Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is the city museum and gallery on Castle Wynd in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. It sits right beside Inverness Castle and admission is free. The collection and facilities are run by High Life Highland on behalf of Highland Council. It makes a fine first stop if you want to understand the story of northern Scotland before heading into the glens or out to Loch Ness.

What can I see in the museum?

The displays cover the region across several floors. The ground floor is devoted to geology, natural history and archaeology. A highlight is the group of Pictish symbol stones, carved by the people who lived in northern Scotland in the early Middle Ages. Upstairs you will find the Jacobite collection, which includes the death mask of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The museum also holds objects of everyday and craft life: Inverness silverware, Caithness glass, traditional Highland weaponry and bagpipes. Together they show both the big events of history and the material culture of the people who lived here.

Is it also an art gallery?

Yes. The gallery side hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary art and crafts, along with works by Scottish landscape painters. Names such as Alexander Nasmyth and J. M. W. Turner appear in the collection. Exhibitions rotate, so check the current programme before you visit.

How did the museum begin?

Its roots go back to 1825, when it formed part of the Northern Institution for the Promotion of Science and Literature. The first building on Castle Wynd was completed in 1881 and demolished in 1963 during redevelopment of the area. The present building followed those changes.

Planning your visit

• Address: Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EB.
• Admission: free.
• Accessibility: a lift serves all exhibition spaces and the public areas are wheelchair accessible.
• Time needed: allow about one to two hours for an unhurried look at the collections.
• Opening hours: these change with the season, so check the operator's website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No, admission is free.

Where exactly is it? On Castle Wynd in central Inverness, next to the castle.

What should history lovers look for? The Pictish stones and the Jacobite collection, including Bonnie Prince Charlie's death mask.

Is it accessible for visitors with limited mobility? Yes, there is a lift and the public areas are wheelchair accessible.

Will the museum move? Highland authorities have considered new locations for the museum, so check current information before travelling.