The McKechnie Institute

The McKechnie Institute

Girvan’s cultural hub, features a permanent display of artefacts highlighting the town’s heritage. The McKechnie Institute also hosts a regular programme of changing exhibitions. Visit the McKechnie, to see Girvan through time:

  • Artworks by Alex Cubie and William Muir
  • Geology, fossils, the history of Ailsa Craig and its granite
  • Maritime history and model ships
  • Free family engagement space and activities – available during opening hours
  • Victorian lounge and bedroom

Contact us

Address

The McKechnie Institute, 40 Dalrymple Street, Girvan KA26 9AE

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Key Features

Opening Hours

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
1pm – 4pm
Wednesday
1.30pm – 4.30pm
Saturday
10.30am – 4pm

Location map

Looking for a fun, social, and relaxing outdoor activity?​

Try your hand at Boules at the McKechnie Institute’s court in Girvan! Whether you're a seasoned player or a total beginner, it's the perfect way to enjoy a game with friends and family. Free activity during opening hours. Boules are available from reception.

Now on display - Bronze Age Cinerary Urns

We are delighted to announce that the Bronze Age cinerary urns are back on display. The urns were excavated at Coalpots Road, Girvan (now known as Urnfield), in 1961 and date to approximately 2100-1500BC.

The McKechnie Institute is now on Bloomberg Connects

Download our new app and add to your experience when you visit.

The McKechnie Explorers

Journey through The McKechnie Institute and discover fun facts and interesting objects along the way.

Exhibitions and Events

Promotional graphic for the Art Deco Ayrshire: Irvine to Girvan exhibition by Rona McSeveny. The design features a stylised Art Deco illustration of a cream and burgundy building with curved architectural details, large windows and a tiled courtyard under a blue sky. The right-hand side has a burgundy background with the exhibition title, dates 21 August to 17 October, and venue details The McKechnie Institute, Girvan displayed in cream-coloured Art Deco-inspired typography. The overall design reflects the elegant geometric style and colours associated with the Art Deco movement.
Friday 21 August - Saturday 17 October 2026
See listing for times
Free entry

Art Deco in Ayrshire - Irvine to Girvan

Art Deco in Ayrshire – Irvine to Girvan
Graphic promoting Doors Open Days 2026. The design features the words “DOORS OPEN DAYS” in large green letters on a white background, with “2026” displayed vertically in turquoise on the right side. Turquoise panels border the left and right edges of the image.
Saturday 12 September & Sunday 13 September 2026
10.30am - 4pm
Free

Doors Open Days - The McKechnie Institute

Doors Open Days – The McKechnie Institute
Promotional graphic for “Art Deco Days” by Historic Environment Scotland. The left half shows a black-and-white historic photograph of an Art Deco-style building with people, bicycles, and a vintage vehicle outside. The right half has a light grey background with the Historic Environment Scotland logo, the large title “ART DECO DAYS,” and the text “with Jackie Sangster from Historic Scotland.” A circular black-and-white headshot of a person wearing glasses appears in the lower right corner. The overall design uses blue typography and Art Deco-inspired styling.
Thursday 15 October 2026
1.30pm (Doors open 1pm)
Free | Donations welcome

Art Deco Days at the McKechnie Institute

Art Deco Days at the McKechnie Institute

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