Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

Established in the 19th century and known then as The Smith Institute, the museum was a venue displaying mainly contemporary art. Today it is a cultural centre and repository for the historical artefacts and paintings of Stirlingshire in Scotland.

Fine art collection

The museum was founded in 1874 with the bequest and collection of Thomas Stuart Smith, an accomplished artist and an avid collector. The gallery displays items from the collection, including portraits, watercolours, oil paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings. Discover works by renowned international and local artists, including Anne Redpath, William Gillies and William MacTaggart. Look our for a changing programme of temporary exhibitions on a range of subjects and media, together with lunchtime talks and other events

The Stirling Story

Follow a chronological path through rich history of Stirling and the surrounding region through exhibits that showcase local artefacts, documents, and photographs. Learn about William Wallace, King Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence.

Ailie's Garden

Behind the museum building lies a tranquil biodiversity garden, developed to encourage wildlife, where you will find a Xylophone and a mosaic ‘pond’ and path. The museum sometimes holds educational and cultural events in the garden.

Did you know…?

The museum is home to the world’s oldest football. Found behind panelling installed in the roof of the Queen’s Chamber in the 1540s, the leather ball could have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots, who was a keen sportswoman.