Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is a free museum and art gallery at the foot of Castle Hill, in the heart of Inverness. Its collections trace Highland history from geology and wildlife to archaeology and more recent social history, alongside a year-round programme of art exhibitions and events.
- Location: Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EB.
- Opening pattern: Open Tuesday to Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday
- Admission: free, with donations encouraged.
Finding the museum in central Inverness
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (IMAG) is on Castle Wynd, at the foot of Castle Hill in the historic city centre. The entrance is close to Inverness Castle and the Inverness Town House. From Glen Mhor Hotel at Uile-bheist 'Brewstillery', it’s about an eight-minute walk; a room for your Inverness visit gives you a city base.
If you’re arriving by train, High Life Highland gives a walking route from Inverness Railway Station via Station Square, Inglis Street, High Street and Castle Wynd.
The museum doesn’t provide left luggage, but a left-luggage service is available at the station. Nearby bus stops include Castle Steps and Castle Street; check the official site before you go for current route details.
Local history and collections
IMAG’s collections connect the region’s natural history with its archaeology and social history. You can find geological and natural-history material, fossils, regional wildlife, archaeological objects and Pictish stones, as well as Jacobite memorabilia, Inverness silverware, Highland weapons and bagpipes.
The first Inverness museum opened in 1826, and the current museum was founded on its present site in 1880. Extensive refurbishment in 2006 brought new displays and visitor facilities. The museum is managed by High Life Highland on behalf of The Highland Council.
Art displays and exhibitions
The art galleries present temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, featuring local, national and international artists and craft makers. The galleries and contemporary craft showcase are on the first floor, offering a different focus from the museum’s historical collections.
Exhibition subjects change, so check the museum’s official listings when planning around a particular show. The recurring programme means there are exhibitions and events across the year.
Opening times, admission and access
From April to October, it has summer hours, with a different winter schedule. High Life Highland advises checking its official site before you go, as hours can change.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12:00–16:00
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00–16:00
- Monday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
There is no admission charge, and donations are encouraged. UK visitors can use Gift Aid forms to increase a donation by 25%. The coffee shop opens 15 minutes after the museum and closes 30 minutes before it; it serves drinks and light snacks, and there is also a gift shop.
The three-floor museum has a passenger lift serving exhibition and gallery spaces, the gift shop and café. Public areas are wheelchair accessible.
Published features include accessible toilets, accessible parking, a drop-off point, a ramp to the main entrance and lift access. Assistance dogs are welcome, but family pets are not admitted. Group and school visits should be arranged through the museum.
Pairing the visit with nearby sights
The museum’s central location makes it easy to combine its collections with a look at the nearby Inverness Castle and Town House. For more on the castle, read this guide to visiting Inverness Castle.
Plan the museum visit around its seasonal opening pattern, then leave time to walk through the surrounding city-centre streets. If you’re travelling by train, the route from the station follows Station Square, Inglis Street, High Street and Castle Wynd.
Ness Walk is a riverside route through Inverness, another way to see the city on foot.
FAQs
Is Inverness Museum and Art Gallery free?
Yes. Admission is free, and the museum encourages donations. UK visitors can use Gift Aid forms to increase a donation by 25%.
When is the museum open?
Open Tuesday to Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. It has summer hours from April to October and a different winter schedule. Check High Life Highland’s official site before you go.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
High Life Highland lists the public areas as wheelchair accessible. Access features include a ramp to the main entrance, a passenger lift, accessible toilets, accessible parking and a drop-off point.
Can you leave luggage at the museum?
No, the museum does not provide left luggage. A left-luggage service is available at Inverness Railway Station.