Perth Museum Top Five Things to Discover

Perth Museum, the gateway to Scotland’s national story.

Perth Museum, located in the heart of Perth, Scotland, is a vibrant cultural destination that brings the region’s rich history and heritage to life.

Offering an engaging experience for visitors of all ages through rotating exhibitions, educational programmes, and family-friendly events, the museum connects the local with the global, offering insights into how Perthshire helped shape Scotland’s story.

Combining interactive exhibits with nationally significant collections, it showcases stories that span millennia, from the ancient Picts and medieval royalty to Perth’s role in Scotland’s political and cultural evolution. Most notably of these is the iconic Stone of Destiny, a powerful symbol of Scotland’s monarchy and identity.

The museum acts as both a community hub and an attraction of national importance and such has been the impact of Perth Museum in its first year, that it has been announced as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the world’s largest museum prize.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious traveller, or a local resident, Perth Museum invites you to explore the past, reflect on the present, and imagine the future in a truly inspiring setting. 

The museum is open 7 days a week.

perthmuseum.co.uk

Top Five Things to Discover at Perth Museum

1. The Stone of Destiny

At the heart of Perth Museum is the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, one of Scotland and the UK’s most significant objects. The Stone is used in the crownings of all Scottish and British monarchs, including most recently King Charles III in 2023.  The Stone was returned to Perth for the first time in over 700 years in 2024.

2. Kahu Kākāpō

The kākāpō cloak in Perth Museum, estimated to be around 200 years old, is the only known full kākāpō feather cloak in existence. Kākāpō are flightless parrots who nest on the ground in New Zealand and are a critically endangered species; in June 2020 there were only 210 left. The kākāpō cloak was painstakingly restored as part of a wider collaborative display of Māori taonga (treasures) between partners in Aotearoa New Zealand and Perth Museum.

3. Georgina Ballantine’s Giant Salmon

The Museum is home to the heaviest British rod-caught salmon. Caught in 1922 by Georgina Ballantine, it is a record that is likely never to be beaten. Miss Ballantine, a former World War One nurse, was fishing with her father as she reeled in the fish, which weighed 64lbs. The salmon was taken to P.D. Malloch’s who created the cast on display in the museum, and the fish was then gifted to Perth Royal Infirmary to be eaten by staff and patients.

4. The Carpow Logboat 

Excavated from the River Tay in 2006, the Carpow Logboat is over 3,000 years old and one of the oldest surviving boats in Scotland. The boat is the largest object on display at Perth Museum and could have been used for a range of purposes, from a cargo craft, fishing vessel, or maybe it was even used as a ferry for up to 14 people

5. The Jacobite Sword

On display in the vennel of Perth Museum is a sword from the Jacobite era which may have belonged to Bonnie Price Charlie. The solid-silver hilted broadsword was made by Perth craftsman James Brown, and it was believed to have been given to him in 1739 by James Drummond, the 3rd Duke of Perth. The sword would have been an important symbol of Charles Edward Stuart’s claim to the Scottish throne whilst the Jacobite court was in exile in Rome in 1739.

Macbeth : An Exhibition

Until 31st August, 2025

From Birnam Wood to Dunsinane Hill, the story of Macbeth is woven into the landscape of Perthshire. Perth Museum's latest exhibition explores the iconic Shakespearean play that has captivated audiences for centuries, alongside the story of the real King Macbeth who reigned in Scotland 900 years ago.

The exhibition will take visitors on a sumptuous, immersive journey through historical record and theatrical fantasy, getting up close and personal with treasures such as Shakespeare’s First Folio, where the tragedy of Macbeth was first printed, a medieval sword from the era of the real King Macbeth which has never been on public view, as well as costumes and objects from theatrical and film productions around the world.

What better place to explore Macbeth than at Perth Museum, surrounded by the landscapes and places that inspired this iconic Scottish story?

Children under 16s and Culture Perth & Kinross Supporters go free.

Tickets are available to book now online via Perthshire Box Office.

What do visitors say?

Commenting on the announcement for the Shortlist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, local people offered their congratualtions. 

• Margaret Scott, "Very well deserved award . Really enjoyed the Stone of Scone experience."
• Maureen Carnie, "I've been 3 times and found it very interesting."
• Nicholas Ward, "Great news, and a great museum!" 
• Linda Coupar, "Congratulation! Our museum is a wonderful asset to Perth."

Scott Edwards, owner of Parklands Boutique Hotel with Dining commented, “Feedback from our guests is that Perth Museum has been a great addition to Perth, enhancing the city's offer and complementing existing attractions such Black Watch Museum and Scone Palace. Guests arrive having booked to visit and comments are always extremely positive with people genuinely enjoying their experience."  

Viscount William Stormont of Scone Palace commented, "Our congratulations to the team at Perth Museum on their shortlisted place in such a prestigious award. We are huge fans of the Museum and its compelling narrative around Scotland's history, particularly the Stone of Destiny and its return to Perth. 

"I would urge all visitors to Perth to include a trip to Perth Museum and Scone Palace in their itinerary. There really is nowhere else you can find this unique pairing of historically significant attractions."