Campbeltown Museum
Victorian museum in Campbeltown with archaeology, art, natural science and social history of Kintyre; currently closed for building works.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Campbeltown Museum tells the story of Kintyre through collections of archaeology, fine art, natural science and social history. It was founded in 1898 together with the town library by James MacAlister Hall, who was born in Campbeltown and made his fortune in India. He commissioned the architect John James Burnet to design the museum, library and a ladies' reading room, and the building keeps its original timber panelling, chimneypieces, decorative plasterwork and cupolas.
The building also contains the town's marriage room and an Argyll and Bute Council service point. A garden behind the building, with a statue of Linda McCartney at its centre, is dedicated to her memory. The museum has long been supported by the Friends of Campbeltown Museum and was backed for many years by the Kintyre Antiquarian Society.
Since 2022 the museum has been in a new phase of development through a partnership of the Culture, Heritage & Arts Assembly Argyll & Isles (CHARTS), liveArgyll and Argyll and Bute Council, and it has regained full museum accreditation. Structural stabilisation work on the Burnet Building was completed in 2025, and new displays and improvements were planned for 2025/26. According to liveArgyll, the museum is currently closed to allow essential building works, and no reopening date has been published.
Highlights
- Collection covering archaeology, art, natural science and social history of Kintyre
- Bronze Age jet necklace and a seascape by William McTaggart
- Reflector from the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse
- Victorian building by John James Burnet with original interiors
- Linda McCartney Memorial Garden
Permanent exhibition
- Kintyre collections – Archaeology, fine art, natural science and social history of Kintyre, including local fishing and boating items. The displays are being renewed while the building is closed.
- Founded
- 1898
- Operated by
- liveArgyll with CHARTS and Argyll and Bute Council
- Visitors per year
- approx. 2,300 (2024)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
The museum is free to all visitors; donations are welcome.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is on St John Street in Campbeltown.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The Linda McCartney Memorial Garden next to the museum is open 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday and 10:00 to 16:00 at weekends.
Events & venue rental
The building contains Campbeltown's marriage room.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum runs learning and creative workshops for children and young people through its partnership with CHARTS. Before the closure, the main entrance was through the Burnet Building, and after 12:00 entry was through the Linda McCartney Memorial Garden. |
