Modern Gallery

I went to the Surrealist/Dada exhibition here and I love the fact that the building is an installation in itself with the caption 'Everything is going to be alright' illuminated above the entrance. I also loved the grounds featuring earth, water pieces along with impressive sculptures by Gormley and Henry Moore and others. The exhibition itself was a bit heavier on Surrealism than the Dadaism but I still loved it; my favourite was Magritte's 'The Legend of the Centuries'. It also has a great cafe looking out on lovely gardens with both indoor and outdoor seating. As the cafe is so popular, space was a bit tight for my wheelchair but people were lovely and moved seats to accommodate me. Staff were lovely both in the cafe and throughout the gallery, answering art questions for me, operating lifts and giving me a great tip about using the large print information board as the small info print at the paintings is too small for me to read and I can't get close enough in my wheelchair, so thank you for that great tip!

The accessible parking is right next to the accessible entrance. A lift then takes you to the galleries. There is plenty of room to move around and see the exhibits and art. Helpful staff are on hand to open doors but it is mostly open plan. There are accessible toilets available.

This was a well planned, well presented and well conceived event in conjunction with PAMIS and Euan’s Guide for Disabled Access Day. Being old fashioned and a bit of a traditionalist, the Gallery it’s contents and exhibitions were not my cup of tea, though I was surprised and inspired by much of what I saw, experienced and able to appreciate. The NG of Scotland have made a really big statement on inclusion and accessibility by opening on this DAD a fully equipped Changing Places toilet to compliment their other disabled access facilities. The former John Watson School for girls is large, spacious and well laid out over 3 floors, the ground and upper being divided into halls and rooms for exhibits of paintings, sculpture and laid out works. On the ground floor usage is made of the corridors as exhibit space leading to a well provisioned, well stocked shop, sales of exhibitors work and accessible resource areas - this is where the PAMIS sensory storytelling took place.The lower floor is where the toilets are located and a wide accessibility cafe, there are lockers, a buggy and chair area available. The catering provision is Heritage Portfolio so the standards, range of foods of quality and service are high, as was the case. Overall a popular venue for its large outdoor areas, water features and it’s packed events guide throughout the seasons and the year. The cafe and the Gallery were populated by children of all ages and stages and there programmes for younger one and those a bit Oder that are learning, experiential and thought provoking. To say this is a venue I would return to would be understated, its fantastic, welcoming, attentive and available staff who are well informed and always on hand - recognising those with additional needs.