Oban War and Peace Museum

About the museum

The museum grew out of 'Oban at War', an exhibition staged in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The strong public response and donations of material led to a permanent museum, which was first housed in the Old Waiting Room on North Pier. Since 2006 it has occupied the ground floor of the former Oban Times building on Corran Esplanade.

The museum is independent and run mainly by volunteers. It is a Scottish charity and relies on donations and gift shop sales. Admission is free.

The displays cover Oban in peace and war. During the Second World War the bay was a base for RAF flying boats, and aircrew from Australia, Canada and the United States passed through the town. Other topics include fishing, shipping and the ferry hub, the railway, road transport, sport, the building of McCaig's Tower, the terminus of the first transatlantic telephone cable in 1956, and the Cruachan hydro scheme. A model of a Short Sunderland flying boat and an audiovisual presentation on the history of the town are among the exhibits.

Highlights

• Oban at war: flying boat base and wartime aircrew
• Large radio-controlled model of a Short Sunderland flying boat
• Fishing, ferry, railway and road-transport history
• McCaig's Tower and the first transatlantic telephone cable terminus
• Quiz for young visitors

Permanent exhibition

• Oban in war and peace – Artefacts and photographs on the wartime role of Oban and its flying boat base, together with fishing, maritime, railway, road-transport and sporting history of the town.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Oban War and Peace Museum (Scottish charity SC029804)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Donations are welcome to help with running costs.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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 is on one level and suitable for wheelchair users. There is a toilet for visitors with disabilities (for their use only). There are no public toilets on site; the nearest are on North Pier.

Kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

A quiz is available for young visitors.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the Esplanade beside the Regent Hotel and next to North Pier.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

There is no refreshment facility on site; cafés and restaurants are around North Pier and in the town. A gift shop supports the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit