Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

When you visit Inverness, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do. Most Inverness attractions are within easy walking distance of Kingsmills Hotel, making the whole city yours to explore. One of the most interesting attractions is the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. This is a family-friendly venue and offers an insight into the history of Inverness and the people who lived in the Highlands.

Museum collections and exhibitions

The museum hosts many collections that are fascinating glimpses into the Highlands’ past. For example, the geology of the region is explored as well as the people who used to live here thousands of years ago. See evidence of Pictish culture. Delve into the Jacobite era and the stories of Bonnie Prince Charlie. There’s also talks and dynamic exhibitions to engage everyone on your way round.

There is always something new to see in the gallery too. Exhibitions change throughout the year, making every visit slightly different. The gallery area features work by local, national and international artists and craft makers. This means you can get a taste of what local art looks like, as well as its context in the wider world. Previous exhibitions have included displays on printworks, ceramics and the stories of Highland fashion throughout the ages. 

The Highland Photographic Archive

The museum is also home to the Highland Photographic Archive. This is a precious collection of photographs and negatives which date back to the 1800s. It includes the Joseph Cook collection which dates from 1880 to early 1900s, the David Whyte collection from 1880s to 1970s and the Jimmy Nairn collection from the 1950s.

The archive holds over 100,000 negatives and prints, each a slice of life of everyday Highlanders of the past. It is important to request an appointment to visit the archive before you go, so do get in touch with the museum first. 

Taking the family

Inverness’ first museum opened in 1826 and the current extensively refurbished building started welcoming visitors in 2007. There’s a lovely tearoom to enjoy so that you can take a moment to relax and have a drink before heading on to the next museum section. 

Admission to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is free, though do take note of opening times. It is always closed on Sundays and Mondays, and opening hours vary depending on the season. It is absolutely worth a visit when you stay here at Kingsmills Hotel to find out more about Inverness’s history.