Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery

About the museum

The Smith opened in 1874 as the Smith Institute, a gift to Stirling made possible by a bequest from the painter Thomas Stuart Smith (1815–1869). The Burgh of Stirling provided the land, and the institution still operates as a partnership between public and private bodies. It is also a registered Scottish charity.

Today it acts as a gallery, museum and cultural centre for the Stirling area. Its collection of more than 60,000 artworks and objects spans over 10,000 years of the history of Stirling and its surroundings, from archaeology and local industry to paintings of Stirlingshire. Well-known pieces include an early football and a curling stone, both dated to the sixteenth century, the Polmaise Colliery banner and a collection of pottery from outside Europe.

The building also offers space for contemporary artists, a lecture theatre used by more than twenty community groups, a small café and Ailie's Garden, a biodiversity garden opened in 2002 behind the museum.

Highlights

• One of the oldest known footballs, dated 1540–1570
• A curling stone dated 1511
• Polmaise Colliery banner of 1984
• Paintings and objects from Stirling and Stirlingshire
• Ailie's Garden, a wildlife garden behind the museum

Permanent exhibition

• The Smith collections – Objects and artworks from Stirling and Stirlingshire, covering more than 10,000 years of local history.

Founded

1874

Operated by

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum (Scottish charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• 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 museum lists wheelchair access, an accessible toilet and seating throughout among its facilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The museum runs free family activity programmes in the summer and October school holidays. Baby changing facilities are available.

Getting there & parking

The museum is a short walk from the city centre. A bike rack is available and Nextbike rentals operate in Stirling.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Wi-Fi

The Smith Cafe is a small, locally owned café serving food, drinks and cakes, including vegetarian and vegan options. Wi-Fi is listed among the visitor facilities. A bike rack is available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Rooms for hire include the Lecture Theatre, Gallery 2, the Library and the Cabin and Garden; enquiries by phone or e-mail.