The Dick Institute
Museum, art gallery and library in Kilmarnock with free entry, showing the social, industrial and natural history of East Ayrshire.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Dick Institute was funded by James Dick, a Kilmarnock-born businessman who made his fortune in Australia, and opened in 1901 as a library, museum and art gallery. A fire badly damaged the building about eight years later and destroyed part of the collections, although staff saved many of the paintings. It reopened in 1911.
During the First World War the building served as an auxiliary hospital before returning to use as a library and museum. Today it is owned by East Ayrshire Council and combines East Ayrshire's central library with the largest museum and gallery spaces in Ayrshire.
The museum displays cover the social and industrial history of the area in the South Museum and Loom Room, and natural history and archaeology in the North Museum. The galleries also stage touring exhibitions, often with partners such as the V&A, National Galleries of Scotland and Tate, and a Young People's Gallery shows work by young artists.
Highlights
- South Museum and Loom Room on East Ayrshire's social and industrial history
- North Museum with natural history and archaeology, including Brian the Lion and a 400-million-year-old scorpion fossil
- Large gallery spaces with touring art exhibitions
- Young People's Gallery and lending library under one roof
Permanent exhibitions
- South Museum and Loom Room – The social and industrial history of East Ayrshire, with rare objects and a loom room.
- North Museum – Natural history and archaeology, including Brian the Lion, a dinosaur model, a whale jawbone and a scorpion fossil about 400 million years old.
- Founded
- 1901
- Operated by
- East Ayrshire Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free, including school visits.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The venue lists wheelchair access, lift access, disabled toilet facilities, general toilets and baby changing facilities.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Baby changing facilities
Entry is free for families. The ground-floor library runs Bookbug sessions and art workshops, and the Young People's Gallery shows youth-led exhibitions.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From the railway station walk along West George Street through the pedestrian precinct to The Cross, then through Burns Mall and an underpass to London Road; from the bus station go through the mall or the tunnel, cross Green Street and walk up London Road. Either route takes about five minutes from London Road.
By car
Parking available
Car parking is available around the building, with more parking in the town centre.
The venue is signposted once you reach Kilmarnock.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
A tearoom serves barista coffee and sweet treats.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Rooms are available for hire, with a catering and hospitality service.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School and community group visits are welcome and school visits are free. |
