Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in Scotland:
1National Museum of Scotland
EdinburghThe National Museum of Scotland, located in Edinburgh, was established in 2006 as a result of the merger of two adjacent museums: the Scotland Museum and the Royal Museum. The Scotland Museum is home to collections that shed light on Scottish antiquity, culture, and history. On the other hand, the Royal Museum houses collections that cover a wide range of topics, including science and technology, natural history, and world cultures. 2Stirling Castle
StirlingStirling Castle is a museum in Stirling. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history, architecture and archaeology. 3Burrell Collection
GlasgowThe Burrell Collection is a museum/art collection in Glasgow. The Burrell Collection consists of objects collected by Sir William Burrell, a wealthy Glaswegian shipping magnate. It includes an important collection of medieval art including stained glass and tapestries, oak furniture, medieval weapon 4Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
SandwickSkara Brae Prehistoric Village is a museum in Orkney. The museum features exhibits related to: social history and archaeology. 5Melrose Abbey
MelroseMelrose Abbey, a historical site in Melrose, Scotland, was established in 1136. The Cistercian monks from Clairvaux Abbey in France founded it at the request of King David I, who was the King of Scotland at the time. This historical context adds to the rich tapestry of the Abbey's past, making it a fascinating site for visitors interested in history and architecture. 6The 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 7West Highland Museum
Fort WilliamThe West Highland Museum is situated in the heart of Fort William. It is dedicated to narrating the rich history of the Scottish Highlands and the Islands. The museum covers a wide range of topics related to West Highland history, making it a comprehensive source of information for those interested in learning about the region's past. 8Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
StromnessMaeshowe Chambered Cairn is a museum in Orkney. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology and social history. 9The Scottish Crannog Centre
AberfeldyJoin the 21st Century Crannog Community where you will be taken on a fascinating journey into Scotland's prehistory. Walk in the footsteps of the original Crannog dwellers and immerse yourself in village life with original artefacts; demonstrations of textiles, cooking and ancient crafts & techn 10Shetland 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 11Aberdeen 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. 12Inverness 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 13Chatelherault 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. 14Orkney Museum
KirkwallThe Orkney Museum, previously known as the Tankerness House Museum, is a historical museum located in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland. It is managed by the Orkney Islands Council and provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Orkney Islands, from the Stone Age through the Picts and Vikings to the present day. The museum was established in 1968 as the Tankerness House Museum and changed its name to The Orkney Museum in 1999. 15Provand's Lordship
GlasgowProvand’s Lordship, located in Glasgow, Scotland, is a villa that has a rich history dating back to 1471. It was originally built for the Bishop of Glasgow, Andrew Muirhead, and has since served various purposes, including a parsonage. Today, it stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past. 16Kilmartin Museum House
KilmartinKilmartin Museum House is a museum in Kilmartin. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology.- 17
Holyrood Abbey
EdinburghHolyrood Abbey is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, architecture and social history. 18Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura
DumfriesDumfries Museum and Camera Obscura is a museum in Dumfries. The museum features exhibits related to Coins and Medals, Medicine, Industry, Natural Sciences, Decorative and Applied Art, Weapons and War, Maritime, Social History, Land Transport, Religion, Costume and Textiles, Science and Technology, L 19Mull Museum
TobermoryMull Museum is a museum in Tobermory. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Archaeology, Weapons and War, Social History and Maritime. 20Museum of Lead Mining
WanlockheadMuseum of Lead Mining is a museum in Lanarkshire. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Land Transport, Archaeology, Social History, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles and Science and Technology. 21Arran Heritage Museum
BrodickArran Heritage Museum is a museum in Brodick, Isle of Arran. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, archives, social history and natural sciences. 22House of Dun
DunThe House of Dun is a property of the National Trust for Scotland, located in the parish of Dun, Angus, Scotland. It is situated close to the edge of the Montrose Basin, approximately halfway between the towns of Montrose and Brechin. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the beautiful Scottish countryside while also being within easy reach of local towns. 23Perth Museum and Art Gallery
PerthPerth Museum and Art Gallery is a museum in Perth. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Music, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Social History, Archives, Weapons and War, Decorative and Applied Art, Land Transport, Natural Sciences, Science and Technology, World Cultures and Costume and T 24Stromness Museum
StromnessStromness Museum is a museum in Stromness. The museum features exhibits related to World Cultures, Archives, Natural Sciences, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Science and Technology, Maritime, Social History and Land Transport. 25Stirling 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 26Kirkcaldy 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. 27Tolbooth Museum
StonehavenVisit Stonehaven's oldest building - the Earl Marischal's 16th - century storehouse which served as the County Tolbooth of Kincardineshire from 1600-1767 to discover why Episcopal priests were imprisoned here in 1748, Stonehaven's links with the sea, and local bygones. Tolbooth Museum features exhib 28Hawick 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, 29The Watt Institution
GreenockThe Watt Institution, formerly known as the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, is situated in Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland. It is the primary museum in the Inverclyde area, offering a rich cultural experience to its visitors. The museum is easily accessible and is a significant cultural landmark in the region. 30Timespan Heritage Centre and Art Gallery
HelmsdaleTimespan Heritage Centre and Art Gallery is a museum in Helmsdale. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, archaeology, science and technology and natural sciences. 31Dunblane 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 32Strathnaver Museum
BettyhillStrathnaver Museum, situated in Bettyhill, Sutherland, Scotland, is a volunteer-run independent museum that first opened its doors to the public in 1976. It offers a deep dive into the history of north west Sutherland, particularly focusing on the Highland Clearances. 33Museum 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. 34Tarbat Discovery Centre
PortmahomackTarbat Discovery Centre is a museum in Tain. The museum features exhibits related to: social history and archaeology. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: picts and pictish history and history of tarbat. 35Elgin 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 36Savings Banks Museum
RuthwellSavings Banks Museum is a museum in . The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Archives, Archaeology, Coins and Medals and Religion. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Coins, banknotes and savings banks, Bank memorabilia and Rev Henry Duncan. 37Prestongrange 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 38Groam 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. 39Bute 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 40Montrose 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 41Glasgow Museums Resource Centre
GlasgowThe Open Museum, located in Glasgow, Scotland, is a unique community museum that operates from the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre. This innovative museum concept aims to bring museum collections beyond the traditional confines of museum walls and into the wider Glasgow community. It is part of a larger network of ten museums under the umbrella of Glasgow Museums. 42Ullapool Museum
UllapoolUllapool Museum is a museum in Ullapool. The museum features exhibits related to Natural Sciences, Archaeology, Archives, Maritime and Social History. 43Meffan Museum and Art Gallery
ForfarMeffan Museum and Art Gallery is a museum in Forfar. The museum features exhibits related to: land transport, archaeology, decorative and applied art, fine art, personalities, social history, science and technology, costume and textiles and coins and medals. 44Calanais Visitor Centre
CallanishCalanais Visitor Centre is a museum in Isle of Lewis. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology. 45Halliwell's House Museum
SelkirkHalliwell's House Museum is a museum in Selkirk. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, archaeology, fine art and coins and medals. 46Rozelle 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 47Nairn 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. 48Borders 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. 49Kirriemuir Gateway to the Glens Museum
KirriemuirKirriemuir Gateway to the Glens Museum is a museum in Kirriemuir. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology and Social History. 50Glenesk Folk Museum
GleneskGlenesk Folk Museum is an independent museum set in the midst of Glenesk, one of the five Angus Glens. Opened in 1955 by its creator and original curator, local schoolteacher Greta Michie, the museum existed in a building called The Retreat. This was built for Captain Wemyss in the 1840s as a huntin 51Old 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. 52Trimontium Museum
MelroseLocated in the town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders council area in Scotland, Priorwood Garden is a serene spot adjacent to the historic Melrose Abbey. This proximity allows visitors to combine a visit to both the garden and the abbey, offering a rich cultural and natural experience. 53Cairnpapple Hill
LinlithgowCairnpapple Hill is open to the public from April to September. It features a small visitor centre where tourists can learn more about the site's history and significance. The visitor centre also provides useful information and resources to enhance the visitor experience. 54Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum
SanquharSanquhar Tolbooth Museum is a museum in Sanquhar. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Coins and Medals, Decorative and Applied Art, Industry, Fine Art, Science and Technology, Social History, Costume and Textiles, Literature, Archaeology, Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Key them 55St Vigeans Sculptured Stones
Saint VigeansThe St Vigeans Museum, located in the Scottish county of Angus, is home to a collection of cross-slabs, tombstones, and Pictish symbol stones. The collection comprises a total of 38 stones, some of which are fragmented. These historical artifacts provide a glimpse into the past, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Scotland's rich history and cultural heritage. 56Colzium House
KilsythColzium House is a museum in Kilsyth. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, weapons and war, costume and textiles, world cultures, natural sciences, archaeology, decorative and applied art, social history, archives and coins and medals. 57Dunbeath Heritage Centre
DunbeathThe Centre provides a focus for the work of Dunbeath Preservation Trust: Registered museum; archaeological exhibition, Neil M Gunn literary landscape, engaging approach to landscape interpretation through art installations, photography and unique floor map. Repository for research data, manuscripts, 58Unst Heritage Centre
HaroldswickUnst Heritage Centre is a museum in Haroldswick. The museum features exhibits related to Agriculture, Archaeology, Religion, Costume and Textiles and Social History. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Crofting implements, Unst lace and Peat cart. 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. 60Mckechnie Institute
GirvanMckechnie Institute is a museum in Girvan. The museum features exhibits related to Land Transport, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Fine Art, Maritime and Archives. 61Brechin 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. 62Anatomical 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 63Clan Gunn Heritage Centre and Museum
LatheronClan Gunn Heritage Centre and Museum is a museum in Latheron. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Fine Art, Weapons and War, Archives and Costume and Textiles. 64Clan 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. 65Campbeltown Museum
CampbeltownCampbeltown Museum is a museum in Campbeltown. The museum features exhibits related to Maritime, Social History, Fine Art, Archaeology, Science and Technology and Coins and Medals. 66Museum of the Cumbraes
MillportMuseum of the Cumbraes is a museum in Isle of Cumbrae. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Fine Art, Social History, Natural Sciences, World Cultures, Archives, Costume and Textiles, Archaeology, Weapons and War and Decorative and Applied Art. 67Ceumannan – Staffin Ecomuseum
ElishaderCeumannan – Staffin Ecomuseum is a museum in Isle of Skye. The museum features exhibits related to: agriculture, social history and archaeology. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: palaeontology and dinosaurs, social and cultural history, prehistory and archaeology and geology. 68Bayanne House
YellBayanne House is a museum in Yell. The museum features exhibits related to Decorative and Applied Art, Archaeology and Social History. 69Fetlar Interpretive Centre
FetlarFetlar Interpretive Centre is a museum in Fetlar. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Medicine, Personalities, Maritime, Music, Archaeology and Social History. 70Greenhill Covenanter's House
BiggarGreenhill Covenanter's House is a museum in Biggar. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, decorative and applied art and social history.- 71
Dalbeattie Museum
DalbeattieDalbeattie Museum is a museum in Dalbeattie. The museum features exhibits related to Natural Sciences, Archives, Weapons and War, Medicine, Land Transport, Social History, Costume and Textiles and Fine Art. - 72
Coldstream Museum
ColdstreamColdstream Museum is a museum in Coldstream. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Archaeology, Weapons and War, Archives and Fine Art. - 73
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 - 74
Coastal Communities Museum
North BerwickCoastal Communities Museum is a museum in North Berwick. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, medicine, coins and medals, natural sciences, personalities, maritime, social history, costume and textiles, decorative and applied art, weapons and war, archives and fine art. - 75
Annan Museum
AnnanAnnan Museum is a museum in Annan. The museum features exhibits related to: world cultures, science and technology, archaeology, social history, fine art, archives and decorative and applied art. - 76
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. - 77
Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre
PortreeSkye and Lochalsh Archive Centre is a museum in Portree. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Archives and Social History. - 78
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 - 79
Raasay Heritage Trust Museum
Kyle of LochalshRaasay Heritage Trust Museum is a museum in Isle of Raasay. The museum features exhibits related to: social history and archaeology. - 80
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. - 81
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 - 82
Cumbernauld Museum
GlasgowKelvin Hall, located in Glasgow, Scotland, is a venue that serves multiple purposes, including arts and sports. It was initially opened as an exhibition center in 1927. This historic building has seen various uses over the years, including a variety theatre, sports pavilion, and even a barrage balloon factory. - 83
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. - 84
Caithness Broch Centre
WickCaithness Broch Centre is a museum in Wick. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Archaeology and Personalities. - 85
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 - 86
Bernera Museum
BreascleteBernera Museum is a museum in Bernera. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Maritime and Archives. - 87
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 - 88
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