Stirling Museums and Art Galleries

(Stirling, Scotland, UK)

There's an unmistakable artsy vibe in Stirling. A dozen or more art galleries showcase the canon of local Scottish artists that call Stirling and the surrounding region their home. A few venues, such as the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, even combine living artists' works with those of Scotland's past. The Tourist Information Centre offers useful information about where to go to see and buy original art work.

There are also a few museums and similar offerings in the city that exhibit the history and culture of Stirling, such as the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum. And with free admission, there is no good reason not to visit at least one or two.

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum

Address: Old King's Building, Stirling Castle, Castle Esplanade, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 475 165
One of Scotland's most legendary fighting regiments is honoured at this interesting military museum, located in the King's Old Building of Stirling Castle. Since 1794, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders have been in the thick of every major battle involving Scotland. The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum has eight rooms that exhibit the memorabilia and treasures of the regiment, giving a personal insight into the lives of the ordinary soldiers of this group. Look out for the extremely ornate daggers used by the Highlanders, known as 'dirks'.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 09:30 to 17:30; October to March - 10:00 to 16:15
Admission: free

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

Address: Dumbarton Road, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 471 917
This comprehensive facility is part cultural museum, part art gallery, and is certainly the best place to start your explorations of the city's past, with its interesting Story of Stirling display. Here you can see the world's oldest football and local lucky charms among the plethora of relics. The heart of the gallery is the collection of paintings depicting the founder, Thomas Smith. Rotating art exhibits complement what is on offer in the permanent gallery.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:30 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Pathfoot Concourse Gallery

Address: Pathfoot Building, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 466 050
The University of Stirling has been actively collecting art works since opening in the 1960s and this impressive gallery is the fruit of its labour. More than 300 paintings, tapestries and sculptures complement a range of other unique pieces of art. Everything is housed in a bright modern facility that looks out over the outdoor sculpture garden. If you are a serious art fan, then you should definitely give the Pathfoot Concourse Gallery a look. Its unusual long opening hours mean that you can visit in the evening, when many of the city's other attractions have long closed for the day.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 22:00
Admission: free

The Changing Room

Address: Tolbooth, Stirling, Scotland, UK
Tel: +44 01786 274 000
Stirling's only dedicated modern art gallery, 'The Changing Room' is the place to go to see what's happening in the local art scene. This gallery presents the best up-and-coming Scottish artists from around the region, with a special focus on the city's very own talented individuals. There's always something new at The Changing Room, including special events and openings.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free