Stewartry Museum

About the museum

The Stewartry Museum began in 1879 in part of Kirkcudbright Town Hall, and a purpose-built museum building on St Mary Street opened in 1893. The museum has kept much of its Victorian character, with displays arranged in themed cases.

Its collections tell the social and natural history of the Stewartry, the eastern part of Galloway. They cover archaeology, farming, industry, jewellery, photography and natural history, as well as work by local artists, including pieces by Jessie M King, who lived and worked in Kirkcudbright.

The best-known object is the Siller Gun, described as the oldest surviving sporting trophy in Britain. Alongside the displays, the museum looks after a local history library, an archive and a large photographic archive that visitors can consult.

Highlights

• Siller Gun, one of the oldest sporting trophies in Britain
• Works by the local artist Jessie M King
• Themed Victorian display cases on farming, archaeology, jewellery and natural history
• Local history library, archive and photographic archive
• Films with subtitles

Permanent exhibition

• Stewartry collections – Themed cases cover archaeology, farming, jewellery, photography and natural history of the Stewartry, with works by local artists.

Founded

1879

Operated by

Dumfries and Galloway Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor is level, but the front door has a small step; a ramp is available on request (ring the bell beside the doors). The ramp suits standard wheelchairs but not mobility scooters. The upper floors are reached by stairs, and the second floor by a steep staircase. There are no toilets in the museum; accessible toilets are in the nearby Kirkcudbright Galleries. All films have subtitles, and staff help visitors where they can.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children's trails run all year, and special event days are held during school holidays.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on St Mary Street in the centre of Kirkcudbright.

Amenities & dining

No public toilets on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit