Paisley Museum: High Street Paisley PA1 2BA "map of area" Tel: 0141 889 3151 Fax: 0141 889 9240 Tue-Sat 1000-1700, Sunday 1400-1700

Scotland’s first municipal museum, designed by John Honeyman, was opened in 1871.

Peter Coats, partner in the large firm of thread makers J&P Coats, as the donor. This, together with the considerable collections amassed by the Paisley Philosophical society since 1808, made the venture possible.

The building also held a full library. In 1882, art and sculpture galleries were added, again paid for by Sir Peter Coats. The building was once more extended in 1901 and 1933 and included Library extensions.

New shawl galleries were added in 1974. In addition to its other major collections, the museum, naturally, has the finest collection of Paisley shawls in the world.