Guide to Museums in:


Aberdeen

Dundee

Edinburgh

Glasgow

SCOTLAND

ABERDEEN MUSEUMS

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a maritime museum in Aberdeen. The museum is situated on the historic Shiprow in the heart of the city, near the harbour. The museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the North Sea. Collections cover shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history, and displays on the North Sea oil industry. It also commands a spectacular viewpoint over the busy harbour. Collection highlights include ship plans and photographs from the major shipbuilders of Aberdeen including Hall, Russell & Company Ltd, Alexander Hall and Sons, Duthie and John Lewis & Co. Ltd and Walter Hood & Co. Displays include ship and oil rig models, paintings, clipper ship and "North Boats" material, fishing, whalers and commercial trawlers, North Sea oil industry, and the marine environment.

For more information please contact Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY, Tel: +44 (0) 1224 337700, E-mail: info@aagm.co.uk

Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Photograph © Richard Slessor

Sir George Skene, or Provost Skene, was Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Scotland in the 17th century. Today he is most famous and widely known not for his time as Lord Provost, but for his house which is a major tourist attraction in Aberdeen. There are rooms in the design of the 17th century when it was owned by Provost Skene, including a Regency nursery and an Edwardian parlour. There are unique collections of religious paintings, coins and local history. A Costume Gallery is home to period fashions and accessories. In an attic gallery a renaissance painted ceiling, including strapwork decoration and religious scenes was commissioned by a member of the Lumsden family. There is also a cafe on the ground floor. Admission to the museum is free.

For more information regarding Dundee Contemporary Arts please contact Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DY, Tel: +44 (0)1382 909 900, E-mail: dca@dca.org.uk

Provost Skene's House
Photograph © Colin Smith

Satrosphere Science Centre is a science museum in Aberdeen. It contains exhibits aimed mainly at younger children. It attracts primary school groups around the year and its exhibits are 'hands on' so that everything can be played with and examined. The centre is a registered non-profit organization that is funded by the public and donations from local corporate sponsors. Birthday parties and other events for children may be held here by prior arrangement. It is located on Constitution Street and previously was based on Justice Mill Lane.

For more information and enquiries please contact Satrosphere Science Centre, The Tramsheds, 179 Constitution Street, Aberdeen, AB24 5TU, Tel: +44 (0)1224 640340, E-mail: info@satrosphere.net

The Tolbooth in Aberdeen is a 17th century former jail which is now operated as a museum. It was built between 1616 and 1629 and is attached to Aberdeen Sheriff Court on the city centre's Union Street. The museum contains exhibits of prison cells and various police and law and order related items. Its most famous prisoner was the 17th century 'Fittie Witch' Janet Walker. It also housed over 50 Jacobite prisoners after the Battle of Culloden. Displays include the Maiden and the blade of Aberdeen's 17th century guillotine. To arrange access for school or community groups please call Chris Croly on 01224 523653.

For more information and enquiries please contact The Tolbooth Museum, Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1EX, Tel: +44 (0) 1224 621167, E-mail: info@aagm.co.uk

The Tolbooth
Photograph © Colin Smith

Aberdeen Arts Centre is a theatre on King Street in Aberdeen. The 350 seater auditorium regularly plays host to music and drama events and is the focus for much of Aberdeen's amateur dramatic activities. The theatre is on two levels, with an upper and a lower gallery for audiences as well as a small orchestra pit. The building also houses an exhibition area which hosts local and visiting art shows. 2007 has seen the start of an artist in residence programme at the arts centre. The first artist was Will Teather.

For more information and enquiries please contact The Tolbooth Museum, Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1EX, Tel: +44 (0) 1224 621167, E-mail: info@aagm.co.uk

Aberdeen Arts Centre
Photograph © Colin Smith