Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura, located in Dumfries in Dumfries & Galloway, is the largest museum in the region. The museum has extensive collections relating to local history from the pre-historic era. The museum also has the world’s oldest working Camera Obscura. Admission is free, however, a small fee applies for the Camera Obscura.

A camera obscura is a darkened room with a small hole or lens at one side through which an image is projected onto a wall or table opposite the hole. Camera obscura can also refer to analogous constructions such as a box or tent in which an exterior image is projected inside. Camera Obscura with a lens in the opening has been used since the second half of the 16th century and became popular as an aid for drawing and painting. The concept was developed further into the photographic camera in the first half of the 19th century when camera obscura boxes were used to expose light-sensitive materials to the projected image.

The camera obscura is currently the oldest working example in the world and has been in continuous operation since 1836. The instrument, based in the top level of the windmill tower, offers a complete 360° panorama of the surrounding landscape. The image is projected onto a focusing table below and operated using a simple rope mechanism. In order to protect the instrument it is only operated during the summer months and on days when weather conditions are clear. The museum’s photographic expert for thirty years was Werner Kissling who donated his photos to the museum when he died.

According to the Internet