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
Promotional graphic for “Linoprint Taster Sessions.” The image shows two tubes of block-printing ink (blue and yellow), a white ink tray, and two red-handled brayers (rollers) arranged on a light grey work surface with sketch paper visible underneath. Bold black-and-white text reading “LINOPRINT” and “TASTER SESSIONS” appears over a bright yellow paint-stroke background on the left side of the image. The overall design has a creative, workshop-style feel.
Wednesday 26 August 2026
2pm - 4pm
Free event, donations welcome

Linoprint Taster Sessions at The McKechnie Institute

Linoprint Taster Sessions at The McKechnie Institute

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