Museum of Abernethy
A volunteer-run museum in an 18th-century former stable in Abernethy, covering the Round Tower, Pictish history and village life.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum of Abernethy is housed in a building from the 1700s that stands on land once owned by the ancient Culdee monastery of Abernethy. It was formerly used as stables and a cattle byre and was converted for museum use in the 1990s, keeping features such as old internal stone walls and part of the cobbled floor. The museum opened in 2000 and became a four-star VisitScotland attraction in 2001.
It is an independent museum run by volunteers, who collect local objects and oral histories and are building a photographic archive. Three permanent displays cover the Abernethy Round Tower, the village's role as a capital of the Pictish kings, and the Roman presence at nearby Carpow. Temporary exhibitions change every year, and a rear courtyard shows farming heritage and salmon fishing on the River Tay. The museum is also one of the places where visitors can borrow the key to the Round Tower.
Highlights
- Displays on the Abernethy Round Tower
- Abernethy as a capital of the Pictish kings
- The Roman presence at Carpow
- Courtyard displays on farming and Tay salmon fishing
- Local objects, oral histories and photographs
Permanent exhibitions
- Abernethy Round Tower – A permanent display on the medieval round tower beside the village, one of the few that survive in Scotland.
- Abernethy and the Pictish kings – A permanent display on the village's role as a centre of power of the Pictish kings.
- The Romans at Carpow – A permanent display on the Roman presence at nearby Carpow.
- Founded
- 2000
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is listed as free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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 ground floor is accessible, but access is limited: the upper mezzanine level is reached by an old stairwell. There is an accessible toilet and a standard toilet.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking is available near the museum.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum has a shop beside the reception.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The key to the Abernethy Round Tower can be borrowed at the museum. Volunteer-led walking tours of the village centre are offered on selected days such as Doors Open Days and need booking. |
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