From Pliny to Pride, the Unicorn has been an enduring yet enigmatic symbol throughout the ages; a component of medieval medicine, an emblem of Scottish royalty, a beloved children’s character, and an icon of the LGBTQI+ community, just to name a few.

Unicorn
The Debut Exhibition

30 March 2024 – 22 September 2024

Be enchanted by Unicorn, the debut exhibition at Perth Museum, exploring the story of Scotland’s national animal. Explore the rich significance of this beloved mythical creature from antiquity to the present day, through art, science, social movements, and popular culture. Across four themed galleries, discover the unicorn’s enduring presence throughout history and its role as a symbol of Scotland’s changing heritage and identity, through iconic loans from around the world, interactive displays, and five newly-commissioned artworks exploring the unicorn as a modern symbol of the LGBTQI+ community.

Star loans include the magical ‘Danny Jewel’, an English Elizabethan pendant jewel of narwhal horn and enamelled gold, usually on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London; a 700-year-old, 2.5 metre-long narwhal tusk from the Wellcome Collection; and the renowned Lady and the Unicorn oil painting by the late-Renaissance Italian artist, Luca Longhi (1507-1580), on display in the UK for the first time.

Pendant, 'The Danny Jewel', enamelled gold and a section of Narwhal's tusk, England, ca.1550. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

A regal silver unicorn features atop the 19th century ceremonial rod or wand, part of the regalia of the Usher of the White Rod reproduced by Permission of the Trustees and Factor and Commissioner of the Walker Trust. Photography by National Museums Scotland

Narwhal tusk, carved, England, ca. 1125-1150 5 © V&A

The Unicorns by John Duncan. Dundee Art Galleries and Museums

The Lady and the Unicorn by Luca Longhi (1507-1580)

From ornaments and images to memorabilia and toys, the display will highlight the continuous power of this symbol in contemporary culture — with various activities and events for children, young people, and adults.

Alongside spectacular and historical loans from prestigious UK and international collections, there are objects and stories of personal significance from the local community. From ornaments and images to memorabilia and toys, the display highlights the continuous power of this symbol in contemporary culture.

The exhibition also featured various activities and events for children, young people, and adults, generously supported by the Northwood Trust.

From Pliny to Pride, the Unicorn has been an enduring yet enigmatic symbol throughout the ages; a component of medieval medicine, an emblem of Scottish royalty, a beloved children’s character, and an icon of the LGBTQI+ community, just to name a few.

Unicorn The Debut Exhibition

30 March 2024 – 22 September 2024

From ornaments and images to memorabilia and toys, the display will highlight the continuous power of this symbol in contemporary culture — with various activities and events for children, young people, and adults.

Unicorn
The Debut Exhibition