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Museums and Galleries
McKechnie Institute
Opening Times
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1pm – 4pm
Wednesday 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Saturday: 10.30am – 4pm
Sunday and Monday CLOSED
The McKechnie Institute opened in 1889 thanks to the benevolence of a local businessman,
Thomas McKechnie. Its architectural style is Scottish Baronial with some Renaissance
detailing. The Architects of the Institute were McKissack & Rowan of Glasgow,
who were also responsible for the design of Girvan Parish Church. The ground floor
originally contained a Library, Reading Room and Ladies Room. On the first floor
was a billiards room and beyond that the Librarians House. A contemporary report
states 'Every evening the places are all but crowded with labouring men, fishermen,
tradesmen and others…'
The McKechnie Institute is still an extremely popular community venue to this day.
There are most often displays of items from the McKechnie Institute collection,
in conjunction with a programme of temporary exhibitions in the downstairs and upstairs
galleries. In addition to this, the McKechnie is the venue for many local group
meetings, Councillor surgeries, art classes and much more.
- The McKechnie Institute collection is mainly memorabilia relating to Girvan and
the Carrick area, covering aspects of trade, travel, fishing, social activities
and Ailsa Craig. If you have any enquiries about the collection please contact the
Council's Collections Management Officer.
- If you would like to book this venue for a meeting or event please write to the
Council's Museums and Galleries Officer.
- If you would be interested in having an exhibition at the McKechnie please contact
the
Council's Exhibitions Assistant in the first instance. All request for exhibition
space are forwarded and decided upon by the McKechnie's Programming committee.