Galleries and Museums

Museum Collections

South Ayrshire Council Museum & Art Collections

The collections of South Ayrshire Council include material from the former burghs of Troon, Ayr, Girvan, Prestwick and Maybole. These also include some collections previously housed at the Carnegie Library, Belleisle House and the Tam O’ Shanter Museums in Ayr.

There is no established museum within South Ayrshire to display all of these collections and therefore small displays are mounted when possible throughout the district. There are often small thematic displays of collections, in particular the Fine Art collection, at Rozelle House and the Maclaurin Galleries.

At the moment Rozelle House is showing the series of paintings on the theme of Tam O’ Shanter by Alexander Goudie. This series of 54 paintings was purchased by the Council with funding provided by the T.B. Hunter Charitable Trust, The Fraser Foundation and the Souter Foundation.

A complete listing of the Museum and art collections is currently being compiled. Although the collections are not displayed they can still be made accessible to the public by prior arrangement. The collections are added to when appropriate material becomes available. We also hope to make more available through electronic media in the future.

You will see a few examples of works from the collections throughout these web pages. As with all museums, this is decided upon with reference to the Council’s Collecting Policy. Should you have an enquiry about the collections, or wish to make an appointment to view a particular part of the collection, please contact the Museums and Galleries Service at Rozelle House.