Opened in 1901, the Dick Institute is one of Ayrshire’s must‑visit cultural attractions, welcoming over 120,000 visitors every year. Home to the largest museum and gallery spaces in Ayrshire as well as East Ayrshire’s central library, it offers an inspiring mix of heritage, art, learning and community all under one roof.

Admission is free, making the Dick Institute a welcoming destination for families, tourists, community groups, school visits and anyone looking for an inspiring cultural experience in East Ayrshire.

Museum & Galleries

Visitors can explore a vibrant programme of nationally significant exhibitions, permanent museum displays and innovative work by contemporary artists, filmmakers and young people from across the region. Often described as “Scotland’s finest municipal gallery”, the Dick Institute is regularly the only Scottish venue chosen to host major touring exhibitions.

Over the years, the museum has showcased an impressive range of celebrated artists, writers and illustrators — including Quentin Blake, Wallace and Gromit exhibitions, Bill Viola, Michael Morpurgo, Robert Colquhoun, Abram Games, Pop Art in Print and Gerhard Richter — often in partnership with leading national institutions such as the V&A, National Galleries Scotland and TATE Modern. Many of Scotland’s most influential contemporary artists have also featured through creative commissioning programmes supporting local and national talent.

The museum’s South Museum and Loom Room bring East Ayrshire’s social and industrial history to life. Discover stories from the past, explore rare objects and uncover answers to questions like: What jobs did your grandparents do? How were prisoners dressed 200 years ago? How many copies of Robert Burns’ famous “Kilmarnock Edition” were printed, and how many remain?

The North Museum houses an exciting natural history and archaeology collection, including favourites such as Brian the Lion, Samantha the dinosaur, a dramatic whale jawbone, and even a 400‑million‑year‑old scorpion fossil.

The Young People’s Gallery offers a dedicated creative space shaped by, and for, young people in East Ayrshire making it an inspiring space for emerging talent and youth‑led exhibitions.

Library & Tearoom

On the ground floor, the lending library provides a wide range of resources and year‑round activities. Including Bookbug sessions, book clubs, knitting groups, art workshops, author events, literary festivals & much more.

After exploring the exhibitions, visitors can relax in the tearoom, which serves barista coffee and sweet treats — the perfect finishing touch to a day out in Kilmarnock.

Local History Department

The extensive local and family history collections are expertly cared for by Ayrshire360 offering visitors access to historic newspapers, maps, photographs, books, and a wide range of unique research resources.

Whether you’re exploring stories of the Covenanters, trying to settle a debate about historic High Street businesses or simply curious about the area’s past, our knowledgeable team in the Local and Family History Department is here to help guide your research. If you’re just beginning your family history journey, we can provide friendly advice and support to help you get started.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to discover East Ayrshire’s rich heritage.

Our Local History Research Department is open to visitors on an appointment basis. To make an appointment please phone our staff on 01563 553654 or email EAL.LocalHistory@Ayrshire360.com

Appointment Times

• 9.30am - 10.30am
• 10.30am - 11.30am
• 11.30am - 12.30pm
• 2pm - 3pm
• 3pm - 4pm