Kilmartin Museum

About the museum

Kilmartin House Trust was founded in the early 1990s to celebrate the archaeology of Kilmartin Glen, one of the richest prehistoric landscapes in Scotland. The museum, first called the Kilmartin House Centre for Archaeology and Landscape Interpretation, opened to the public in 1997 after years of largely voluntary work. It stands in Kilmartin village at the northern end of the glen.

The Marion Campbell Library, which opened in the early 2000s, holds the archaeology collection of a local amateur archaeologist who carried out the first systematic field survey of Mid Argyll and left her artefacts, books and archives to the museum.

The museum closed in 2020 for a major redevelopment of its galleries and facilities, which also created space for an education service and purpose-built storage. It reopened in September 2023 with a larger exhibition, audio-visual displays and room for temporary exhibitions, and the café was renovated and reopened in 2024.

The collection holds about 22,000 artefacts. In 2019 just over half of them, the Prehistoric Collection, were recognised as a Nationally Significant Collection. Highlights include some of the earliest Beaker pots in Scotland, quartz hammerstones that changed ideas about Neolithic rock art, and the remains of a Bronze Age woman shown with a reconstruction of her likely appearance.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition covering 12,000 years of history in Kilmartin Glen
• Prehistoric collection recognised as nationally significant
• Some of the earliest Beaker pottery found in Scotland
• Remains of a Bronze Age woman with a facial reconstruction
• Loans of Bronze Age jewellery, medieval crosses and regalia of the kings of Dunadd
• Relaxed sessions and sensory backpacks for neurodivergent visitors

Permanent exhibition

• Permanent exhibition – A journey through 12,000 years of history in Kilmartin Glen, with artefacts shown close to where they were found, including early Beaker pottery and Bronze Age metalwork.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Kilmartin Museum (independent Scottish charity)

Admission & discounts

The prices shown are the standard prices without a donation. Tickets with a suggested donation cost £17.60 (adult), £15.40 (concession), £6.60 (child) and £37.40 (family). A ticket is valid for 12 months of unlimited visits. ASVA, Art Pass and Museums Association passes are accepted with the card. Visitors who arrive by bicycle, on foot or by public transport receive a special ticket price.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties and has lift access and accessible toilets. Three accessible parking bays are close to the entrance. Only assistance dogs are allowed inside. Relaxed sessions, sensory backpacks with ear defenders and a visual story are available, and quiet spaces are provided during relaxed sessions.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

A family ticket is available. Seasonal family events and a gallery trail are offered, and relaxed sessions suit children and families, especially neurodivergent visitors. Sensory backpacks can be borrowed during relaxed sessions.

Getting there & parking

The museum is 8 miles north of Lochgilphead and 30 miles south of Oban. Sustrans cycle route 78 passes close by and there are 6 secure bike racks. There is no electric vehicle charging on site; the nearest chargers are in Lochgilphead.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Glen Bistro Café is run by an independent trader, so opening hours should be checked on its own Facebook page or by phone (01546 607533). The shop sells locally sourced gifts, books and toys. There is a covered outdoor picnic area, and a baby change room.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit