Founded in 1871, Paisley Museum is an excellent example of a Victorian Civic Encyclopaedic Museum, similar to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

The museum is in possession of 350,000 objects, comprising of 57 collections.

Paisley is, of course, famous for the world-renowned Paisley Pattern and the museum’s Paisley Shawl Collection is a Recognised Collection of National Significance to Scotland.

The Paisley Museum collection also contains a wealth of interesting artefacts, including The Arbuthnott Missal, a rare medieval manuscript and one of only a few that survived the Reformation in Scotland; reminders of Paisley’s industrial past and natural heritage; and not forgetting the much loved ‘Buddy’ the lion!

Paisley Museum Reimagined

This exciting and transformational project aims to develop a world-class visitor destination showcasing Paisley’s internationally-significant collections and telling the inspirational stories of Paisley Pattern and the town’s heritage and people.

This £42m project is the flagship project in the cultural regeneration of the town.

The Paisley Museum Reimagined website has more on the fascinating history of this iconic building and its exciting future.