Provost Skene's House
Provost Skene's House
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Visit Aberdeen’s newest attraction Provost Skene’s House is open to visitors following a major refurbishment. The new attraction celebrates the pioneering people of Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland who have not only shaped the city, but have also helped transform the world.
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See what travellers are saying
- Rachel N1 contributionGreat Place to Visit with Snippets of SecretsFriendly and knowledgeable staff. Very educational on Aberdeen's history and Karen provided a tour filled with secrets of the Skene's house one would not have known about by just walking through the place. Its amazing how the house has survived through centuries and conserved so well!Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten November 12, 2023
- louhud2023Aberdeen, United Kingdom2 contributionsAmazing hidden gem @ Provost Skene’s HouseAbsolutely fantastic hidden gem in the heart of Aberdeen City. Free admission, theres lots to see and interact with and is steeped in local history. Would also like to mention Karen, (one of the tour guides) was just an absolute pleasure to speak to! Extremely knowledgeable and passionate about her work at Provost Skene’s House and was happy to share her insights with us. 100% would recommend!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten December 5, 2023
- DockFatherFelixstowe, United Kingdom4 contributionsProvost Skene and Karen!Lovely old house in the centre of Aberdeen,the oldest in the city.Fascinating exhibition on the famous and important residents of the city throughout the house culminating in the painted ceiling of the top floor,hidden for 300 years but the highlight was guide and historian Karen who brought the place to life with her passion and enthusiasm! Pity you had to close! Anyway,a must see if you're in this beautiful city!Thank you for a great review, we hope you'll visit Provost Skene's House again soon.Written February 14, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten February 12, 2024
- Kirsty W2 contributionsA must visitWhat an amazing site in Aberdeen. I have lived here my entire life and I have never visited. Karen was absolutely amazing - she took time out her day to show us around and told us the rich history of not only the house but Aberdeen itself too. She was truly amazing and the house itself is a must see in Aberdeen. Will be back with other family members and taking part in other tours as recommended by Karen. Truly an amazing piece of history and architecture. Highly recommend. Ps. Possibly hauntedThank you for your great review. Our staff love to engage with visitors and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.Written March 4, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten February 28, 2024
- GaryHMFCAberdeenshire, United Kingdom1,300 contributionsInteresting place to visit.I came here on Saturday. The staff were really helpful and I had a good visit. Overall, I would recommend this place to visitors to Aberdeen, but I have the followings suggestions for those in charge: 1. Would it be possible to freshen up the exhibits? They seemed to be the same as when I came here last year? For example, one month you could have a feature showcasing Denis Law, the next month you could showcase Thomas Blake Glover (just for example). 2. It would be great if you could reinstate the shop and possibly a wee café? I remember this place before it was a museum and it was a really popular place for people to meet... if the Aberdeen City Council workers went back to work then I am sure a small café could be profitable here again.Thank you for your review and your suggestions for improvement, We value feedback from our visitors and your comments will be shared with our management team.Written April 1, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten March 19, 2024
- Mia KosseryGlasgow, United Kingdom9 contributionsMy new favourite museumIt’s a beautiful old museum, free to all & celebrates the success achievements of the Scottish people across science, medicine, technology, art, literature & politics. The staff are so friendly & amazing I can’t recommend this place enough. Karen you may have changed my life ♥️Thank you for your great review. We're delighted that Provost Skene's House is your new favourite museum.Written September 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten September 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
165 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
43
Average
12
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Mrsbon
8 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
It is commendable that after such a long time of closure this wee museum has opened again. It is great to see how many locals are celebrated, and that the entrance is free. However, I was taken aback by the amount of interactive and digital displays in every single room. I am sure this will be a lovely entertainment for younger children, however my teenage daughter was a bit puzzled and kept asking me if there is anything original or actually 'old' to see in this museum. Some of the technology had failed already after a short time of opening (matching of Egyptian animals, medicine bottle matching, and very little ink in Doric stamps), so hopefully the maintenance will keep on top of this. All in all a nice try, but it completely escapes me why a historic building was stripped of all its previous assets (furniture, exhibition of town excavation). An interactive museum like this could have been installed in any modern building or hall. The original features of the building are sadly completely lost.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We'll take this on board as we continuously work to improve visitor experience.
Written June 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GaryHMFC
Aberdeenshire, UK1,300 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
I came here on Saturday. The staff were really helpful and I had a good visit. Overall, I would recommend this place to visitors to Aberdeen, but I have the followings suggestions for those in charge:
1. Would it be possible to freshen up the exhibits? They seemed to be the same as when I came here last year? For example, one month you could have a feature showcasing Denis Law, the next month you could showcase Thomas Blake Glover (just for example).
2. It would be great if you could reinstate the shop and possibly a wee café? I remember this place before it was a museum and it was a really popular place for people to meet... if the Aberdeen City Council workers went back to work then I am sure a small café could be profitable here again.
1. Would it be possible to freshen up the exhibits? They seemed to be the same as when I came here last year? For example, one month you could have a feature showcasing Denis Law, the next month you could showcase Thomas Blake Glover (just for example).
2. It would be great if you could reinstate the shop and possibly a wee café? I remember this place before it was a museum and it was a really popular place for people to meet... if the Aberdeen City Council workers went back to work then I am sure a small café could be profitable here again.
Written March 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and your suggestions for improvement, We value feedback from our visitors and your comments will be shared with our management team.
Written April 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alan m
Aberdeen, UK203 contributions
Apr 2022
Considering that this is the oldest building in Aberdeen the experience was very much up to date with all the technology and interactive exhibits. We visited with our 8 year old grandson and there was enough to keep him, and us, fully occupied and informed during the hour or so that we were there. We could have stayed longer and will revisit to learn even more. The staff were most helpful and informative. There is a lot for younger kids to get involved in.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. It's great to hear that you and your grandkids enjoyed your visit. We look forward to seeing you again in the future!
Written April 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Izabela R
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Solo
I visited Provost Skeene House recently. The exhibition itself is so so, many letter and other mistakes in descriptions, although it is still worthy to visit it, but there is something special there. PAINTED GALLERY. Magnificent, chapel-like painted room, looking a bit like a Polish wooden church. Fascinating paintings, describing Christ's life history (and the owner's life experience).
Paintings are in their original place, nicely preserved. Priest's hole. I am very greatful to Karen, a great guide, who told me a lot about those paintings and their history. Great knowledge and enthusiasm! Absolutely great stuff. Thanks a lot, best regards for all staff members
Paintings are in their original place, nicely preserved. Priest's hole. I am very greatful to Karen, a great guide, who told me a lot about those paintings and their history. Great knowledge and enthusiasm! Absolutely great stuff. Thanks a lot, best regards for all staff members
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We'll pass this feedback to Karen and our Museum Assistants- it's great to hear!
Written June 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GaryHMFC
Aberdeenshire, UK1,300 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
I came here Sunday 14th November. The refurbishment looks first class. The exhibits are interesting and well presented. I feel it would benefit from a wee cafe, but there is a couple of eateries nearby so it’s not a showstopper. The staff were helpful and polite. I felt like it was maybe lacking something and it’s quite small inside, but still worth visiting to see the impact people from the North East of Scotland have had on the world.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback and we are glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written November 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jim D
Stonehaven, UK701 contributions
Dec 2021
I visited this attraction while waiting to meet friends for lunch. I was very impressed by the exhibits and history of this lovely city but felt there were many other characters they could have used to embellish it. It is a wee gem and worth a visit. We will come back to complete our education on Aberdeen's history.
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We hope to see you again soon!
Written December 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bustanol
Aberdeen, UK17 contributions
Mar 2022
Provost Skene's House is a great addition to the cultural activities within the city. The theme of the exhibits is to highlight people who have excelled in their respective fields and who were born, lived, or worked in the city.
The Painted Gallery has been left free of exhibits which really allows the visitor to appreciate the beauty of the work.
The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable; they are keen to talk not only about the people whose contributions are being highlighted but also about the house and the context of the house in the city through its history.
I am unsure if there are any formal guided tours of the building. If not introducing tours would be an excellent opportunity for people to learn a bit more about the heroes and about the history of the building and its residents in the history of the city.
The Painted Gallery has been left free of exhibits which really allows the visitor to appreciate the beauty of the work.
The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable; they are keen to talk not only about the people whose contributions are being highlighted but also about the house and the context of the house in the city through its history.
I am unsure if there are any formal guided tours of the building. If not introducing tours would be an excellent opportunity for people to learn a bit more about the heroes and about the history of the building and its residents in the history of the city.
Written March 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and it's great to hear how good a job our staff are doing!
Written March 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hailey
Inverness, UK12 contributions
Mar 2023
One of the coolest (if not THE coolest) museums I've ever been to! A great place to take kids. The museum is very interactive, with games, activities, and things to listen to, watch, and touch. It's very hands-on history! But you will also learn about physics, medicine, engineering, fashion, literature, and language. The house itself is also gorgeous, incredibly well-preserved and bigger than you'd expect. You can definitely spend a few hours here if you'd like, to read everything and interact with all the activities.
The staff here were incredibly kind. Not only did one docent give us a great introduction to the museum, but when we were finished, she gave us a long list of other places she thought we might enjoy in Aberdeen. A really wonderful time overall.
The staff here were incredibly kind. Not only did one docent give us a great introduction to the museum, but when we were finished, she gave us a long list of other places she thought we might enjoy in Aberdeen. A really wonderful time overall.
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a great review. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your visit and must say the interactives are also one of our favourite parts of the museum. We hope to see you again soon, thanks, SB
Written March 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,708 contributions
May 2022
This museum houses an eclectic mix of exhibits with a focus on notable Aberdonians, including the likes of John Macleod, the discovery of insulin, Denis Law, one of the great Scottish strikers, just to name two. The exhibits are all high quality and informative without the reading getting dense. Most of the exhibits are oriented to adults, but there’s plenty of exhibits that will excite children too, especially the interactive famous Aberdonian video show on the ground floor, which the kids would love. Well worth a visit if you're in Aberdeen.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and enjoyed our interactive displays. We hope to see you again!
Written June 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian W
Elgin, UK51 contributions
Feb 2023
Had a weekday morning spare, so I decided to visit. This is a beautiful old house set tight in amongst the (sometimes grim) modern architecture of central Aberdeen. It's free to vist and staff are friendly and knowledgeable, without leaping on you to 'engage'. Ask away and you'll get some interesting background but if you want to cruise round silently, you're able to do that too.
Some parts of the house have been extensively changed from the original 15th Century building, but some are still fairly original. You're free to wander through several rooms over three floors. Many of these contain stories about great Aberdonians - interesting in their own right but only associated with the house by dint of being from Aberdeen. There's some reasonable interactive exhibits with some, unfortunately, displaying the 'sorry I'm broken' messages that seem common.
For me the highlight is undoubtedly the rooms where the original decorations has survived - a spectacular 500 year old wooden painted ceiling in one and a fascinating small room with curious marbled walls and tiny detailed painted figures and landscapes hiding amongst the decor.
It's good, it's free, it's worth a visit!
Some parts of the house have been extensively changed from the original 15th Century building, but some are still fairly original. You're free to wander through several rooms over three floors. Many of these contain stories about great Aberdonians - interesting in their own right but only associated with the house by dint of being from Aberdeen. There's some reasonable interactive exhibits with some, unfortunately, displaying the 'sorry I'm broken' messages that seem common.
For me the highlight is undoubtedly the rooms where the original decorations has survived - a spectacular 500 year old wooden painted ceiling in one and a fascinating small room with curious marbled walls and tiny detailed painted figures and landscapes hiding amongst the decor.
It's good, it's free, it's worth a visit!
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely review, we are glad you enjoyed your visit. We are working on fixing the interactives that are broken.
Written February 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is it open yet? The website says it's still closed.
Written August 5, 2016
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