Perth Museum unveils “Perthshire Illustrated” exhibition connecting landscape, art & the people of the region

Perth Museum today announced its upcoming autumn exhibition “Perthshire Illustrated,” will explore Perthshire’s landscapes through art from the late 18th century to the present day. Drawing from the permanent collections cared for by Culture Perth and Kinross, the exhibition explores how these iconic surroundings have been depicted, from romanticised views to modern environmental challenges. The exhibition opens on Friday 3 October 2025.

Featuring over fifty objects, paintings and maps, including works by artists such as Horatio McCulloch, Katsushika Hokusai, Alexander Nasmyth and JD Fergusson, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to witness how Perthshire’s landscapes have been interpreted both locally and abroad, reflecting changing technologies, perspectives, and artistic movements.

The exhibition delves into the historical context of Perthshire’s rising prominence as a tourist destination. From the late 18th century, the development of railways and tourism guidebooks helped dramatically improve access to previously remote areas, sparking a surge in tourism. This directly stimulated a demand for landscape art, establishing a lasting link between artists and the region’s appeal, which continues to this day.

By experiencing Perthshire’s stunning landscapes through art, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect the environment, viewing the land not just as a subject for art and tourism, but as a living legacy for future generations.

Niamh Finlay, Exhibitions Assistant said “We are incredibly excited to be sharing works from the permanent collection that take the visitor on a journey through the rolling hills and sprawling vistas of familiar Perthshire beauty spots, while learning about the people that lived, painted and visited there.

Creating this exhibition has provided us with an opportunity to delve deeper into the collections, finding the threads that connect these beautiful artworks from influential artists across two hundred years of Perthshire’s social history.”

Tickets are free, donations are welcome. Perth Museum has welcomed over 300,000 visitors since opening in March 2024, and was a finalist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025. The museum is open daily from 10am. Entry to the permanent galleries is free.

Perthshire Illustrated opens Friday 3 October 2025 and runs until Monday 8 December 2025.