From the V&A in Dundee and Kelvingrove in Glasgow, to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, these are the best museums in Scotland.
It’s no secret that Scotland is a country that’s full of history, culture, art, and magic. With centuries of amazing artefacts, exhibits, and discoveries to learn about, you’re going to want to visit several of the best museums in Scotland.
From the design-led, modern V&A Museum in Dundee to the historic and bloody Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre to the culturally significant Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, there’s a Scotland museum to suit whatever mood you’re in or whatever interests you might have.
If you’re traveling with kids, I’d recommend interactive museums like the National Museum of Scotland which has a whole host of natural history and science exhibits that inspire, educate, and entertain all in one go!
I love spending the day exploring a great museum or gallery, and with Scotland’s unreliable weather, it’s a great option if the weather turns and you need to head indoors as soon as possible!
So, with that in mind, let’s dive in and check out the best museums in Scotland!
Contents:
The Very Best Museums in Scotland
National Gallery of Scotland
If you’re looking for a relatively small but high-quality art gallery in Edinburgh, you have to check out the National Gallery of Scotland. Located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle along the bustling Princes Street, it’s the perfect gallery to pop in and get your fill of culture.
This museum is full of amazing pieces of art from international names like Velazquez, Cezanne, Botticelli, and Raphael! If you love your Renaissance-era artwork, you’re going to be in your element at the National Gallery of Scotland.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
If you’re looking for a huge art gallery and museum in the heart of Glasgow’s bustling West End district, then you can’t go wrong with a trip to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This is one of my absolute favourite spots in the city, Home to a whopping 22 different museums and galleries and hosting 8,000 artefacts and exhibits, you could spend your whole trip to Scotland here!
From iconic pieces by Salvador Dali, to a full Spitfire plane hanging from the ceiling, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this huge compound of museums and galleries!
The Hunterian
Also known as the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, The Huntarian is an amazing museum complex in Glasgow, that’s actually managed by the University of Glasgow. One of the main attractions of this particular Scotland museum is the Mackintosh House, a recreation of the iconic home of artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
In another area of The Hunterian, you’ll find oils by Dutch Masters, like Rembrandt, as well as one of the best collections of 19th-century Scottish artworks in the entire world.
National Museum of Scotland
Okay so if there is a museum in Edinburgh that I’ve visited more than any other, it’s probably the National Museum of Scotland. It’s vast and completely free too! There are five floors full of science, natural history, Scottish culture, and fashion exhibits.
So, whatever your Edinburgh plans are, you should carve out time to check out the National Museum of Scotland. Whether you want to block out a full day to explore, or you’re looking to kill some time before catching your train home, this is the perfect place.
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Are you ready to step back in time? Definitely check out the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life near Glasgow. This hands-on museum makes a great family-friendly day out and transports you back to what life was like during the Industrial period.
Leave some time to ride the electric tramway, see the steam-powered sawmill, and visit the on-site ironmongers. This museum brings history to life in a way that you’re not going to forget for a long time. Plus, your little ones will love burning off some steam in the children’s play area!
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
It’s no surprise that the home of Scotland’s National Bard has been lovingly converted into one of the best museums in Scotland. The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayr shows visitors where the iconic poet was born and raised during the 18th century. In fact, it’s not just one house, it’s a whole village!
You can visit the Scottish poet’s birthplace, see over 5,000 artefacts related to Robert Burns, and even see his manuscripts up close. If you’re traveling as a family, there are plenty of interactive exhibits and things to do around the museum complex too.
Shetland Museum & Archives
Want to learn more about the culture and heritage of the beautiful Shetland Islands? Head to the main town of Lerwick and visit the Shetland Museum & Archives. This amazing museum features exhibits from the prehistoric, geological beginnings of the island all the way up to the present day, and everything in between.
Showing what life on the Shetland Islands has been like throughout the centuries, a huge display of local arts and crafts, and a full archive for those of you interested in something specific or looking to enhance a thesis, you’re covered at this unique island museum.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Are you more into contemporary art than the older pieces? Well, you’re going to want to head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh. Honestly, this modern art museum is home to some of the finest exhibits in the world.
I loved wandering the halls of this gallery, stumbling upon artworks by Andy Warhol, Dame Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, and many more. If 3D art is more your thing, there are some amazing sculptures by Anthony Gormley. In fact, Gormley’s Scottish installation is right outside the front of the museum, so you can’t miss it!
V&A Dundee
The experience of visiting the V&A Dundee starts before you even step inside the doors. Seriously, the building itself is a work of architectural magic! Take time to admire it from the outside. As the only Victoria and Albert Museum outside of London, the Dundee outpost is a bastion of design and architecture.
So, if you’re into striking design, beautiful buildings, and smart, forward-thinking aesthetics, you’re going to have a great time at the amazing V&A Dundee! If you’re not into traditional artistic mediums but still want to get your fill of culture and creativity, there’s no better place to visit.
Riverside Museum
Do you love everything to do with transport? Head to the waterfront of the River Clyde in Glasgow and visit the amazing Riverside Museum. This stunning building is nestled among the old shipbuilding yards, and is dedicated to Glasgow’s relationship with transport!
From the shipbuilding heritage that the River Clyde areas of Glasgow is famous for, to modern skateboards, and the technology that transformed vintage cars into the modern ones we know and love, you’ll be able to learn lots about engineering and innovation. It’s also one of the best museums in Scotland for young kids who have obsessions with moving vehicles as there’s plenty to look at!
Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
There are few moments in Scottish history more impactful or important than the Battle of Culloden on the 16th of April 1746. To learn all about this, you simply have to visit Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre.
Located just outside Inverness, this museum educates visitors about the Jacobite Rising, the Highland clans at the time, and how thousands of people lost their lives in one of the biggest battles in Scottish history.
The Black Watch Castle & Museum
Located in the beautiful city of Perth, The Black Watch Castle & Museum is housed within the picturesque Balhousie Castle. This castle actually stretches all the way back to the 12th century, so you can tour the castle as well as the museum exhibits.
On display, you can find tons of military artefacts, vintage weapons, and plenty of personal stories and accounts from the soldiers’ time working for the historic Black Watch. If you’re into military history and are curious about Scotland’s battle-filled past, then you have to make time to visit The Black Watch Castle and Museum.
Aberdeen Art Gallery
If you’re heading up to the northeast of the country, you’ll be able to check out one of the best museums in Scotland – the Aberdeen Art Gallery. This top-rated Scottish art gallery is home to works by the biggest names in art, and is frequently noted as home to one of the best collections in Scotland.
Honestly, I was pretty shocked to discover a Picasso in a museum in the heart of Aberdeen, but there it was! You can also find stunning pieces by Hogarth, a full sculpture gallery on the ground floor, and 18 different collections all around this historic building.
So, now that you know all about the best museums in Scotland, you can plan your next trip to this gorgeous country. What’s your favourite museum or gallery in Scotland? Let me know in the comments below!