. Lighting is from a ceiling light. There are two metal handrails along the length of the lift on both sides. There is one control panel halfway along one side to operate the lift.

Ticket/ information desk

Information Desk

From the main entrance to the desk, there is level access. The route is 1670mm wide, or more.

The Information Desk is 760mm high. There is bench seating near this area. The area is well and evenly lit. Staff are ready to assist and answer enquiries.

Pen, paper and magnifying glass are provided at the desk.

Things to See and Do

We have a concessionary rate for disabled visitors.

We have a complimentary ticket policy for personal assistants.

We have performances with: audio-described, British Sign Language interpreted, relaxed and touch tour.

We have display information in: large print.

Level 1 - Rooms 1-7

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 1180mm wide, or more. The door is 1180mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Some videos have subtitles.

Room 1 is a corridor display space. From this corridor, doorways lead off giving access to Rooms 2-7; these doorways are all roughly the same size, the narrowest being 1000mm. Room 1 has a flagstone flooring, Rooms 2-7 have hardwood flooring. All areas are usually bright and well-lit by ceiling spotlights and natural light from large windows. However, due to the changing nature of displays and exhibitions there are sometimes areas of lower lighting and where films are shown, the room may be darkened, with the doorway covered by a curtain.

Level 1 - Room 8

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 1180mm wide, or more. The door is 1620mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Some videos have subtitles.

Room 8 is a large gallery space usually accessed directly from the main entrance foyer by an entrance that is 1620mm wide. Occasionally, due to the changing nature of exhibitions, this door may be closed in which case Room 8 is accessed from the rooms either side of it, Room 7 and Room 9. These doorways are both 1110mm wide. This room is usually bright and well-lit by ceiling spotlights and natural light from large windows. However, due to the changing nature of displays and exhibitions there are sometimes areas of lower lighting and where films are shown, the room may be darkened, with the doorway covered by a curtain.

Level 1 - Rooms 9-12

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 1240mm wide, or more. The door is 1240mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Some videos have subtitles.

Room 12 is a corridor display space. From this corridor doorways lead off giving access to Rooms 9-11; these doorways are all roughly the same size, the narrowest being 980mm.

Room 12 has a flagstone flooring, Rooms 9-11 have hardwood flooring. All areas are usually bright and well-lit by ceiling spotlights and natural light from large windows. However, due to the changing nature of displays and exhibitions there are sometimes areas of lower lighting and where films are shown, the room may be darkened, with the doorway covered by a curtain.

Level 2 - Rooms 14-19

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a lift.

From the lift to this area, the route is 900mm wide, or more. The door is 1100mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Some videos have subtitles.

Rooms 14-19 are gallery spaces that lead into one another on the top floor of Modern One. All doorways are roughly the same size, the narrowest being 970mm. The area outside the lift and Room 15 have flagstone flooring, all other areas have hardwood flooring. These spaces are usually bright and well-lit by lights in the ceiling and some natural light. However, due to the changing nature of displays and exhibitions there are sometimes areas of lower lighting and sometimes films are shown in a darkened room.

Level 2 - Room 20

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a lift.

From the lift to this area, the route is 720mm wide, or more. The door is 1180mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Some videos have subtitles.

Step-free access to Room 20 is via a small platform lift located in Room 21. To use this lift, visitors are requested to ask a member of staff for assistance. Signage is in place to indicate this. Room 20 is a large space that is partitioned about half-way down with access via two doorways which are 1200mm wide.

This room is well-lit by ceiling spotlights, occasionally according to the changing nature of displays and exhibitions, sometimes light levels can be lowered.

Level 2 - Rooms 13, 21 & 22

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a lift.

From the lift to this area, the route is 900mm wide, or more. The door is 1180mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Some videos have subtitles.

Room 13 is a corridor display space with doorways giving access to Room 21 and 22. The narrowest doorway in this area is 1070mm.

Modern One Learning Space (Art Space 1 & Art Space 2) - open access and for pre-booked groups

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a lift.

From the lift to this area, the route is 900mm wide, or more. The door is 860mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Videos have subtitles.

Modern One Learning Space is a drop-in space for visitors and for the use of groups who have pre-booked a visit. Signage is in place by the entrance to let visitors know if the space is free or in use. It comprises two main rooms (Art Space 1 & Art Space 2) that give off a small welcome area where groups can store bags/coats and pick up leaflets or trails. In addition to the two learning spaces there is a small kitchen area to facilitate tea/coffee and refreshments in both learning spaces, this is staff access only. There are standard toilets and an accessible toilet in this area. The nearest Changing Places toilet is in the Modern One car park, to access this visitors should follow signs to exit via main entrance.

The door to Art Space 1 is 700mm wide. It is a flexible space and can be used for art-making activities, furnished with tables and chairs (with and without arms). There are two large sinks, one sink is lower. Projection is possible via a portable projector.

The door to Art Space 2 is 870mm wide. It has a flexible layout, it can be furnished with tables and chairs, set up theatre style or unfurnished. It can be used as a snack/picnic area, seminar or lecture space. It has a built-in projector and no sink.

This area is well-lit throughout by strip-lights in the ceiling and both learning rooms have large windows and benefit from natural light. Fixtures and fittings in this space have been designed with access in mind. High colour contrast has been used to demarcate different areas and furniture items. Flooring in the welcome area is hardwood, the two learning spaces have vinyl flooring. Wifi is available in this area. When booking in advance, groups may request the use of portable hearing loops, and wheelchair loans for guided visits.

 

 

Level 0 - Lockers, toilets, buggy park and baby-changing facilities

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a lift.

From the lift to this area, the route is 900mm wide, or more. Some display information is low, for wheelchair users.

In this area visitors will find lockers that can be used for a £1 charge. Buggies can be stored under the stairs and there are leaflet stands with maps, trails and other information. This area is well-lit by ceiling spotlights and has a tiled floor. There are toilets in this area, including an accessible toilet. This area can be noisy from the opening and closing of the automatic door leading into the cafe and people using lockers etc. there are also food smells from the cafe.

Public toilet

Level 0 - Accessible Toilet

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. There is a lift.

From the lift to the public toilet, the route is 900mm wide, or more.

The toilet door is 830mm wide.

The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the front only.

There is 1780mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 460mm high. The toilets have handrails.

There are horizontal grab rails located to the left and right of the toilet. There is a vertical grab rail located to the left of the toilet. There is a sink with grab rails on either side. Different areas and facilities in the space are painted in contrasting colours to differentiate between them and make them more visible. There are baby changing facilities within this toilet.

Public toilet

Changing Places Toilet - Located in car park to rear of Modern One

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

The toilet is a Changing Places toilet.

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp.

The route is 1560mm wide, or more.

The toilet door is 880mm wide.

The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the front only.

There is 4380mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 460mm high. The toilets have handrails.

The Changing Places Toilet is a freestanding portakabin unit located in the rear car park of Modern One. From inside the Modern One building, please exit via the main entrance and follow signage. There are two accessible parking spaces situated beside the unit as well as by the Modern One front door. The unit is unlocked between 9am-5pm. An emergency cord is fitted.
If assistance is required, please call the control room on 0131 624 6276. In an emergency please call 999.

Facilities include: Height adjustable, adult-sized, wall-mounted bench; Hoist (ceiling, loop); Peninsular toilet; Height-adjustable washbasin ; Non-slip floor; Floor space of 15 sq. m; Emergency Alarm; Privacy Screen; Paper Roll; Accessible Shower.

Public toilet

Level 2 - Accessible Toilet (for visitors using Modern One Learning Space)

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. There is a lift.

From the lift to the public toilet, the route is 900mm wide, or more.

The toilet door is 1040mm wide.

The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the front only.

There is 2000mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 460mm high. The toilets have handrails.

This toilet is for the use of visitors using the Modern One Learning Space. There are horizontal grab rails located to the left and right of the toilet. There is a vertical grab rail located to the left of the toilet. There is a sink with grab rails on either side. Different areas and facilities in the space are painted in contrasting colours to differentiate between them and make them more visible. There are baby changing facilities within this toilet.

Shop

Shop Modern One

From the main entrance to the shop, there is level access. The route is 1240mm wide, or more. The door is 1050mm wide.

The route through the shop is 800mm wide, or more.

The Modern One Shop occupies two rooms on the ground floor. The main entrance to the shop is 1050mm and there is a secondary entrance which is 801mm. The archway between the two rooms is 1010mm wide. The area is well-lit by large windows and ceiling lights. Merchandise is displayed on shelves up to a height of 1900mm. Staff are available to customers who require assistance to view items and to navigate between fixtures throughout the shop. There is no background music playing.

 

Place to eat and drink

Cafe Modern One

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. There is a lift. From the lift to dining area, the route is 900mm wide, or more. The door is 1290mm wide.

To get to a table, there are no steps.

The dining area is self-service. The route through the dining area is 800mm wide, or more.

There is no background music.

We cater for sugar free (diabetic), vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs), lactose free (dairy free), nut free, vegan and halal specific diets.

Cafe Modern One comprises an open-plan seating area inside as well as an outdoor area of tables and chairs on a paved surface in the cafe garden. There is one entrance to the cafe from inside the building, this is an automatic glass door (with markings) this is 1290mm wide. The door between the cafe and the outdoor garden area is 1180mm. This is a manually opening door and staff are happy to assist visitors to open it. 

The nearest accessible toilet is on the same floor as the cafe, Level 0. It is located just outside the cafe near the lift. The nearest Changing Places toilet is in the rear Modern One car park; to access this visitors should follow signs to exit via the door leading to the outdoor cafe area and from there exit into the car park.

Although the menu is not available in different formats, staff are always happy to verbally go through the menu choices. While table service is not available, staff are happy to carry trays on request. Staff can also microwave or puree items on request.

Sculpture Park (Modern One)

From the main entrance to the gardens, there is level access.

There is a permanent ramp.

The route is sloped. The route is 1360mm wide, or more.

Modern One is set within a sculpture park with work by Tony Cragg, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Rachel Whiteread, among others. The lawn at the front of the building was landscaped to a design by Charles Jencks to create a work called Landform Ueda, which comprises a stepped, serpentine-shaped mound complemented by crescent-shaped pools of water.

There are a series of surfaced pathways that allow visitors to enjoy the sculpture park. All sculptures can be viewed from surfaced pathways. Most sculptures are positioned on grassy areas with access directly onto the grass from the path with no kerb. Grassy areas that visitors are expected to access, e.g. lawns and around sculptures, is well-maintained and kept short. Two sculptures at Modern One (Tony Cragg, Kolbenneblok 1989 and Anthony Caro, Foil 1975/77) are positioned on grass next to the vehicle access road leading to Modern One, there is a kerb here with no dropped area; these sculptures are viewable from the road itself or the pavement opposite.

The front lawn and Landform Ueda, the serpentine mound that dominates it, can be accessed through a gate opposite the front door of Modern One which is 3300mm wide. There is a short paved pathway with steps on either side that leads to the left, directly to the water's edge of the landform, this pathway is on a steep gradient.  Leading to the right, the path leads directly onto the grass and a more gentle incline onto the lawn.  When the grass is wet and unsafe for visitors, the gate that leads onto the front lawn is closed to all visitors and signage will be in place to explain this.

The sculpture park continues across the road in the grounds of Modern Two. There is a zebra crossing that allows visitors to safely cross the road between Modern One and Modern Two.

 

 

Picnic Area

Modern One - Front Lawn Play Area (July - October)

From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. The entrance is 1360mm wide.

You can bring your own food to the picnic area.

Over the summer and early autumn, there is a play area installed on the Modern One Front Lawn. The play area is an accessible, sensory and creative play area for children, that has been designed with wheelchair-users in mind.

These areas are accessed through a gate opposite the front door of Modern One which is 3300mm wide. Leading to the right, the paved path leads directly onto the grass and a gentle incline onto the lawn. When the grass is wet and unsafe for visitors, the gate that leads onto the front lawn is closed to all visitors. 

 

Pig Rock Bothy

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 1000mm wide, or more. The entrance is 800mm wide.

Set within the grounds of Modern One, Pig Rock Bothy is host to a changing programme of performances, workshops, residencies and events. Over the summer months, it becomes a pop-up ice cream shop run by the Modern One cafe. The structure was created as an art project and you can see this in the quality of the construction and playfulness of the design.

The bothy is approached from paved pathways within the grounds of Modern One. There is a wide, concrete ramp (or 3 shallow steps) leading to onto a wooden platform and the bothy entrance. The ramp has a handrail to one side and the steps have edge markings.

Accessibility equipment

We provide wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are free.

There is permanent seating throughout the gallery. We also provide portable stools which are situated on racks on every floor of the gallery.

Portable hearing loops are available at all public talks and lectures and for booked group visits. We also have monthly amplified tours for visitors with hearing loss.

We welcome assistance dogs and can provide water bowls for them. Please ask staff for assistance.

We can provide pen, paper and a magnifying glass at the information desk.

Assistance dogs are welcome to use any of the grass verges located near the gallery building as long as they keep clear of sculptures. Visitors are requested to pick up and dispose of waste. Dustbins are located at the front door of Modern One, on the pathway to the left of the building and in the Modern One rear car park. They are located at the front and back doors of Modern Two.

We have an area to charge mobility scooters and battery powered wheelchairs.

Please ask a member of staff and they will be pleased to assist you.

Emergency evacuation procedures

We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

In the event of an evacuation, gallery staff will assist all visitors to a safe area, either outside the building or one of the dedicated temporary waiting areas within each gallery. Gallery staff will assist those who require help to those areas, and wait with them as the situation is being assessed. If deemed necessary, gallery staff are trained in the use of Evac chairs which can be used for evacuation of upper floors to assist those who cannot use the stairs.

Customer care support

Some staff have disability awareness training.

We have information in large print.

The National Galleries of Scotland received special recognition from Alzheimer Scotland as a dementia friendly venue. The majority of front of house staff have recieved training in dementia awareness. Most front of house staff have received training in visual impairment awareness from RNIB Scotland. Staff at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art have recieved training from PAMIS on welcoming visitors with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

We have other services for people with accessibility requirements.

We have regular amplified tours using portable hearing loops for visitors with hearing loss. Portable hearing loops are available for all talks and tours, simply ask member of staff on arrival. 

We have regular Deaf-led tours in British Sign Language (BSL) and regular family tours with British Sign Language interpretation.

We have regular tour and workshop sessions for visitors with visual impairments.

We have a regular programme of tours, concerts and special events for visitors living with dementia.

We offer regular sensory storytelling events for visitors of all ages with profound and multiple learning disabilities at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

We run early-openings featuring creative, sensory activities for families affected by autism at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Community and access groups are invited to book free guided or self-guided visits all year round. This includes free entry to all paying exhibitions. We also offer a free programme of dementia-friendly workshops.

All events can be found in the What's On section of our website: www.nationalgalleries.org/whats-on

Information on group visits can be found in the Visit section of our website: www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/groups-tours-workshops