From Birnam Wood to Dunsinane Hill, the story of Macbeth is woven into the landscape of Perthshire. Our latest exhibition at Perth Museum explores the iconic Shakespearean play that has captivated audiences for centuries, alongside the story of the real King Macbeth, who reigned in Scotland 900 years ago. From the seventeenth-century stage to contemporary cinema, theatre, music, art, and even whisky, Macbeth continues to fascinate us. The exhibition will take visitors on a sumptuous, immersive journey through historical record and theatrical fantasy, getting up close and personal with treasures such as Shakespeare’s First Folio, where the tragedy of Macbeth was first printed, a medieval sword from the era of the real King Macbeth which has never been on public view, as well as costumes and objects from theatrical and film productions around the world. What better place to explore Macbeth than at Perth Museum, surrounded by the landscapes and places that inspired this iconic Scottish story. Under 16s and Culture Perth and Kinross Supporters go free.

Used in the inauguration of medieval Scottish monarchs, later the coronation of English and British monarchs at Westminster Abbey, the Stone of Destiny was returned to Scotland in 1996 and recently well travelled. Join Sally Foster as she unearths the newly discovered history of the Stone of Scone, learn how the Stone is used and the meanings and discourses that has developed at different places: Scone Palace, Westminster Abbey, Edinburgh Castle and Perth. Discover how focussing on social value and authenticity, can lead to an unexpected and original outcome in recognising just how many fragments of the Stone also exist and their significance. Is all of the sacred stone in Perth Museum? Professor Sally Foster is a Scottish archaeologist and Professor in Heritage and Conservation within Stirling University’s History, Heritage, and Politics Division. She specialises in the archaeology of Scotland, particularly focusing on the Picts and their neighbours in the early medieval period. in 2023 she received a British Academy/Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship for her research study: Authenticity’s child: contemporary meanings and future destinies for the ‘Stone of Scone’. In partnership with the Institute for Northern Studies University of the Highlands and Islands

Power. Betrayal. Legacy. Macbeth is a name that echoes through history and literature, but how much of the legend is truth? Join our expert curators for an exclusive, in-depth tour of Macbeth. In this captivating exhibition, we unravel the real and imagined Macbeth, the King and Legend. Discover how Shakespeare’s tragic antihero compares to the real King of Alba and explore the play’s profound cultural impact across centuries. From medieval battlefields to Jacobean politics, from regicide to royal propaganda, this exhibition reveals Macbeth’s enduring power in shaping Scottish identity. Walk among rare historical artefacts, dramatic theatrical relics, and cinematic treasures as you uncover the truth behind the myth. See history come to life – Stand before a rune-inscribed warrior’s sword, a remarkable and rare survivor from the 11th century that connects us directly to King Macbeth’s time. Experience Shakespeare’s Macbeth like never before – Get up close with the dramatist’s First Folio, perhaps the most famous publication in literary history. Uncover the power of kingship – examine King James VI’s treatise on witchcraft, The Demonology, the guidebook to an era of persecution, national paranoia, and appalling injustice. Led by our expert curators, this tour offers a rare opportunity to dive deeper into the objects, stories, and symbolism behind the legend. The ticket includes access to Macbeth: An Exhibition. Tickets cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

An Unmissable Evening with Claire Mitchell KC & Zoe Venditozzi We are honoured to host a powerful evening with Claire Mitchell KC and Zoe Venditozzi, taking place just one week after the launch of their long-anticipated book, How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy. This timely and thought-provoking event invites you to explore one of the darkest chapters in Scottish history—the persecution of those accused of witchcraft. With sharp wit, emotional depth, and meticulous research, Claire and Zoe reveal the chilling process from accusation to execution and the enduring patriarchal forces behind these historic injustices. As co-founders of the nationally recognised Witches of Scotland campaign, they have been instrumental in securing a legal pardon and public apology for the thousands of women and men who suffered under Scotland’s witch trials. Their new book is already sparking important conversations—and now you have the opportunity to hear directly from the authors, engage in live discussion, and reflect on a legacy too long ignored. Tickets include the option to purchase a copy of the book, perfect for those wishing to take this powerful story home and continue the conversation.

Step into 11th-century Scotland and uncover the truth behind the legend! As part of our Macbeth exhibition, families are invited to an interactive, hands-on experience where history and storytelling collide. Gather around our indoor medieval campsite, complete with a tent, benches, a (fake) fire, and deer skins, and meet Macbeth and Lady Gruoch as they bring their world to life. Macbeth will share stories of his real life as a warrior king, while Lady Gruoch will challenge what you think you know—exploring how Shakespeare turned their story into a thrilling (but not always accurate!) play. Through games, activities, and lively discussions, families can compare history with legend, ask questions, and help decide: was Macbeth really a villain, or was his story rewritten? This engaging, family-friendly event will also explore how Macbeth’s rule led to the rise of Malcolm Canmore and the great shift from the old Celtic ways to the Norman feudal system. Perfect for curious minds, young historians, and families looking for a fun and interactive way to explore Scotland’s past! Join us for a lively session of storytelling, history, and discovery.

Step into the world of power, intrigue, and legacy with an exclusive whisky tasting like no other. This bespoke experience offers a rare opportunity to savour Act 2 of the exceptional Macbeth Collection – a collaboration between some of the most revered names in whisky and literature. This intimate tasting, curated by Livingstone Rare, specialists in ultra-rare and collectible spirits, will guide you through the artistry, history, and craftsmanship behind these extraordinary drams. Discover how the finest whiskies selected by Elixir Distillers, with character notes by renowned whisky writer Dave Broom and stunning illustrations by Sir Quentin Blake, ensure that this collection is a true testament to the power and depth of Macbeth, capturing the essence of Shakespeare’s iconic characters in every bottle. As you sip, immerse yourself in the dark and dramatic world of Macbeth, exploring the themes of power, fate, and ambition that mirror the complexity of the whisky in your glass. With limited places available, this is an unmissable experience for whisky connoisseurs, collectors, and literary enthusiasts alike. Event for Adults aged 18 and over. A full list of Whiskies is available on our website. As the witches say, “Time, thou anticipat’st my dread exploits.” Don’t miss your chance.

Step into the shadows of history and experience Macbeth’s world like never before in this immersive evening event. As darkness falls, explore the myths, legends, and stark realities behind Scotland’s most infamous king. Meet the real Macbeth: Encounter figures from history who shaped his reign and legacy. Was he a ruthless usurper or a rightful king? Unmask the ‘witches’: Meet the women history called ‘witches’ and discover who they really were in medieval Scotland. Fact vs. Fiction: Unravel Shakespeare’s inspirations, Jacobean fears, and the political intrigue that transformed a king into a tragic antihero. Museum by night: Wander the exhibition and museum after hours for a rare, atmospheric experience. Exclusive curator-led tour: Dive deeper into the exhibition with expert insight and behind-the-scenes stories. This one-night-only event is your chance to walk through history, meet the figures who lived it, and uncover the truth behind the legend. Book now for an unforgettable evening of history, mystery, and Macbeth.

Step into a world of magic, mystery, and disgusting potions to discover some of the spookiest and strangest characters from Shakespeare’s Macbeth: the three witches, or “Weird Sisters,” as they’re also known. As part of the Macbeth exhibition at Perth Museum, join us for a fun family event filled with newts’ eyeballs, bat fur, and frogs’ toes. Hear about the witches and their role in the story in a reading from a modern children’s retelling of the play, and explore the song they sing as they add all kinds of gross ingredients to their bubbling cauldron. The audience will then be invited to help create a new, even more revolting spell in a group poetry activity.

Step into the world of medieval Scotland and design your own family crest! As part of the Macbeth exhibition at Perth Museum, join us for a hands-on, family-friendly adventure exploring the fascinating world of Scottish heraldry. The real King Macbeth ruled in a time of warriors and clans, where symbols and colours told stories of power, loyalty, and identity. But how did heraldry shape Scotland’s history? And what might Macbeth’s own crest have looked like? In this interactive session, families will discover the meanings behind medieval shields and emblems, learn how they were used in battle and politics, and even see how they connect to modern Scotland. Then, put your creativity to the test by designing and crafting your very own shield to take home—will you choose fierce animals, bold colours, or powerful symbols to represent your family? Perfect for young knights, history lovers, and creative minds—come and make your mark in Scotland’s story! Free drop-in session for children and families.

Step into the dark and chilling world of Scotland’s history as acclaimed author Philip Paris discusses the inspiration behind his gripping novel, The Last Witch of Scotland – Waterstones’ “Scottish Book of the Year” 2024. Paris is a renowned Scottish author celebrated for his research and ability to bring history to life through his novels. He will delve into details around the Scottish Witchcraft trials of the 16th to 18th centuries, including the tragic story of Janet Horne, the last person to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland. This event promises to be a mix of fascinating historical insights and personal anecdotes about his journey as a writer. Don’t miss out on a chance to meet the man behind the stories.

On the page, Shakespeare seems to present a fictional, though historically aligned, version of the Macbeths’ marriage. And yet, when the play is considered holistically and placed within the trajectory of Shakespeare’s evolution as a writer, it appears much more likely that he completely reimagines these characters and their relationship through what is left unsaid. In this event, Marc Silberschatz—a theatre scholar, director, and dramaturg from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland—will explore the tension between history and fiction in Macbeth, revealing how Shakespeare creates dramatic truth through silence, subtext, and reinvention. Complementing the talk, students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will bring these ideas to life in a short performance, illustrating and interpreting the themes discussed. Don’t miss this exploration of one of Shakespeare’s most infamous couples—a must-attend for theatre lovers, Shakespeare enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the power of performance.

Walk in the footsteps of Perth’s past and discover more about its connections to the Jacobite Wars. Walking through the modern city, your guide will take you back in time with stories of the 1700s and what life would have been like for those fighting for and against the Jacobite cause in Perth. Find out where the Bonnie Prince took up residence during his stay here and of Perth’s gift to the victorious Duke of Cumberland. Additional Information: Attendees should arrive 10 minutes prior to tours. The tour begins and ends outside Perth Museum (North Entrance). Please be aware this is an outdoor event and may include steps or uneven surfaces. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Unlock your writing potential with our scriptwriting workshop, inspired by Macbeth: An Exhibition. Examine Macbeth’s destructive allure of power and ambition, and how our pursuit of success can lead us astray. Explore how the narratives we construct shape our views on morality, consequences, and the echoes we leave behind. Through this interactive workshop, you’ll delve into the techniques of scriptwriting, create characters that grapple with the temptations of ambition and explore the impact of their choices. Discover the art of dialogue that drives the narrative forward and captivates audiences. Beth Godfrey is a dynamic force in the world of theatre and performance, having written and performed in a wide array of plays for both traditional venues and fringe festivals across the world, from Scotland to Morocco. She combines her artistic talent with a commitment to education and accessibility. Previously an Associate Director at Stellar Quines in Edinburgh, Beth believes in the transformative power of storytelling, taking audiences on profound journeys that resonate long after the curtain falls.

Walk in the footsteps of Perth’s great past as your guide takes you back in time with stories of Perth’s Mercat Cross and the old Perth Harbour, transporting you into the medieval hub of life it once was. From clan battles to the murder of a king, the punishment of a wolf, and religious revolution, Perth has played an important role in Scotland’s medieval past. Additional Information: Attendees should arrive 10 minutes prior to tours. The tour begins and ends outside Perth Museum (North Entrance). Please be aware this is an outdoor event and may include steps or uneven surfaces. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Walk in the footsteps of Perth’s great past as your guide takes you back in time. From Viking trade connections to World War II, this tour will explore many aspects of Perth’s rich history, including stories of Perth Harbour, Cardinal Beaton, John Knox, the Scottish Reformation, Jacobite battles, and much more. Additional Information: Attendees should arrive 10 minutes prior to tours. The tour begins and ends outside Perth Museum (North Entrance). Please be aware this is an outdoor event and may include steps or uneven surfaces. Children must be accompanied by an adult.