Montrose Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1841 |
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| Location | Panmure Place, Montrose, Angus, DD10 8HE |
The Montrose Museum first opened its doors in 1842 in Montrose, Angus, Scotland. It was created because a group called the Montrose Natural History and Antiquarian Society wanted a special place to keep all their amazing collections. These collections included everything from rocks and ancient tools to beautiful artworks and items from nature. The museum was officially recognized by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council in 2009, showing it meets high standards.
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Exploring the Montrose Museum Building
The museum's collection was first kept in a local school starting in 1837. But by 1842, it moved into its very own building. This was one of the first museums in Scotland to be built just for that purpose! The building is made of pretty pink sandstone and looks like an old Greek or Roman temple, with tall columns at the front. Inside, you'll find the exhibits spread out in a large, open area. The museum has been updated over the years to make sure everyone can enjoy visiting.
What Can You Discover in the Collections?
The Montrose Museum is packed with fascinating items that tell stories from long ago and far away.
Ancient History and Pictish Stones
You can see ancient objects found by archaeologists, like tools and pottery from the Neolithic (New Stone Age) and the Bronze Age. There are also special stones from the Picts, who were an ancient people living in Scotland. One famous stone is the Inchbrayock Stone, which is also Pictish and dates back to around 850-950 AD.
Egyptian Treasures
Did you know Montrose Museum has items from ancient Egypt? They have 38 relics and objects that came all the way from Thebes, an important city in ancient Egypt. It's like a mini-trip to Egypt right in Scotland!
Montrose Town History
The museum also explores the history of Montrose itself. You can learn about important local events and people. One key figure featured is James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, and his role in Scottish history.
Art Gallery and Local Artists
The museum has an art gallery right next door. It often shows artwork by talented artists from the local area. Some of these artists include William Lamb, Edward Baird, and many others. You might even see paintings by members of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour.
Maritime and Natural Wonders
Upstairs, you can learn about the history of whaling and sailing along Scotland's east coast. There are also impressive model boats. If you like animals, you'll see interesting examples of local wildlife that have been preserved through taxidermy. There's also a small display of geology, with a collection of beautiful semi-precious agate stones.
Community and Activities at the Museum
The Montrose Museum is a lively place for the community. They often have fun activities especially for children. They also host talks in the afternoons and special events in the evenings. The art gallery frequently displays work created by local community groups. Sometimes, musical groups like the Amici Wind Quintet from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama even perform there!
