Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries

About the museum

Dunfermline Carnegie Library is the world's first Carnegie library, opened in 1883 in Andrew Carnegie's home town. In 2017 it was joined by a new building that links to it and houses a museum, exhibition galleries, a local and family history room, a children's library and a café with views of Dunfermline Abbey. The award-winning extension cost about 12.4 million pounds.

The long-term museum displays tell the story of Dunfermline as one of Scotland's former ancient capitals and as an industrial town. They cover the damask linen weavers and power-loom factories, the miners, home life through the 20th century, leisure and toys, transport, the wars and a royal timeline of the kings and queens of Scotland. A wall celebrates well-known people from the town.

The building is run by Fife Cultural Trust (OnFife) on behalf of Fife Council. It also hosts changing exhibitions in its galleries, a community gallery and library services.

Highlights

• Long-term museum displays on Dunfermline's industry, home life and royal history
• Dunfermline People Wall and Dunfermline's Royal Timeline
• World's first Carnegie library building
• Changing exhibitions in the galleries and a community gallery
• Granary Café and gift shop beside the Heritage Quarter

Permanent exhibition

• Museum displays – Long-term displays over two floors cover Dunfermline's industries, home life in the 20th century, recreation, transport, the wars and a royal timeline of Scotland's kings and queens.

Founded

1883

Operated by

Fife Cultural Trust (OnFife)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The museum and galleries are free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is flat access to the entrance and a lift to the upper floors with the exhibitions, museum and meeting rooms. Accessible toilets are available throughout, and a Changing Places facility is on the ground floor; visitors ask a member of staff for access. Sensory support items such as ear defenders, fidget toys and emotion fans can be borrowed. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome. There is no on-site parking, but limited on-street parking includes Blue Badge spaces.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The building has a children's library, Bookbug song and story sessions and family events such as the autumn HQ Explorer Past-Port trail. The museum has films, games and a build-a-bridge activity.

Getting there & parking

The building is in the Heritage Quarter beside Dunfermline Abbey.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The Granary Café serves homemade treats with views of Dunfermline Abbey. The library offers free Wi-Fi. The gift shop sells gifts, local art and keepsakes inspired by the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Rooms include the Canmore Hall, the Queen Margaret Room (the former reference library), the Bruce and the Queen Anne room.

Plan your visit