#MuseumsAreGo in Scotland

Museums and galleries across Scotland are throwing open their doors. After a long winter away, these much-loved sites are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to safely explore Scotland’s heritage, be inspired, and enjoy spending time with loved ones.

Some of Scotland’s favourite museums and galleries have used the time they were closed to have a refresh and are reopening with unseen exhibitions, a fresh lick of paint, and fun new activities, perfect for a family day trip. It is also a great time to see some of the country’s most popular sites without the crowds or go off the beaten path and explore one of the hundreds of museums up and down the country. To check when your favourite local museum is reopening, or to help organise your next adventure use the #MuseumsAreGo map. This easy-to-use map shows museums and galleries that have reopened in Scotland, with updates every week.

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said:

“It has been an incredibly challenging year for the sector’s staff and volunteers. Everyone is looking forward to welcoming visitors back and they have worked immensely hard to make it a safe experience, without losing the magic of spending time in a museum and gallery.

Museums need our support now that they are open, and we encourage people to visit them in person or online. I am particularly looking forward to visiting exhibitions again with my family as a safe and stimulating day out. Not forgetting sampling those wonderful museum cakes again!”

As well as on-site exhibitions many museums and galleries are continuing to offer digital exhibitions, activities, and events. Digital platforms such as Culture Perth and Kinross’s new exhibitions website is perfect for some cultural online exploring. 

12 museums and galleries to visit this week:

Abbotsford (Scottish Borders)

This year it is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Sir Walter Scott, so what better time than to visit his home at Abbotsford and learn about Scott’s life and the objects which inspired his greatest poems and novels.

https://www.scottsabbotsford.com/

Black Watch Castle and Museum (Perth and Kinross)

Explore the extraordinary history of The Black Watch, Scotland’s oldest Highland Regiment. Bubble groups can book the private Museum Bubble Tour led by a knowledgeable guide at a safe social distance.

https://theblackwatch.co.uk/

Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (Western Isles)

Explore the Isle of Lewis’s rich history at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, which is reopening with a new photography exhibition and Ùrachadh The Renewal of An Sulaire exhibition.

https://cenonline.org/

Devils Porridge (Dumfries and Galloway)

This fascinating museum is reopening with a new exhibition about Dorothée Pullinger, a pioneering female engineer. The café has had a refresh with furniture and décor specially chosen to reflect a Rennie Mackintosh style, which was embraced by the architects who designed the garden villages of Eastriggs and Gretna and the WW1 state management pubs and coffee houses.

https://www.devilsporridge.org.uk/

Dundee Museum of Transport (Dundee)

This museum is reopening with a remodeled café, a board game area, and a new toy-themed exhibition featuring a century’s-worth of transport-themed toys and models. The museum is encouraging those who may not have visited before to come have a coffee with friends, try out a new game, and have a look at their exhibits.

https://www.dmoft.co.uk/

Gairloch Museum (Highland)

The Art Fund Museum of the Year 2020 Winner is welcoming visitors back to explore the culture and heritage of the North West Highlands. Lusan nan Gàidheal- Flora Gadelica by Cindie Reiter opens in May with paintings of the plants, herbs and flowers of the Highlands.

https://www.gairlochmuseum.org/

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (Glasgow)

A Glasgow staple the much-loved Kelvingrove will be reopening on Monday 26^th April alongside the Riverside Museum and GOMA. The museum has created special downloadable activities for children to enjoy during their visit.

https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum

Museum of the Isles (Highland)

Discover the history of the Highlands and Islands through the story of Clan Donald and explore the beautiful grounds of Armadale Castle. The Museum reopens with an exhibition on the coastal castles of Clan Donald and a spring flower festival is taking place throughout May.

https://www.armadalecastle.com/

The Pier Arts Centre (Orkney)

Islanders and visitors alike can now enjoy The Pier Arts Centre new displays of their collection, which focuses on colour and the joy art can offer. The exhibition will be a chance to see some old favourites from the collection.

https://www.pierartscentre.com/

 Shetland Museum & Archives (Shetland)

Discover Shetland’s history and culture at this fascinating museum, including a new display of colourful Skovi Kapps which highlight Shetland’s trading and maritime links with Russia during the 19th century.

https://www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk/

Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life (North Lanarkshire)

The museum’s 20 acre site offers families plenty of outdoor space to enjoy a great day out. Kids can enjoy the playpark, visit the exhibition hall and take a ride on the tram to Miners Row, before refuelling with some food from the café and a visit to the Wee Sweetie Shop.

https://culturenl.co.uk/museums/visiting-us/summerlee/

Surgeons Hall (Edinburgh)

The fascinating Surgeons Hall tells the history of surgery and is home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the world. Not just for fans of blood and guts the museum collection encourages reflection on health and wellbeing.

https://museum.rcsed.ac.uk/

Find all open museums with the #MuseumsAreGo map. Remember to check before you go on the museum’s website for opening times and to book ahead.