McKechnie Institute

Arts & Culture
Photo © Rhona Anderson (cc-by-sa/2.0)
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The McKechnie Institute opened in 1889, thanks to the generosity of local business man Thomas McKechnie
Photo © Rhona Anderson (cc-by-sa/2.0)
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About McKechnie Institute
The McKechnie Institute opened in 1889, thanks to the generosity of local business man Thomas McKechnie. Its design is Scottish Baronial with some Renaissance details. The architects were McKissack & Rowan of Glasgow.
The ground floor was originally a library with a Reading Room and separate Ladies Room. On the first floor was a billiard room and the Librarian's House. When it opened, the place was used by labourers, tradesmen and fishermen as well as other members of the community.
Today the McKechnie Institute is run by The Friends of the McKechnie and South Ayrshire Council. It is still popular as a local museum, featuring an eclectic collection from toy cars to curling stones; fossils to fishing equipment and exhibitions of items from the McKechnie Institute and wider South Ayrshire collections. A regularly changing programme of exhibitions features themed artworks as well as work by local artists.
Art classes are also held at the McKechnie. The top floor houses the Victorian flat, crammed with original Victorian furniture, so it is well worth a visit. It is free to enter.
Opening Hours
Tue - 13:00-16:00
Wed - 13:30-16:30
Thu - 13:00-16:00
Fri - 13:00-16:00
Sat - 10:30-16:00
Contact Details
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