The Tolbooth Museum

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The Tolbooth Museum is one of Aberdeen's oldest surviving buildings where you can see exciting re-constructions, models, displays and interactive exhibits. They present the history and development of crime and punishment, local history and government in Aberdeen.

The Tolbooth Museum is one of the oldest buildings in Aberdeen and one of the best preserved 17th century Scottish gaols. Built between 1616 and 1629, the Wardhouse, now known as the Tolbooth Museum, was a prison for those awaiting either trial in the adjacent court or punishment.

Exciting reconstructions, models, displays and interactive exhibits held at the Tolbooth Museum present the history and development of crime and punishment, local history and government. Exhibits range from the original 17th century column of Aberdeen's mercat cross to medieval instruments of punishment, such as the 'maiden', an early version of a guillotine.

The Tolbooth was one of the most important buildings in Aberdeen. It was the place where tolls and customs were collected and where the burgh council held their meetings.

In 1616 the magistrates of Aberdeen commissioned the building of a prison within the walls of the existing Tolbooth. The prison was completed in 1629 and for the next 200 years would accommodate those awaiting punishment or trial in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Parking: car park behind building.

Access: partial access to wheelchair users: two front rooms accessible, the other room visible from top of steps (note that building has cobbled floor).

Opening Times

July - September
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 1pm,
closed between 1pm - 2pm, open 2pm - 4pm
Sunday: 12.30pm to 3.30pm
CLOSED MONDAYS