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.

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.

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 and 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.

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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.