Inverness Museum
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to visit. You will get an overview of the geological, historical and cultural life of Inverness and the Highlands of Scotland. If you are staying in Inverness for a few days, you might want to visit it more than once. It’s centrally located, easy to find and free to enter.
About the Museum and Gallery
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (IMAG) sits at the foot of Inverness Castle (Bridge Street side). The museum gives an overview of the area’s history and culture. The Art Gallery has an innovative programme of exhibitions.
The museum moves through the centuries beginning with the geology of the Highlands. Exhibits include a fossilised tree trunk, examples of arrow-heads, Bronze Age pots, and a collection of Pictish stones.
Moving into the medieval period, there is a collection of local finds hidden in drawers that will inspire metal detector enthusiasts. There is an explanation of the clan system and also an opportunity to learn some Gaelic phrases. The word Slainte (good health) is a must for your Highland tour!
Pause at the museum café then spend some time upstairs. There is an important collection of Jacobite relics including a snuffbox with a concealed portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie, a plaid of his hair and a copy of his death mask. This area sets the scene for a visit to Culloden Moor.
Music, especially the fiddle, still plays an important part in Highland life. There’s also a small but fascinating area relating to myth and legend.
The art gallery is a small area within the museum on the 1st floor. It usually hosts different exhibitions throughout the year, rather than displaying a permanent collection.
If you are staying in the city for a couple of days it is worth a couple of visits and it is free. There are free activity books for children available at the reception.
There are toilets on the ground floor which are more pleasant than the nearby public conveniences. There is a small café serving coffee and snacks and a small shop area selling a limited but good quality range of products.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Wynd IV2 3EB. T: +44 (0) 1463 237114.
What do the reviews say about Inverness Museum?
Inverness is a worthwhile destination for those interested in the history and culture of the Scottish Highlands. Visitors frequently describe the museum as well-curated and note the interesting and varied exhibits on display. Many reviewers mention that the museum offers a comprehensive look at the region’s past.
A significant positive point for many visitors is that entry to the museum is free, which is often mentioned as excellent value. The staff are often praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Additionally, the presence of a pleasant cafe within the museum is a plus point.
In essence, feedback suggests that the Inverness Museum provides an engaging and informative experience, appreciated for its content, accessibility, and welcoming atmosphere.