Aberdeenshire Museums Service Headquarters
Aberdeenshire
The Aberdeenshire Museums Service Collections Centre is the headquarters of Aberdeenshire Museums Service, part of Live Life Aberdeenshire, and is located in Mintlaw.
Aberdeenshire Museums Service cares for and manages the historic and artistic collections owned by Aberdeenshire Council. While two museums are open to the public at Banchory Museum and Aberdeenshire Farming Museum at Aden Country Park, the majority of the collections are housed within this state‑of‑the‑art storage facility.
The building includes conservation laboratories, a walk‑in freezer, photo studio and staff offices. The Service cares for more than 250,000 objects, covering social history, natural history, archaeology, photography and more.
During Doors Open Days, visitors can enjoy a rare behind‑the‑scenes guided tour of the facility and gain insight into the work of museum professionals and the remarkable objects in their care.
Aberdeenshire Museums Service is also developing a new Museum of Aberdeenshire in Peterhead, due to open in 2028. Part of the successful Cultural Tides Levelling Up bid, the museum will explore Aberdeenshire’s stories through themes of cultural connection, linking the region to places such as the Baltic, North America and Africa.
Activities:
- Behind‑the‑scenes guided tour of the Collections Centre
- Insight into museum conservation and collections care
- Opportunity to view a selection of stored artefacts
Visitor Information:
- Lift available; some storage areas are narrow and not suitable for wheelchair access
- Suitable for visitors 12 years and over
- Tour length is approximately 60 minutes
- Pre‑booking is required
- All bags and jackets must be left in secure storage before the tour
Tour times:
11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm & 2.30pm
To book:
Email: museums@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Phone: 01467 536544
Facilities
Additional Access Information
Please note there is a lift available but some of the stores are tight areas and not suitable for wheelchair access.
Gallery
Key Information
- Visits by pre-booked guided tour only. Tours are suitable for visitors aged 12 years and over.
- Please note all personal belongings including bags and jackets must be left in the secure storage area before beginning the tour. Please leave valuables at home/in your vehicle.
- Tours last 60 minutes starting every half hour.
- Tour times: 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm & 2:30pm
- To book email: museums@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or phone 01467 536544.
Where to find us
Address
- Aberdeenshire Museums Service Discovery Centre
- Station Road
- Mintlaw
- AB42 5EE