Paisley Museum

The construction of Paisley Museum has been completed, with an extensive fit-out period and object install programme now underway. This is expected to be completed by late 2026, with the official date for the public reopening to be confirmed in due course.  

The re-development of Paisley Museum is a radical project, with diverse and talented partners brought together to create a space that reflects, celebrates and serves the community of Renfrewshire.  

The construction phase of the redevelopment is now complete, with Kier Construction bringing to life an ambitious and striking design by world-renowned A_LA (Amanda Levete Architects). 

Experts in exhibition fit-out, The Hub Build, will lead the next phase of the project. During this period, they will prepare and install around 100 different types of displays, created by award-winning exhibition designers OPERA Amsterdam. The Museum team will then lead the meticulous install process for over 1,250 objects in the final phase of the project.  

The first major refurbishment in its 150-year history, the Museum campus has undergone a modern, radical transformation to create a space fitting to hold the rich and bold stories of Paisley’s past, whilst acting as a hub for its community today.

A dramatic red-glass entrance and panoramic extension front the Museum transformation, allowing step-free access right from the High Street. 

The A-listed main building and Coats Observatory (the oldest public observatory in Scotland) have been brought up to and past modern standards undergoing significant external and internal repairs. This has resulted in refreshed, modern galleries on every floor, with double the amount of space available to showcase hundreds of displays, many of which have been produced in partnership with local people and groups from across the world. 

A new outdoor garden and public space have also been created, revealing previously hidden views of the Observatory, and creating a more cohesive campus and visitor experience.

Dedicated learning spaces and a Heritage Archive Centre are also in the works as part of the fit-out process, as is a new café and shop. 

Yes, Coats Observatory is a key part of the Museum campus and will be easily accessible via the new building extension and outdoor space.  

Alongside significant renovation to the nearby buildings (including Transit House, Observatory House and the other former Philosophical Society buildings that back onto Oakshaw Street), Scotland’s oldest public observatory has been brought back to life with new interactive exhibits and displays. On a clear night, lucky visitors may also have the opportunity to gaze at the stars through newly-restored the sky hatch and revolving roof of the telescope dome.

The museum will be free.

It will be a space created for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to explore the collections, use it as a spot to enjoy your own packed lunch, grab food and drink from the café, or simply need to pop in to use the facilities, everyone will be welcome.

Like many other town centre museums, located on the High Street, there is no dedicated, on-site car park. However, there are several available facilities nearby including Paisley Centre Car Park on Storie Street and various council car parks. Find out more about parking facilities near the museum here.

Coach parking will be available nearby, with drop-off zones located outside the Museum.

There will also be on-street blue badge disabled parking spaces at the Museum’s High Street entrance (opposite the University of the West of Scotland campus).

Yes, there will be accessible toilets on every level of the Museum.

The new design features completely private, individual cubicles, each with floor-to-ceiling partitions and doors, with washbasins, mirrors and hand dryers inside each.

There will be baby-changing and accessible provisions available in non-gendered cubicles, to cater for parents of all genders, as well as disabled visitors attending with a carer of another gender. 

There will also be a Changing Places Toilet available for those with more significant needs.

From nights at the Observatory to guided tours, our team are developing a range of bookable experiences which will be ideal for visitors who wish to plan ahead (or travelling from further afield). Once live, these experiences will be available to book on our website.

If you just fancy popping in to explore our displays, reflect in our quiet spaces, or wander our gardens with a coffee from the café, there will be no need to book in advance.

Of course! With colourful and interactive story displays designed to spark their imaginations, and plenty of parent-friendly amenities including picnic spots, baby-feeding room and changing spaces, children will be welcome to explore and experience the museum (no inside voices required!). 

From our multifunction Prayer Room and Quiet Room to other calm spots carved out within the Museum’s campus, there will be several spaces across the Museum which offer a quieter, more contemplative experience.

A full list of these spaces, and where you'll be able to find them when we open, is outlined below:

• Time Out Space (Level 1)
• East Garden (Level 2)
• The multifunction Prayer Room and Quiet Room (Level 2)

We also continue to work closely with our local communities to consult specific groups to understand their needs when visiting a museum.

Visitors will be able to enjoy several new outdoor spaces as part of the Museum’s redevelopment. This includes the public courtyard with seating at the entrance, and the public area to the front of the Museum, the terraced landscaped gardens to the west and rear of the campus, and the new pathway connecting the Museum to the Observatory. 

Perfect for a sunny day or just a view through the floor-to-ceiling windows, to accompany lunch in the café during the winter months.

Yes, the new red glass entrance offers step-free access right from Paisley’s High Street, while our spacious lifts ensure easy access to every level of the Museum.

There will also be accessible provisions available in non-gendered toilet cubicles as well as a Changing Places Toilet.

You’ll find us here:

High St, Paisley, PA1 2BA
View on Google maps here.

Located on Paisley’s High Street, the Museum is easily accessible on-foot if you’re in town or via public transport.

McGill’s Bus Services has routes that will stop outside or close to the museum.

The Museum is also a short walk from Paisley Gilmour Street Train Station.

Alongside some exciting new spaces, including a shop, a café, and a redeveloped Heritage Archive Centre, the Museum will offer a dynamic, engaging schools programme and a varied and vibrant calendar of public events and activities.

More information on these programmes will be announced on our website ahead of our opening in late 2026.

Absolutely! The familiar stories of Paisley’s legendary people, places and objects will return to the spotlight, retold and free to explore like never before.

Over 1,250 objects will be on display in the new Paisley Museum.

But there are thousands more that make up our collection. These can be found in the Museum’s store, and a vital part of the wider Renfrewshire Museum’s Service, The Secret Collection.

Some lucky visitors will have the unique opportunity to book a peak behind-the-scenes, on guided tours of the collection, or to secure tickets to specially-curated workshops and events.

More information on bookable experiences in The Secret Collection will be announced on our website ahead of our opening in late 2026.

We wanted to have the opportunity to have as much of our vast collection on display, and available to our visitors, as possible. So, we will not have any temporary or touring exhibitions at the Museum.

This approach also allows us to prioritise collaboration with our local and international partners, which continues to be an integral part of our work at Paisley Museum.

We have been privileged to work together with hundreds of community members, groups and other partners to co-create displays, programmes, and events in the Museum. 

All displays which will be featured in the new Paisley Museum when it reopens have now been confirmed. Due to the complex development process, we’re unfortunately unable to produce new stories and displays at this stage.

We remain committed to continue working closely with community groups and schools to shape and evolve our varied and engaging programme of events and activities.  

Ahead of our opening, we’re prioritising working with and for certain audiences with particular needs and/or those who may face certain barriers engaging with the Museum to ensure they are supported through our activities and programmes.

If you would like to find out more about this work or express interest in getting involved, please email our Public Programme Manager, Neil Bristow: neil.bristow@renfrewshire.gov.uk

All displays for the new Paisley Museum have now been confirmed. Due to the complex process, which includes research, conservation and design, we’re unfortunately unable to accept any additional objects for display at this time.

For all PR & media enquiries, please email the team at paisleymuseum@renfrewshire.gov.uk