The Tolbooth in Aberdeen, Scotland is a 17th-century former jail which is now operated as a museum. It was built between 1616 and 1629 and is attached to Aberdeen Sheriff Court on the city centre's Union Street.
The Tolbooth Museum is one of Aberdeen's oldest buildings and one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols in Scotland. It features displays on local history and the development of crime and punishment through the centuries. The Tolbooth Museum provides a unique experience in the form of its atmospheric 17th and 18th century cells, original doors and barred windows. Displays include the Maiden and the blade of Aberdeen's 17th century guillotine.
Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 12noon - 3pm
Festive Opening Hours
Saturday 23 December - OPEN
Sunday 24 December - OPEN
Monday 25 Tuesday December - CLOSED
Tuesday 26 December - CLOSED
Wednesday 27 December - OPEN
Thursday 28 December - OPEN
Friday 29 December - OPEN
Saturday 30 December - OPEN
Sunday 31 December - CLOSED
Monday 1 January - CLOSED
Tuesday 2 January - CLOSED
We will reopen as normal from the 3 January
Admission free
Accessibility
Due to the historic nature of the building, The Tolbooth Museum has very limited access for visitors with mobility difficulties. A short film tour of the building is available to view in the entrance hall. Guide dogs are admitted. Please contact us for special requests and more information about disabled access.
Disabled Parking
Disabled parking spaces are available outside The Robert Gordon University, which is located next to Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Please note that we do not have toilets or a café available within The Tolbooth Museum. These facilities are available at the nearby Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located on Shiprow.
