Located on Castle Wynd in the heart of Inverness, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery offers you a captivating journey through the history and heritage of the Highlands of Scotland. You can visit this welcoming site with no entry charge to explore a vast range of local story-driven collections. On the ground floor, your self-guided tour begins with fascinating displays dedicated to Scottish geology, regional natural history, and ancient Highland archaeology, featuring authentic Pictish stones.
As you venture up to the first floor, you will discover the more recent history of the Highlands. Here, you can admire fine Jacobite memorabilia, exquisite Inverness silver, historic bagpipes, and traditional Highland weapons. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the collection of Highland landscapes created by notable Scottish artists such as Alexander Nasmyth, John Quinton Pringle, and Tom Scott.
Do not miss the famous historic Stuart portraits, including a portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart attributed to Pompeo Batoni. You will even find a unique taxidermy display of a puma captured in Inverness-shire during the 1980s. With changing temporary exhibition galleries and an on-site café to enjoy, this destination provides a comprehensive look into the rich cultural identity of the Highland capital.
What to see at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
- Ground floor displays of Scottish geology, natural history, and Pictish stones
- First floor Jacobite memorabilia, Inverness silver, weapons, and bagpipes
- Historic Stuart portraits including Prince Charles Edward Stuart attributed to Pompeo Batoni
- Highland landscape artwork by Scottish painters Alexander Nasmyth, John Quinton Pringle, and Tom Scott
- The preserved puma captured in Inverness-shire in 1980
Visiting tips
Take advantage of the free entry to explore both floors of local history exhibits, then stop by the on-site café to unwind.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is easy to reach on Inverness’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Inverness Castle and Eden Court Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Inverness travel guide.
See the full Inverness travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.