Opened in 1874, at the bequest of artist Thomas Stuart Smith. This purpose built Victorian museum and art gallery houses over 40,000 objects and artworks which celebrate the people, heritage and culture, which makde Stirling the heart of Scotland.
Galleries 1 & 2: are home to our temporary exhibitions. These include the annual Summer exhibition from the Smith’s own collections.
Gallery 3: The Stirling Story
- Start your Journey with pre-historic whale bones, bronze- age cists and Roman pottery.
- Learn about William Wallace, King Robert the Bruce and the Wars of Independence
- Discover how Scottish democracy was founded in the streets of Stirling
- Find the world’s oldest football – did it really belong to Mary Queen of Scots?
- Pick a Trade, learn about the 7 Incorporated Trades, the Polmaise Miners and the 1984/85 strike
- What did a WWII prisoner of war Nissan hut look like inside?
- Drop by the Hayes Music, shop front, do you recognise any of the records?
All the family can dress up in costume as they explore the galleries.
Colouring and brass rubbing stations for the children.
Events: The Smith runs a wide and varied event programme from children's events to talks and lectures which accompany the exhibitions on show.
Ailie’s Garden: The Building is sited within a 2 acre biodiversity garden which is perfect for picnics and to let the children burn off all their energy while trying to master some of the outdoor musical instruments.
The garden is also home to outdoor exhibits such as the Gilbert and Sullivan Gate
The Gallery Café: Serves light lunches and refreshments in the bright and airy Gallery 1. Booking is not required.
Transport
The Castleview Park and Ride stops directly outside the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum on Dumbarton Road.
From the town centre: We are 200 yards past the Albert Hall on Dumbarton Road.
From outside Stirling: At Junction 10 on the M9, follow the signs to Stirling Town Centre. Turn right past two schools, along Raploch Road. Turn left into Dumbarton Road at the roundabout; the Smith is the second building on the left.
