Paisley Museum

Paisley Museum is undergoing a £42 million renovation and extension to become a leading European museum, catering for an estimated 125,000 visitors per year.

Originally designed by renowned architect Sir John Honeyman, the building was gifted to the town of Paisley in 1871.

The project’s vision is to become a leading international museum telling the story of Paisley – both the pattern and the town. As a visitor destination, it will draw audiences from within Scotland, the UK and overseas and provide a hub for learning, skills development, innovation and research. This global reach will complement its role as a community resource at the heart of Paisley’s local life, offering a cultural facility of significance for Scotland. The museum’s Paisley shawl collection is a recognised collection of national significance to Scotland and the museum will tell the rich social history of the development of the town.

The extension to the museum will create a new wing adjacent to the Coats Observatory, a fully accessible entrance hall and freshly landscaped gardens. Internal remodelling will create additional museum space in what was originally the Paisley Central Library. The scheme is Renfrewshire Council’s flagship project as part of its ongoing investment in cultural venues and outdoor spaces throughout the town.

Our role

Currie & Brown is providing project management and contract administrator services for both the main building contract and the subsequent exhibition fit-out. The overall project is due for completion in 2023.

As the museum is in a Grade A listed building, the team includes people with extensive experience of cultural and heritage projects.