Provost Skene's House, Aberdeen

Provost Skene's House, located in the heart of Aberdeen, is a remarkable piece of the city鈥檚 architectural history. Originally built in 1545 by Matthew Lumsden, it is the oldest surviving townhouse in Aberdeen. The house gained its name from Sir George Skene, a prosperous merchant and provost (mayor) of Aberdeen from 1676 to 1685, who purchased the property in 1669 and likely commissioned the exquisite 17th-century plaster ceilings that still adorn the interior.

The building has undergone several transformations over the centuries. It was remodeled in the mid-18th century when larger windows were added, but it retains its medieval burgh architecture, making it one of the rare surviving examples in the city. One of the most notable features is the Renaissance-painted ceiling in the attic gallery, commissioned by a member of the Lumsden family, which includes strapwork decoration and religious scenes.

Provost Skene鈥檚 House opened as a museum in 1953, offering a glimpse into Aberdeen鈥檚 past with period rooms furnished in the styles of the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. Visitors could explore local history, admire antique furniture, and view period costumes in the Costume Gallery. The museum offers interactive exhibits across nine themed displays, including a Hall of Heroes, and is family-friendly with hands-on activities for children. Admission is free, making it a delightful and accessible way to explore Aberdeen鈥檚 history repeatedly.

Provost Skene鈥檚 House is an enduring symbol of Aberdeen鈥檚 architectural and cultural heritage, showcasing how life in the city has evolved over the centuries while celebrating the pioneering individuals who have left a lasting impact on both the local and global stage.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Aberdeen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: Provost Skene's House
Sight Location: Aberdeen, Scotland (See walking tours in Aberdeen)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Aberdeen Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Aberdeen, Scotland

Create Your Own Walk in Aberdeen

Creating your own self-guided walk in Aberdeen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Aberdeen Old Town Tour

Established in 1489 as a separate burgh, Old Aberdeen was an important political, ecclesiastical and cultural center since the late Middle Ages. The locality merged with the rest of Aberdeen only in 1891. Today, the central part of the Old Town is a conservation area, characterized by well-preserved medieval dwellings and many other unique, vernacular structures of the 17th-early 19th centuries,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Aberdeen Introduction Walking Tour

The area where Aberdeen now sits has been inhabited by people for at least 8,000 years. The city that we now know as Aberdeen was first chartered in 1179. It was granted city status in 1891.

The city has been successful over the years due to vast granite deposits used for making sturdy buildings and fortifications. It was also known for its fishing, textile and paper-making industries. However,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

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