The museum came into being when in 1841 the Montrose Natural History and Antiquarian Society started a fund to expand its space; in order to house its curiosities and wonders ranging from geological and ethnographical artefacts to a collection of natural history objects and fine art.

[7] The adjoining art gallery has featured the work of local artists including William Lamb, Edward Baird, James Barclay,[8] David Waterson,[9] Malcolm McCoig,[10] Rowena Comrie,[11] Maurice Forsyth-Grant,[12] Briony Anderson,[13] Jackie Gardiner,[14] Colin McPherson,[15] Ingrid A. Fraser,[16] Struan Hamilton,[17] Bella Green,[18] Fiona Turnbull[19] and Hetty Haxworth[20] as well as the work of the Original Art Group.

[21] The work of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour including that of George Paul Chalmers is part of a short exhibition running from 26 September.

There is interesting taxidermy of local wildlife and a small geology display with a collection of semi-precious agate stones, in a darkened room at the top of the building.

In 2008 the Amici Wind Quintet from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama appeared at the museum.