History and art are abundant on the banks of the River Tay, where Perth once stood as Scotland’s capital city. In addition to historic monuments like Elcho Castle and Scone Palace, Perth is home to the Perth Museum and Art Gallery—an institute dedicated to influential modern Scottish artists. Drop by, and you’ll find a unique Antiquarian society and a fantastic gallery filled with evocative exhibitions.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Perth Art Gallery and Museum and which attractions to look forward to.
Important Details to Know
Don’t visit the Perth Museum and Art Gallery unprepared. Make sure you know these critical details before you visit.
Accessibility
The Perth Museum & Art Gallery have several accessibility options for disabled visitors, including:
- There are handrails, ramps, and wheelchair lifts available for disabled visitors who want to explore the beautiful art gallery exhibitions.
- Baby changing facilities for both male and female toilets are available for use.
- If you need a wheelchair for your visit, there is a free-use wheelchair available.
- Hearing systems for those who are hard of hearing are available for anyone who wants assistance hearing the Perth Gallery exhibits.
Opening Times
The Perth Art Gallery is open between Thursday to Monday between 10:00 and 17:00. The gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Ticket Prices
The Perth Art Gallery is free to visit! You don’t have to pay a pound to enter and enjoy the exhibitions. Donations are welcome to ensure the continued maintenance of this gallery.
How to Get There
The Perth Art Gallery is in the heart of Perth, Scotland—one of Scotland’s seven major cities. The city is between Edinburgh and Dundee and can be reached via the A90 or M90. Here are the most direct routes from Dundee:
Car
By car, the Perth Art Gallery is only a 35-minute from Dundee. From Dundee, take the A93 and Liff Road to Kingsway W/A90. Travel along the A90 for 25 minutes and then transfer to the A989. From there, drive onto George Street.
Train
A Scotrail directly from Dundee can have you in Perth in 25 minutes. The train leaves from Platform 1N on Glasgow Queen Street. From Perth’s station, the art gallery is only an 18-minute walk.
Perth Museum and Art Gallery Attractions
This gallery offers family activities, unique modern collections, and events from prestigious local artists. Here are the top Perth Museum and Art Gallery attractions you should watch for during your visit.
Explore Perth Art Gallery’s Collections
Come and see one of the UK’s oldest collections at the Perth Art Gallery, with Scottish art created by influential modern Scottish artists like Sir William MacTaggart, Joan Eardley, and Alison Watt. There are statues, portraits, and literary works (from its origins as a museum for the Literary and Antiquarian Society of Perth).
Permanent Display
The Perth Museum and Art Gallery is primarily a modern art museum showcasing several influential Modern Scottish artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. The Marshall Monument is one of the first exhibits you see. It was designed by the esteemed David Morison and sculpted by John Cochrane and Brothers.
There are also permanent displays for families and children, perfect for anyone bringing their families along with them.
The JD Fergusson and Margaret Morris Collection
Considered one of the most important collections is the JD Fergusson and Margaret Morris Collection, which has recently moved to the Perth Art Gallery. The collection was previously held at The Fergusson Gallery, but their new display offers a larger space that opens this historic collection to all visitors.
See the Museum Collections at Perth Art Gallery
Paired with the gorgeous gallery exhibitions, the Perth Art Gallery also has an entire collection by the Culture Perth & Kinross. The collections encompass over half a million items from archaeological artefacts, local history items, and specimens from natural history.
If you want to dive into the history of Scotland while admiring artworks, then explore the museum collection as well.
Go on a Gallery Tour
Hit the highlights of the Perth Museum and Art Gallery every Saturday and Sunday at the gallery’s Highlights Tour. This tour requires a donation for entry and offers valuable insight into the many paintings and sculptures at the art gallery. You’ll learn about the history of each piece, how they were made, and the hidden details you may have yet to notice if going through the gallery by yourself.
Attend Perth Art Gallery Events and Classes
Throughout the year, the Perth Art Gallery holds several events and classes for budding artists to learn from. Come and learn about the secrets of creative writing, how to draw people and objects, and how to illustrate certain parts of the Scottish landscape (such as a class about seascapes).
These events and classes vary in cost, so look for more details on the Perth Art Gallery website. Booking will be essential.
Grab a Souvenir at the Perth Art Gallery Shop
Did you see a painting that particularly took your fancy? Why not stop by the Perth Art Gallery shop and pick up a souvenir to take home with you? Here, you can purchase prints of many art pieces on display, Scottish artworks from local talent, and a few unique items. Your purchase will help support the museum and maintain its fantastic artwork.
Fuel up at the Perth Art Gallery Cafe
Once you’ve checked out the features & works at the Perth Art Gallery, why not pop by the cafe and coffee bar to fuel up before your next stop? There’s a selection of hot drinks, water, and delicious sandwiches and soups for you to try.
More Scottish Galleries to Visit
- Aberdeen Art Gallery
- An Lanntair Arts Centre
- Compass Gallery
- Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries
- The Fruitmarket Gallery
- Gallery of Modern Art
- Hunterian Art Gallery
- Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
- Jupiter Artland
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Kirkcudbright Gallery
- McManus Art Gallery
- National Galleries Scotland: Modern
- National Galleries Scotland: National
- National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
- Perth Museum & Art Gallery
- Pier Arts Centre
- Royal Scottish Academy
- Stills Gallery
- Talbot Rice Gallery
- The Burrell Collection
- The Modern Institute
