Banff Museum
Free local museum in the Banff Library building: Banffshire life since the Celtic period and the Banff silver collection; founded in 1828.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Banff Museum was founded in 1828 as the museum of the Banff Institution and is described as the oldest museum in Scotland north of Perth. When the Institution was dissolved in 1875, its collections passed to Banff Town Council and later to Aberdeenshire Council.
The present building, which also houses Banff Library, was completed in 1902. After a major refurbishment a lift now gives access to the museum on the first floor.
The displays show objects from the Celtic period to the present day and illustrate life in Banffshire and the history of Banff and Macduff. A particular strength is the Banff silver collection, much of which is on show and reflects the town’s silversmithing tradition; it includes a silver bullet teapot possibly made by George Leith around 1700.
Today the museum is run by the Banff Preservation and Heritage Society in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council Museums Service.
Highlights
- Oldest museum in Scotland north of Perth (founded 1828)
- Banff silver collection
- Silver bullet teapot
- Objects from the Celtic period to the present
- Costume displays
Permanent exhibition
- Banff silver collection and local history – Banff silver, including a silver bullet teapot, plus objects showing life in Banffshire from the Celtic period to today.
- Founded
- 1828
- Operated by
- Banff Preservation and Heritage Society with Aberdeenshire Council Museums Service
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Disabled access is stated. A lift gives access to the museum on the first floor for visitors who find stairs difficult.
Kids & families
The museum lists child-friendly facilities.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Public transport is available nearby.
By car
Parking available · 60 m to the entrance
St Mary’s Car Park, about 60 m from the museum.
The museum is on High Street in the same building as Banff Library.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Toilets are listed. The museum shares its building with Banff Library.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours are listed by the museum. It can open by special arrangement; contact the Banff Preservation and Heritage Society. |
