Montrose Museum
A free neo-classical museum founded in 1842 in Montrose, with galleries on local, natural and maritime history and a gallery for changing art exhibitions.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Montrose Museum was founded in 1842 by the Montrose Natural History and Antiquarian Society and is one of the first purpose-built museums in Scotland. Its neo-classical building was designed to look like a temple of learning, inspired by Greek temples, with Ionic columns on either side of the doorway and the word MUSEUM in gold leaf above the entrance.
Inside, a spacious atrium, a mezzanine and three large galleries present the story of Montrose and its people. The displays run from the earliest archaeological finds through the Marquis of Montrose and the Jacobite risings to the harbour and the town's maritime trade. The three main galleries are devoted to local history, natural history and maritime history.
A separate art gallery inside the museum shows changing exhibitions of work from the community and from the paintings and sculpture collections of Angus Council. The museum also runs afternoon talks, children's activities and occasional evening events. Today it is run by ANGUSalive, the charitable trust responsible for culture and leisure services in Angus, and has a gift shop that sells local crafts, books and prints.
Highlights
- Neo-classical building from 1842 with Ionic columns
- Galleries on local history, natural history and maritime history
- Displays on the Marquis of Montrose and the Jacobite risings
- Art gallery with changing exhibitions
- Gift shop with local crafts and prints
Permanent exhibition
- Local, natural and maritime history galleries – Three large galleries on the history of Montrose, from archaeological finds, the Marquis of Montrose and the Jacobites to the harbour, with natural history and maritime collections.
- Founded
- 1842
- Operated by
- ANGUSalive
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free. The museum accepts card payments only.
Accessibility
- Partially 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
There is a ramp at the front entrance and a lift to the first floor mezzanine. The Natural History Gallery can only be reached by a staircase, and a large print visual guide to this gallery is available. Accessible toilets and assisted hearing are listed among the facilities. There is a disabled parking space outside the museum on Museum Street. Dogs are welcome on a short lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
The museum runs children's activities and offers birthday parties.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Montrose High Street bus stops · 5-min walk
The museum is a 10-minute walk from Montrose railway station. Most local bus services stop on the High Street, a 5-minute walk away.
By car
Paid parking
Off-street parking in Angus Council car parks (charges apply); the nearest is on Baltic Street. Cars and coaches can also park in nearby streets.
- Accessible parking
The museum is in the Mid Links behind the High Street, diagonally opposite Montrose Academy. There is no bike rack at the museum.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Wi-Fi
The museum lists Wi-Fi among its facilities. The gift shop takes card payments only. Public toilets are available in the museum.
Events & venue rental
Venue hire for ANGUSalive buildings is arranged through the ANGUSalive website.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum offers afternoon talks, children's activities and occasional evening events. School visits can be booked through ANGUSalive. |
