The Best Museums and Art Galleries to Visit in Inverness, Scotland
No matter what your interests: whether you are fascinated by archaeology and prehistory, find the natural world enthralling, or can’t get enough of art, Inverness caters for all these and more. Here are 10 museums and galleries to visit, with something for everyone.
1. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Art Gallery, Building, Museum, Park, Theater
Certainly the best place to start, this building is situated in the heart of the city, just below the castle. It contains many different treasures, with displays of local history, archaeology, natural history, geology and more. There is Highland silver and gold, important artworks, rare Pictish carved stones, and even a stuffed puma named Felicity, captured locally and then kept in a wildlife park. Admission is free and the museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday every week, with different opening hours depending on the season.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Wynd, Inverness, +44 1463 237114
2. The Highlanders’ Museum
Museum
3. Groam House Museum
Museum
5. Hugh Miller’s Cottage
Church, Museum
On the same street as the Courthouse Museum, this National Trust for Scotland property was the birthplace and home of the 19th century polymath, Hugh Miller. There is a museum in the larger Georgian house next door, with Miller’s actual house being displayed as it would have been when he lived there, with many of the items being those he owned. The garden and courtyard outside are a quiet and relaxing place to pause.
Hugh Miller’s Cottage, Church Street, Cromarty, +44 1381 600245
6. Highland Museum of Childhood
Museum, Spa
Housed in a restored old railway station in the small spa village of Strathpeffer, the Highland Museum of Childhood is brimming with memories and toys from years gone by. The visitor can learn about what life was like for children growing up in the Highlands, what their schooling consisted of, and the games they would play. This museum is definitely for children of all ages — whether you are 9 or 90!
Highland Museum of Childhood, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire, +44 1997 421031
7. Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
This award-winning exhibition in Drumnadrochit tells the tale of the most famous Loch in the world — from the geology that created it through to the history of the area and, of course, the monster Nessie. Constantly innovative, the Centre has been running for more than 30 years, but has kept at the cutting edge of display techniques and technology. With interest in the Loch and Nessie only growing, it is likely it will run for at least another 30 years or more.
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, +44 1456 450573
8. Kilmorack Gallery
Church, Theater
Just 13 miles west of Inverness, the Kilmorack Gallery is housed in a beautiful 18th-century church and wonderful rural surroundings. Featuring work from a wide variety of artists working in Scotland and exhibitions that are regularly updated, this commercial gallery always feels fresh and welcoming. It has a reputation for showcasing the best new work with flair — and it can surprise visitors to the area to learn such a place exists this far north, in a supposedly ‘remote’ corner of the country.
Kilmorack Gallery, Beauly, Inverness, (Look for the large lizard sculpture!) +44 1463 783 230
9. Inchmore Gallery
Church
Also housed in a wonderful old church a few miles west of Inverness, this gallery features diverse work in many different styles, from paintings and ceramics to jewellery and basket-weaving. As well as the art, the gallery also regularly runs workshops and opportunities to meet the artists and discuss their work.
Inchmore Gallery, Inchmore, Inverness, +44 7777 652953
10. Castle Gallery
Theater
Sitting just beside Inverness Castle, this gallery features two floors of art to view and buy. With exhibitions regularly changing — there are four solo exhibitions and three mixed, every year — the gallery is definitely worth a visit. All the staff members are artists themselves, and are always willing to discuss the art and techniques behind it.
Castle Gallery, Castle Street, Inverness, +44 1463 729512
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