Are you curious about the lives of remarkable individuals? Here are the top person and artist museums in Scotland:
1The Palace of Holyroodhouse
EdinburghThe Palace of Holyroodhouse, colloquially known as Holyrood Palace, has a rich history dating back to 1128 when it was founded as a monastery by David I of Scotland. Since the 16th century, it has served as the primary residence of the Scottish monarchs, with its last inhabitant being Queen Mary Stuart. This historical significance makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in Scottish history and royal residences. 2The Edinburgh Dungeon
EdinburghThe Edinburgh Dungeon, located in the city centre on Market Street, is an underground tourist attraction that uses live actor shows and interactive rides to depict various historical events from Scottish history. The shows are presented in a fun, scary style with audience interaction, special effects, theatrical sets, and performances. 3Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
InvernessCulloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre is a museum in Inverness. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War and Personalities. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Bonnie Prince Charlie - Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Duke of Cumberland. 4Inveraray Jail and County Court
InverarayInveraray Jail, located in Church Square, Inveraray, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, is a former prison and courthouse. Constructed in 1820, this building is recognized as a Category A listed building, indicating its historical and architectural significance. The jail ceased operations in 1889, but the building continued to serve as a courthouse until the mid-twentieth century. 5Linlithgow Palace
LinlithgowLinlithgow Palace is a museum in Linlithgow. The museum features exhibits related to: trade and commerce, photography, archives, natural sciences, weapons and war, social history, industry, coins and medals, personalities, architecture, sport, law and order, world cultures, land transport, medicine 6Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
AllowayThe Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is a dedicated space that houses a vast collection related to the life of Robert Burns, who is celebrated as Scotland's national Bard. The museum provides an in-depth look into the life and works of Burns, offering visitors a chance to explore and understand the cultural significance of this renowned figure. 7The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
GlasgowThe Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is the oldest museum in Scotland. The museum features objects relating to William Hunter and his collections from Roman Scotland, geology (he Begg Collection of fossils donated by James Livingstone Begg), ethnography, ancient Egypt, scientific instruments (from L 8Abbotsford
MelroseAbbotsford House, situated near Melrose in Scotland, is a historic residence that once belonged to the renowned British writer, Walter Scott. This grand estate offers a glimpse into the life and times of one of Britain's most celebrated literary figures. Visitors can explore the house and its grounds, taking in the neo-Gothic architecture and the many artefacts and memorabilia related to Scott's life and works. 9National War Museum Scotland
EdinburghThe National War Museum, situated within the historic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1933. The museum is housed in a converted 18th-century ordnance storehouse and offers a comprehensive look into Scotland's military history spanning over 400 years. The museum is managed by National Museums Scotland. 10The Gordon Highlanders Museum
AberdeenThe Gordon Highlanders Museum, located in Aberdeen, Scotland, is dedicated to the history of the Gordon Highlanders regiment. This regiment has a rich history, originating as the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot in 1794. It later merged with the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Foot to form the Gordon Highlanders in 1881, and was eventually incorporated into a larger unit of the British Army in 1994. 11The Hill House
HelensburghThe Hill House is considered the finest of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's domestic creations. It dates from 1902. Mackintosh and his wife also designed the interior fittings and decorative schemes. 12Shetland Museum
LerwickShetland Museum is a museum in Lerwick. The museum features exhibits related to: law and order, trade and commerce, land transport, social history, coins and medals, weapons and war, costume and textiles, agriculture, personalities, science and technology, music, decorative and applied art, archives 13Aberdeen Art Gallery
AberdeenAberdeen Art Gallery is a museum in Aberdeen. The museum features exhibits related to Coins and Medals, Decorative and Applied Art, Social History, Fine Art, Personalities, Archaeology, Science and Technology and Costume and Textiles. 14Inverness Museum and Art Gallery - High Life Highland
InvernessInverness Museum and Art Gallery - High Life Highland is a museum in Inverness. The museum features exhibits related to: science and technology, fine art, music, social history, archaeology, personalities, coins and medals, weapons and war, costume and textiles, archives, land transport, natural sci 15Chatelherault Country Park
FerniegairChatelherault Country Park is a museum in Hamilton. The museum features exhibits related to Land Transport, Social History, Personalities, Natural Sciences, Archaeology, World Cultures, Fine Art, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Weapons and War, Archives and Science and Technology. 16Mary Queen of Scots' House and Visitor Centre
JedburghQueen Mary's House, located in Jedburgh, is a significant historical site dating back to the sixteenth century. It is known for being the residence of Mary, Queen of Scots, for a few weeks in 1566. This historical connection adds a layer of intrigue and importance to the building, making it a point of interest for those interested in the life and times of Queen Mary. 17Scotland Street School Museum
GlasgowThe Scotland Street School Museum is a unique institution dedicated to the history of school education. It is located in the Kingston district of Glasgow, Scotland. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of education over the years, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and education. 18Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
JedburghJedburgh Castle is a historic building located in the Scottish village of Jedburgh. It was constructed in 1823 on the foundations of a medieval castle that was destroyed in the early 15th century. This gives the castle a rich history and a unique blend of architectural styles, making it an interesting site for visitors interested in history and architecture. 19The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
FraserburghThe Museum of Scottish Lighthouses is a museum in Fraserburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, archives, maritime, social history and science and technology. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: lighthouse lenses and equipment., photographs of lighthouses an 20Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum
DunfermlineThe Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, located in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, is a biographical museum dedicated to the life of Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who is considered one of the great Scots of the 19th century. The museum provides an in-depth look into his life and achievements. 21Duff House Country House Gallery
BanffDuff House Country House Gallery is a museum in Banff. The museum features exhibits related to Decorative and Applied Art, Architecture and Fine Art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Sir Henry Raeburn, François Boucher, Chippendale and El Greco. 22Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
StirlingMuseum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders is a museum in Stirling. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Personalities, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Coins and Medals and Costume and Textiles. 23Glenfinnan Visitor Centre
GlenfinnanGlenfinnan Visitor Centre is a museum in Glenfinnan. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war and architecture. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: prince charles edward stuart - bonnie prince charlie, scottish architect james gillespie graham, battle of culloden a 24Burns House Museum
DumfriesBurns House Museum is a museum in Dumfries. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, social history, decorative and applied art, archives, personalities, costume and textiles, music, coins and medals and literature. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: kilmarnock and edin 25Writers' Museum
EdinburghThe Writers' Museum is a literary museum that is devoted to three Scottish writers. Once collection is dedicated to Robert Burns, a Scottish national poet and lyricist. Another collection focuses on Robert Louis Stevenson, a poet and novelist, the author of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. And 26Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
StirlingStirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is a museum in Stirling. The museum features exhibits related to: trade and commerce, costume and textiles, literature, land transport, agriculture, natural sciences, industry, decorative and applied art, religion, toys and hobbies, personalities, science and te 27John Muir's Birthplace
DunbarJohn Muir's Birthplace is a museum located in Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland. It is dedicated to the life and work of the Scottish-American conservationist John Muir. The museum is run by the East Lothian Council Museums Service and serves as a centre for study and interpretation of Muir's work. 28Kirkcaldy Galleries
KirkcaldyKirkcaldy Galleries is a museum in Kirkcaldy. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, land transport, medicine, archives, coins and medals, fine art, science and technology, maritime, archaeology, decorative and applied art, personalities and costume and textiles.- 29
Devil's Porridge Museum
EastriggsDevil's Porridge Museum is a museum in Annan. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war and social history. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: ideal communities: eastriggs and gretna, mixing the devil's porridge, qunintinshill rail disaster, state management scheme 30Clan Macpherson Museum
NewtonmoreClan Macpherson Museum is a museum in Newtonmore. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Weapons and War, Archives and Social History. 31David Livingstone Birthplace
BlantyreThe David Livingstone Centre is a museum situated in the Scottish town of Blantyre, within the South Lanarkshire council area. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the missionary and African explorer, David Livingstone, who was born in one of the buildings on the site. 32Hawick Museum and the Scott Art Gallery
HawickHawick Museum and the Scott Art Gallery is a museum in Hawick. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War, Science and Technology, World Cultures, Fine Art, Natural Sciences, Personalities, Land Transport, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Coins and Medals, Archaeology, 33Robert Burns Centre
DumfriesRobert Burns Centre is a museum in Dumfries. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Costume and Textiles, Archives, Literature, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Coins and Medals and Personalities. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Robert Burns, Jean Armour B 34Provost Skene's House
AberdeenProvost Skene's House, located in Aberdeen, is a historical building that was constructed in 1545. Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history and heritage. The house is named after Provost Skene, who purchased it in 1669. 35Dunblane Museum
DunblaneDunblane Museum is opposite Dunblane Cathedral. Its building goes back to 1624, when it was the home of the Dean of the Cathedral. The museum features exhibits related to the mediaeval cathedral, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Communion Tokens, Personalities, Decorative and Applied Art and Social Hi 36Museum of Islay Life
Port CharlotteMuseum of Islay Life is a museum in Isle of Islay. The museum features exhibits related to: land transport, maritime, medicine, fine art, coins and medals, costume and textiles, music, science and technology, personalities, archaeology, social history and archives. 37Elgin Museum
ElginElgin Museum is a museum in Elgin. The museum features exhibits related to Maritime, World Cultures, Coins and Medals, Natural Sciences, Weapons and War, Land Transport, Trade and Commerce, Archaeology, Personalities, Decorative and Applied Art, Archives, Social History, Science and Technology, Reli 38Prestongrange Museum
PrestonpansPrestongrange is a site of major importance in the story of Scotland’s Industrial Revolution. Visitors can discover the story of the harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks. The Prestongrange Museum features exhibits related to: science and technology, agriculture, archaeology, coins 39Clan Cameron Museum
AchnacarryAchnacarry is a quaint hamlet nestled in the Lochaber area of the Highland council area. This privately owned settlement is home to a castle and is situated approximately 15 miles north of the town of Fort William, near the village of Spean Bridge. Its location makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the Scottish Highlands. 40Groam House Museum
RosemarkieGroam House Museum is a museum in Rosemarkie. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Archaeology, Decorative and Applied Art and Archives. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include The George Bain Collection. 41Bute Museum
RothesayBute Museum is a museum in Isle of Bute. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Personalities, Natural Sciences, Weapons and War, Costume and Textiles, Maritime, Archives, Archaeology, Science and Technology, Fine Art, Coins and Medals and Land Transport. Key themes, people and exhi 42Montrose Museum and Art Gallery
MontroseMontrose Museum and Art Gallery features exhibits related to Religion, Social History, Archaeology, Music, Coins and Medals, Maritime, Trade and Commerce, Weapons and War, Decorative and Applied Art, Law and Order, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Personalities, Fine Art, Land Transport, Scie 43Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage and Museum
CromartyHugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum in Cromarty celebrates prominent 19th-century Highland polymath, Hugh Miller – an eminent geologist, writer and social commentator. Today the Georgian villa, Miller House, is a museum which presents his life and work, while the iconic thatched fisherman’s c 44Hugh Miller's Cottage
CromartyHugh Miller's Cottage is a museum in Cromarty. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences, personalities and decorative and applied art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: hugh miller, geologist, editor and writer. 45The Jim Clark Room
DunsThe Museum Room is devoted to the career of Jim Clark, World Motor Racing Champion and Berwickshire Farmer. It houses a display of trophies, awards, photographs, model cars, memorabilia and video presentation. The 'Images of Clark' display features photographs of Jim taken by some of the best motor 46The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
EdinburghThe Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum is a regimental museum that showcases the collections of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and its predecessor regiments. It provides a comprehensive view of the history and heritage of these regiments, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in military history. 47Rozelle House Galleries
AyrRozelle House Galleries is a museum in Ayr. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Costume and Textiles, Weapons and War, Archives, World Cultures, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Personalities, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Fine Art and Decorative and Applied Art. Key themes, people a 48J M Barrie's Birthplace
KirriemuirJ M Barrie's Birthplace is a museum in Kirriemuir. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Literature and Social History. 49St Ronan's Wells Interpretation Centre
InnerleithenSt Ronan's Wells Interpretation Centre is a museum in Peebles. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, social history, costume and textiles, decorative and applied art, science and technology and personalities. 50Nairn Museum
NairnNairn Museum is a museum in Nairn. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Decorative and Applied Art, Social History, Fine Art, Archaeology, Costume and Textiles, Medicine, Coins and Medals and Personalities. 51Bachelors' Club
TarboltonThe Bachelors' Club is a museum under the National Trust for Scotland, situated at 1 Sandgate Street, Tarbolton, KA5 5RB. This location is significant as it was the site of the first rural debating society in Scotland and served as a prototype for many Burns Clubs worldwide. The 17th-century building is thatched and furnished with period pieces, providing a glimpse into the past. 52Borders Textile Towerhouse
HawickBorders Textile Towerhouse is a museum in Hawick. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, weapons and war, natural sciences, social history, science and technology, archaeology, decorative and applied art, archives, costume and textiles and personalities. 53Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom
SelkirkSir Walter Scott's Courtroom is a museum in Selkirk. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, archives, social history and fine art. 54John Paul Jones Cottage Museum
KirkbeanJohn Paul Jones’ Cottage is a historical residential building located near the Scottish town of Southerness, in the Council Area of Dumfries and Galloway. This building holds significant historical value, as it was listed in the highest monument category A in the Scottish monument lists in 1971. This indicates the importance of the building in the context of Scottish history and heritage. 55Old Haa
YellOld Haa is a museum in Burravoe, Yell. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, archaeology, music, social history, fine art, maritime, decorative and applied art, land transport and personalities. 56Mallaig Heritage Centre
MallaigMallaig Heritage Centre is a museum in Mallaig. The museum features exhibits related to Agriculture, Maritime, Archives, Personalities, Social History, Film and Media, Fine Art, Religion, Land Transport and Photography. 57Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace
EcclefechanIn 1795 the great social historian, Thomas Carlyle was born in this humble house. The three rooms of the museum contain many of Carlyle's possessions, providing a fascinating insight into nineteenth century life in a small Scottish town. The birthplace has been open to the public since 1883 and has 58Dingwall Museum
DingwallThe Dingwall Town Hall, which is now used as a museum, is a significant historical structure located in the High Street of Dingwall, Highland, Scotland. This Category B listed building is a testament to the town's rich history and architectural heritage. It was originally built in 1745 as a municipal building to hold civic functions and incarcerate offenders. Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's past. 59West Kilbride Museum
West KilbrideWest Kilbride Museum is a museum in West Kilbride. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Personalities, Costume and Textiles, Science and Technology, Social History, Natural Sciences, Land Transport and Archaeology. 60St Cecilia's Hall Museum of Instruments
EdinburghSt Cecilia's Hall, a small concert hall and museum, is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is conveniently located on the corner of Niddry Street and the Cowgate, just about 168 metres south of the famous Royal Mile. This makes it easily accessible for tourists exploring the city. 61Reid Concert Hall Museum of Instruments
EdinburghThe Reid Concert Hall is a quaint music venue nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is conveniently located in Bristo Square, just a short distance south of the famous Royal Mile. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists exploring the city's historic sites. 62Brechin Town House Museum
BrechinBrechin Town House Museum is a museum in Brechin. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Social History, Archaeology, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Archives, Fine Art, Coins and Medals, Weapons and War and Science and Technology. 63Anatomical museum
EdinburghAnatomical museum is a museum in Edinburgh which holds a collection of around 12,000 objects and specimens that tell the story of 300 years of anatomical teaching at the University of Edinburgh. The collection is partly related to pathology, anatomy and zoology with anatomical teaching models, human 64Banchory Museum
BanchoryBanchory Museum is a museum in Banchory. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Music, Social History, Natural Sciences and Personalities. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include J. Scott Skinner, the 'Strathspey King', Royal 65Clan Donnachaidh Museum
PitlochryClan Donnachaidh Museum is a museum in Pitlochry. The museum features exhibits related to: coins and medals, social history, archaeology, maritime, archives, fine art, decorative and applied art, music, weapons and war, personalities, natural sciences, medicine and costume and textiles. 66GoMA
GlasgowThe Lighthouse in Glasgow serves as Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture. It was inaugurated in 1999, marking Glasgow's recognition as the UK City of Architecture and Design. This establishment is a significant landmark in the city, showcasing the rich architectural and design heritage of Scotland.- 67
Fraserburgh Heritage Centre
FraserburghThe Heritage Centre is leased by Fraserburgh Heritage Society and operated on a voluntary basis. The building was originally a barrel store, then the foundry of the Consolidated Pneumatic Tool Company Ltd, before being converted to a modern visitor centre which illustrates the history of Fraserburgh - 68
John Gray Centre
HaddingtonJohn Gray Centre is a museum in Haddington. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Design, Natural Sciences, Archives, Religion, Music, Literature, Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Costume and Textiles, Aviation, World Cultures, Architecture, Social History, Archaeology, Decorative a - 69
Tain and District Museum
TainThe Tain & District Museum is situated in the scenic town of Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland. The museum operates from April to October, making it an ideal destination for tourists visiting during these months. It is a volunteer-run institution, showcasing the rich history and culture of the local area. - 70
Auld Kirk Museum
KirkintillochAuld Kirk Museum is a museum in Kirkintilloch. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Decorative and Applied Art, Natural Sciences, Religion, Personalities, Science and Technology, Social History, Fine Art and Archives. - 71
Arbuthnot Museum and Gallery
PeterheadArbuthnot Museum and Gallery is a museum in Peterhead. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Fine Art, Coins and Medals, Maritime, World Cultures, Archives and Land Transport. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Northern Scotland's largest coin collections, Arctic - 72
Alyth Museum
AlythAlyth Museum is a museum in Alyth. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Archaeology, Music, Costume and Textiles, Weapons and War, Archives, Natural Sciences, Land Transport, Coins and Medals and World Cultures. - 73
Banff Museum
BanffVisit one of Scotland's oldest Museums, founded in 1828. See an electro-type copy of the Deskford Carnyx, a unique 2000-year-old war trumpet, as well as an award-winning natural history display. local geology, arms and armour and a nationally important collection of Banff silver. Banff Museum featur - 74
D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum
DundeeThe D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is a zoological museum located at the University of Dundee in Scotland. It was founded in the 1880s by D'Arcy Thompson, a Scottish biologist and mathematician. The museum is named in his honor, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of biology and mathematics. - 75
Baird Institute
CumnockBaird Institute is a museum in Cumnock. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Coins and Medals, Science and Technology, World Cultures, Archives, Decorative and Applied Art, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Weapons and War, Archaeology, Fine Art and Personalities. - 76
Caithness Broch Centre
WickCaithness Broch Centre is a museum in Wick. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Archaeology and Personalities. - 77
Museum Store
GrangemouthMuseum Store is a museum in Grangemouth. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, costume and textiles, land transport, weapons and war, natural sciences, archives, decorative and applied art, maritime, medicine, science and technology, archaeology, personalities, music and coins and - 78
George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum
Fair IsleGeorge Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum is a museum in Fair Isle. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences, fine art, decorative and applied art, personalities, weapons and war, music, maritime, costume and textiles, land transport, archaeology, world cultures, archives, social - 79
Brander Museum
HuntlyBrander Museum is a museum in Huntly. The museum features exhibits related to Coins and Medals, Social History, Weapons and War, Costume and Textiles, Personalities, Archaeology and Natural Sciences. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Huntly textile industry and learn about:, 19th - 80
Joseph Thomson Local Heritage Centre
ThornhillThe Joseph Thomson Project Steering group was established in September 1998 under the auspices of Penpont Community Council. The purpose of the group is to tell the story of Joseph Thomson, Penpont's most famous son who was born in Sundial Cottage and to find a place for archives relating to Joseph