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For seven long years, more than 800 artworks and a treasure trove of local historical artefacts have been hidden behind scaffolding inside Scotland’s Paisley Museum and Art Galleries. But soon, after a whopping £68.7 million redevelopment, the museum will be back – and it’s had a truly game-changing glow-up.
The revamp of the Paisley Museum was designed by award-winning British architect Amanda Levete and her practice AL_A. The project will feature a seductive red glass wrapping around a brand new entrance, as well as a sleek panoramic extension that floods the café with light.
Those familiar with the place will notice big differences, with the museum’s expanded campus now connecting the museum’s main building to the Coats Observatory. There’s a new interactive weaving studio to highlight Paisley's rich textile heritage, as well as more spacious galleries to show off the museum’s hefty collection of 19th and early 20th-century Scottish paintings – and the world’s largest collection of Paisley shawls.
The building also boasts dedicated learning spaces, a heritage centre, around 100 new and reimagined displays (many shaped by input from local residents), plus a café-restaurant, shop and landscaped outdoor garden with picnic spots.
Funded by Renfrewshire Council alongside the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, the renewed Paisley Museum was originally expected to open in 2022. The project was delayed several times due to unforeseen issues – but the finished result suggests the wait was certainly worth it.
The revamp forms part of a wider push by the council to boost Paisley’s cultural clout and visitor numbers. Alongside the museum, investment has also gone into transforming Paisley Town Hall and refurbishing the town’s Arts Centre, which reopened in 2024.
Commenting on the museum’s first redevelopment in its 150-year history, local councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said: ‘The building looks incredible and once the fit-out and installation of the objects and exhibitions is complete, we will have a visitor attraction that local people and communities will be proud of and one that will attract thousands of visitors to the town each year who will boost the local economy.’
Now all that’s left for the refurb is for the Paisley Museum and Art Galleries to be fitted out with all its artefacts. It’s scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.
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