Since it was first mentioned in 1545, Provost Skene's House has had a chequered history, undergoing several alterations and changes of use. In 1622 the house was bought by Matthew Lumsden a wealthy merchant. During his occupancy the painted ceiling was added and his coat of arms may be seen on a dormer window in the roof of the west wing.

Provost George Skene lived in the house later in the 17th century and is thought to have commissioned the carved plaster ceilings when he made some structural alterations to the building in 1676. In the 18th century, the Duke of Cumberland commandeered the house for his troops on their march north to Culloden. After this, it was known as 'Cumberland House', a name which survived into the 20th century, when the building became a public lodging house.

In the 1930s, when adjacent houses were demolished, a campaign was launched to save Provost Skene's House and an extensive programme of refurbishment began. In 1953, the house was opened to the public as a 'Period House and Museum of Local History' by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. In 1993, with financial support from the friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums all the rooms were refurbished in various period styles.

In three of the rooms, the furnishings of a 17th century great hall, parlour and bedroom are recreated. The furniture, of oak and walnut, contrasts with the more refined 18th century dining room and bedroom, where mahogany dominates. The Regency parlour epitomises the style of the early 19th century.

The Painted Gallery houses an important cycle of 17th century religious paintings, depicting the life of Christ. In the Costume Gallery, visitors can see a changing programme of exhibitions, featuring items of dress and textiles from the permanent collections of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.

At Christmas, along with the traditional fir-tree, the house is decorated with evergreens and visitors may take part in candlelight tours to learn how Christmas was celebrated in the past.