All religion museums to visit in Scotland

Explore the diverse world of religious beliefs and practices at 36 religion museums in Scotland. These museums offer insights into various faiths and their cultural significance.

Are you interested in the history and impact of religion? These are the top religion museums in Scotland:

  1. National Museum of Scotland1

    National Museum of Scotland

     Edinburgh
    The 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.
  2. Edinburgh Castle2

    Edinburgh Castle

     Edinburgh
    This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial aft
  3. The Palace of Holyroodhouse3

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse

     Edinburgh
    The 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.
  4. St Andrews Cathedral And St Rule's Tower4

    St Andrews Cathedral And St Rule's Tower

     Saint Andrews
    St Andrews Cathedral has a rich history that dates back to the year 742. It was during this time that the relics of the apostle Saint Andrew, who is now the patron saint of Scotland, arrived in the area. This event marked the beginning of the cathedral's existence and its significance in Scottish history.
  5. Melrose Abbey5

    Melrose Abbey

     Melrose
    Melrose 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.
  6. Shetland Museum6

    Shetland Museum

     Lerwick
    Shetland 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
  7. Dunkeld Cathedral Chapter House Museum7

    Dunkeld Cathedral Chapter House Museum

     Dunkeld
    Dunkeld Cathedral is a significant place of worship for the Church of Scotland. It is situated on the north bank of the River Tay in the town of Dunkeld, within the region of Perth and Kinross in Scotland. This location offers visitors a chance to experience a piece of Scotland's religious history while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.
  8. Traquair House8

    Traquair House

     Innerleithen
    Traquair House, also referred to as Traquair Castle, is a historic Scottish manor situated in the scenic Tweed Valley. It is located approximately one kilometer south of the town of Innerleithen. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the beautiful Scottish countryside while also immersing themselves in the rich history of the manor.
  9. Museum of Edinburgh9

    Museum of Edinburgh

     Edinburgh
    The Museum of Edinburgh, previously known as Huntly House and the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, is situated at 142-146 Canongate. This location is in the heart of Edinburgh, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The museum is housed in a unique yellow, three-story building that dates back to the late 16th century.
  10. Provand's Lordship10

    Provand's Lordship

     Glasgow
    Provand’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.
  11. Dryburgh Abbey11

    Dryburgh Abbey

     Saint Boswells
    Dryburgh Abbey is a museum in near St Boswells. The museum features exhibits related to: architecture and religion.
  12. 12

    Holyrood Abbey

     Edinburgh
    Holyrood Abbey is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, architecture and social history.
  13. Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura13

    Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura

     Dumfries
    Dumfries 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
  14. St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art14

    St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

     Glasgow
    As the oldest surviving residential building in Glasgow, Provand’s Lordship now serves as a museum. It houses a collection of 17th-century furniture and royal portraits, providing a unique insight into the city's history. The museum is open to the public and admission is free, making it an accessible destination for all visitors.
  15. Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum15

    Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

     Stirling
    Stirling 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
  16. Tolbooth Museum16

    Tolbooth Museum

     Stonehaven
    Visit 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
  17. David Livingstone Birthplace17

    David Livingstone Birthplace

     Blantyre
    The 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.
  18. Dunblane Museum18

    Dunblane Museum

     Dunblane
    Dunblane 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
  19. Elgin Museum19

    Elgin Museum

     Elgin
    Elgin 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
  20. Savings Banks Museum20

    Savings Banks Museum

     Ruthwell
    Savings 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.
  21. Bute Museum21

    Bute Museum

     Rothesay
    Bute 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
  22. Montrose Museum and Art Gallery22

    Montrose Museum and Art Gallery

     Montrose
    Montrose 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
  23. Blairs Museum23

    Blairs Museum

     Aberdeen
    The Blairs Museum, located within the premises of the former Blairs College, showcases exhibits from the church's inventory. One of the notable exhibits includes a posthumous painting of the Scottish Queen Mary Stuart, which was hidden in a fireplace during the revolution and thus escaped destruction. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and heritage of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland.
  24. Glenesk Folk Museum24

    Glenesk Folk Museum

     Glenesk
    Glenesk 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
  25. Kinneil Museum25

    Kinneil Museum

     Bo'ness
    Kinneil House is a historic mansion situated on the western edge of the Scottish town of Bo’ness, within the Council Area of Falkirk. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a significant part of Scotland's rich history, while also enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.
  26. Mallaig Heritage Centre26

    Mallaig Heritage Centre

     Mallaig
    Mallaig 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.
  27. St Vigeans Sculptured Stones27

    St Vigeans Sculptured Stones

     Saint Vigeans
    The 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.
  28. Unst Heritage Centre28

    Unst Heritage Centre

     Haroldswick
    Unst 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.
  29. 29

    Historylinks Museum

     Dornoch
    Historylinks Museum is a museum in Dornoch. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, land transport, archives, decorative and applied art, sport, social history, religion and costume and textiles. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: original royal dornoch golf clu
  30. 30

    John Gray Centre

     Haddington
    John 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
  31. 31

    Tain and District Museum

     Tain
    The 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.
  32. 32

    Auld Kirk Museum

     Kirkintilloch
    Auld 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.
  33. 33

    Glasgow Women's Library

     Glasgow
    Glasgow Women's Library is a museum in Glasgow. The museum features exhibits related to: music, performing arts, architecture, film and media, literature, social history, religion, world cultures, archives, costume and textiles, law and order, design and photography.
  34. 34

    Shotts Heritage Centre

     Stepps
    The displays in the Shotts Heritage Centre include the area's covenanting history, as well as the era of the industrial revolution and the rise and fall of local heavy industries such as mining, the railways and iron production. A rare surviving 19th Century lamp post from the Shotts Ironworks has b
  35. 35

    Brander Museum

     Huntly
    Brander 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
  36. 36

    Creetown Heritage Museum

     Newton Stewart
    Creetown Heritage Museum is a museum in Newton Stewart. The museum features exhibits related to: film and media, social history, music and religion. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: replica 'wicker man' in the museum celebrates the involvement of creetown in the making of that