Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, and Quentin Blake to feature in new Macbeth exhibition

Costumes and props from the 2015 film Macbeth starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, as well as original illustrations by the acclaimed illustrator Sir Quentin Blake are set to feature in Macbeth: An Exhibition¸ opening Friday 25 April 2025 at Perth Museum.

Visitors will get a rare chance to see costumes worn by Michael Fassbender as Macbeth and Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth in the Hollywood film adaptation, designed by Academy Award winner Jacqueline Durran. Iconic props from the film including Macbeth’s throne will also be on display.

Exhibition-goers will also be treated to never-before-seen illustrations of Macbeth characters by Sir Quentin Blake, including Lady Macbeth and The Weird Sisters. The drawings were specially commissioned for the Macbeth Collection by Livingstone Rare, a limited-edition series of Scotch whiskies.

Other highlights include the historic Clach na Bratach stone from Clan Donnachaidh, the descendants of the real King Duncan I who was killed by in a battle against Macbeth in 1040; and Charlotte Rose’s provocative painting ‘Dagger of the Mind,’ which explores mortality in the Shakespeare play and the tobacco industry.

These latest additions to the exhibition join iconic loans already announced, including a rare 11^th century sword from the time of the real Macbeth, and an original copy of William Shakespeare’s First Folio from the National Library of Scotland.

Macbeth: An Exhibition brings to life Scotland’s most iconic figure, from the real medieval king to the Shakespeare play that made him a household name. From Birnam Wood to Dunsinane Hill, Perthshire is the spiritual home to Macbeth and plays a central role in Shakespeare’s story and the Kingdom of Alba ruled over by the man himself. This groundbreaking exhibition at Perth Museum will explore the deep connections between Macbeth the play, Macbeth the man, and the region for the first time.

How did a once-revered medieval monarch become Shakespeare’s most infamous villain? Visitors are invited to uncover the dramatic and sometimes violent stories behind this iconic name; from invented histories, to political intrigue, to the persecution of witches; right up to the Macbeth’s enduring influence in film, theatre, literature, art, and even whisky.

Ashleigh Hibbins, Head of Audiences and Engagement at Culture Perth and Kinross, said “We cannot wait to surprise and captivate visitors with this unique opportunity to dive into Macbeth the man, the play, and its cultural impact across the centuries. From Hollywood films to Broadway and West End shows, to classrooms around the world, Macbeth continues to resonate with us across the centuries. Perthshire is the location for many iconic scenes in the play, so what better place than Perth Museum to explore this legendary Scottish figure?”

Tickets for Macbeth: An Exhibition are available to book now through Perthshire Box Office. Visitors can purchase at the Museum on the day of their visit, but advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Under 16s and Members of the Culture Perth and Kinross Supporters Scheme receive free entry.

Combi exhibition tickets can be purchased for Glass at Perth Art Gallery, enabling visitors to view two fantastic displays for a low price. Perth Museum has welcomed over 255,000 visitors since opening in March 2024. The museum is open daily from 10am. Entry to the permanent galleries and the Stone of Destiny exhibit is free.