Located on the Isle of Iona, Argyll and Bute, the Iona Abbey Museum houses a fine collection of Celtic gravestones and crosses, the most famous of which is the pillow cross of St. Columba. The original High Crosses which once stood nearby have been preserved here since 1990. St. John's Cross and St. Oran's Cross are the oldest dating from the Mid to Late 8th C., while St. Matthew's Cross dates from the 9th or Early 10th C. All are richly decorated, although all are in pieces. Located in part of the former Benedictine Abbey, the museum also houses some architecturally unique exhibits and parts of the Abbey itself date back to the 13th Century. The museum also holds a facsimile of the Book of Kells, one of the finest illustrated gospels in Europe which was originally created on Iona c.800 AD but now held in Trinity College Dublin. Several items found during archaeological excavations on the island are also held here. Iona Abbey Museum is operated by Historic Environment Scotland.
The nearby Iona Heritage Centre records the secular history of the island.
