The St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum

Overview

As a fisher home, Nos 12-16 North Street were once inhabited by up to 20 people at any one time. During the 1930s, this building and the adjacent building were sympathetically restored by local architect, James H. Scott, and converted into a single family home. Purchased in the 1960s by the Preservation Trust, the building was separated, one half becoming the Trust Museum.

The Museum contains a wealth of fascinating information and objects pertaining to the history of St Andrews and its people. The ground floor is home to permanent displays featuring old St Andrews shops and businesses including grocers, Aikman & Terras, Keith's the Chemist and Duncan's the Dentist. Outside visitors can enjoy a glimpse into the past courtesy of Great Granny's Wash House and a recently restored outside privy. Relax in the award winning gardens in secluded and peaceful surroundings.

The Museum collections include fine art, costume, furniture and many other objects with local connections. There is also an important collection of some 10 000 photographs, postcards, slides and glass negatives. These can be viewed by arrangement with the curator and copies can be requested. The Museum mounts several exhibitions each year so there is always something new to see and enjoy. Recent exhibitions include the history of the ancient harbour and the local fishing community, the Victorians, the 1950s and the development of St Andrews from settlement to city.

The museum is open daily from 2pm-5pm during exhibitions and by appointment with the Curator at other times. For further information please contact the Curator

Admission to exhibitions is free although donations are welcome. We are a small, independent museum and receive no funding from the local authority. A free guide leaflet is available in English, French, German and Spanish.

The Museum is a listed building and while every effort has been made to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, the Museum is currently not wheelchair accessible. However, after descending two steps, the permanent exhibition area and the gardens are all on one level.

There are two cafes close to the Museum, and there are public toilets five minutes walk away in Church Square. There are no parking facilities, toilets or cafes offered at the Museum itself.