Meffan Institute

The Meffan Institute is a museum in Forfar with two exhibition galleries showing art from contemporary and historical artists alongside collections related to the local area. The building also houses ancient Pictish stones and displays focused on how people lived in past centuries.

The museum was founded in 1898 thanks to a donation from Jane Meffan to honor her father William, who had served as a leading civic figure in the town. This act of remembrance created one of Forfar's main cultural institutions.

The Vennel is a reconstructed cobbled street with recreated shops from the 1800s that shows how daily life and crafts looked in that era. Walking through it gives a sense of what ordinary people did and how they moved through their town.

The building sits in the town center and is easy to spot, though it occupies a quieter street away from the main hustle. Opening hours change depending on the season, so checking ahead helps avoid disappointment.

Visitors can see a wooden boat dating back to 1090 that was discovered during excavations and reveals how people traveled across water in medieval times. The museum also displays materials related to significant local events from the 1600s that remain part of the town's memory.

Location: Angus

Inception: 1898

Operator: Angus Council

Address: 20 West High Street, Forfar DD8 1BB

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +441307476482

Email: the.meffan@angus.gov.uk

Website: http://angus.gov.uk/history/museums/meffan/default.htm

GPS coordinates: 56.64410,-2.88910

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:02