McLean Museum and Art Gallery

About the museum

The McLean Museum grew from the collection of curiosities built up by the Greenock Philosophical Society, which opened a museum in 1816 as a branch of the society. In 1863 work began on a new lecture hall and museum building, paid for by the local timber merchant James McLean. The building was complete by 3 November 1876, although McLean was too ill to attend the opening, and its first curator was the Glasgow geologist and naturalist Thomas Struthers.

The collections cover Egyptology, with objects given through the Egypt Exploration Society, archaeology, maritime transport, social history and the history of Inverclyde, as well as British and Scottish art. They include a large group of items linked to the Greenock-born inventor James Watt, such as plans, letters, tools and portraits.

Between 2016 and 2019 the museum, art gallery, hall and library on Kelly Street were refurbished at a cost of about £2 million and renamed together as the Watt Institution. Since October 2025 the building has been closed while a lift was installed to give access to the upper floor, and it has reopened in stages, with parts of the museum space planned to welcome visitors again from 10 October 2026; it is not confirmed whether this has happened.

Highlights

• Items linked to the inventor James Watt
• Egyptology collection including a mummy cartonnage
• History of Inverclyde and its shipping
• British and Scottish art
• Free entry
• Watt Hall and James Watt Library in the same building

Founded

1876

Operated by

Inverclyde Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

The museum collection is spread over two levels, and until now there has been no step-free route to the upper floor. A new glass lift is being installed in the main museum space, and at the time of research it was not yet fully in operation.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The main entrance is on Kelly Street, at the corner with Union Street.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

A small shop sells books, cards, toys, replicas and craft items.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.