Larne Museum and Arts Centre

About the museum

Larne Museum and Arts Centre occupies the former Carnegie Free Library on Victoria Road, funded by Andrew Carnegie, built in 1905 and opened in 1906. The Edwardian building was designed by Nicholas Fitzsimons in a free style and is listed Grade B1. It was restored and renovated in 2005 for its centenary, keeping many original features.

The building is run by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and combines a local museum with an arts and events centre. It is also the home of Larne Art Club and Larne Drama Circle. The John Clifford Gallery shows changing exhibitions by local groups and artists as well as touring shows, and a theatre-style auditorium upstairs hosts talks, drama and music.

The permanent displays in the main gallery trace the farming, industrial, military and maritime history of the area, including the first roll-on roll-off ferries, the Royal Navy and the loss of the MV Princess Victoria in 1953. A folk life display shows rural life in two of the nine Glens of Antrim, and a war and conflict section covers the Home Rule crisis, the Larne gun-running and both world wars. Oral history listening posts and a digital community photo archive let visitors hear and see local memories.

Highlights

• Main gallery on Larne’s maritime, industrial, military and farming history
• The first roll-on roll-off ferries and the story of the MV Princess Victoria
• War and conflict section with Home Rule crisis and Larne gun-running material
• Oral history listening posts and digital photo archive
• Restored Edwardian Carnegie library building with sensory garden

Permanent exhibitions

• Main Gallery – The farming, industrial, military and maritime history of the Larne area, including the first roll-on roll-off ferries and the Princess Victoria disaster.
• War and Conflict – Objects from the Home Rule crisis, the Larne gun-running and both world wars.
• Folk life display – Rural life in the hinterland of Larne, including two of the nine Glens of Antrim.

Operated by

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Some events may need booking.

Accessibility

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

A lift or stairs lead to the first floor. There is an adapted unisex toilet on the ground floor and toilets on both floors. A portable induction loop is available. Visitors with mobility difficulties can use the car park of the neighbouring Gardenmore Presbyterian Church, which has a gateway with level access to the museum path; they should contact the museum in advance. Guide dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children’s activities form part of the events programme.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is listed among the facilities. There is a sensory garden with a picnic table. Major credit and debit cards are accepted.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 110 guests.

The Education Room (up to 50 people, with its own kitchen) and the Auditorium (up to 110 people) can be hired for meetings, workshops, group visits and events; hirers can arrange their own catering.

Plan your visit