Meffan Museum and Art Gallery

About the museum

The Meffan opened in 1898 in the centre of Forfar. It was paid for by Miss Jane Meffan in memory of her father William, a former provost of the town.

The museum tells the story of Forfar and the surrounding area of Angus. A reconstruction of the Vennel, a narrow cobbled street, shows the sweet shop, the knockmaker's workshop and the workshops of a weaver, a shoemaker and a baker, where the famous Forfar bridies are made. Other displays cover the Forfar witch trials of the seventeenth century, locally found archaeology including the Goosecroft log boat, and a collection of Pictish sculptured stones that includes the Dunnichen Stone and the Kirriemuir Sculptured Stones.

After a renovation, the museum's art gallery spaces now show a programme of changing exhibitions by local, national and international artists. The year ends with the popular Meffan Winter Show. The museum is run by the Angus culture and leisure charity ANGUSalive, and admission is free.

Highlights

• Pictish sculptured stones including the Dunnichen Stone
• Reconstructed Vennel street with historic workshops
• Forfar witch trials exhibition
• Goosecroft log boat and local archaeology
• Changing art exhibitions and the Meffan Winter Show
• Museum gift shop

Permanent exhibitions

• The Vennel – A reconstruction of a narrow cobbled Forfar street with a sweet shop, a knockmaker's workshop and trade workshops, including a baker's making Forfar bridies.
• Pictish stones and local archaeology – Pictish sculptured stones, the Goosecroft log boat and other archaeological finds from the Forfar area, alongside displays on the Forfar witch trials.

Founded

1898

Operated by

ANGUSalive

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Some activities are charged by the hour (£7.00, or £5.00 concession) and workshops cost £10.00 per hour.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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 describes its access as full, with a lift to the upper galleries. Accessible toilets and changing facilities are provided and assisted hearing is available. Dogs are welcome if they are well behaved and on a short lead.

Kids & families

• Kids’ birthday parties

Birthday parties can be booked at the museum.

Getting there & parking

The museum stands in Forfar town centre, close to the Cross and the Town and County Hall. Bike racks are available at the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is listed among the museum's facilities. The gift shop sells locally inspired items, books, jewellery and artists' prints, and takes card payments only.

Events & venue rental

Museum venue hire is offered through ANGUSalive.

Plan your visit