We believe enjoyment of the arts changes people’s lives. Our aim is to encourage this enjoyment by:
- caring for, understanding, developing, displaying and interpreting our collection, building and site
- reaching as wide a public as possible by providing a welcoming, intimate experience of the arts
- creating exhibitions, events and educational activities of outstanding quality, impact and imagination
- being confident, adventurous and innovative
At the heart of the Holburne Museum is the collection of Sir William Holburne (1793-1874), fifth baronet of Menstrie. William seemed destined for a naval career but, following the death of his elder brother Francis, he inherited the family title and a modest fortune. He left the navy and embarked on an eighteen-month Grand Tour of Europe, visiting Italy, the Alps and the Netherlands. This sparked a life-long interest in art and his enthusiasm for collecting. He particularly loved bronze sculptures, silver, porcelain and Dutch landscapes.