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
10am – 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

Man walking along a white wall. Logo in the left top corner reads Our Freedom then and Now.
14 July - 7 August 2026
See listing for opening times
Free

Our Freedom: Then and Now

Our Freedom: Then and Now
A table full of crafts supplies.
21 July - 1 August 2026
See listing for opening times
Free

Commonwealth Crafts at The McKechnie Institute

Commonwealth Crafts at The McKechnie Institute
Close-up photograph of a hand using a printmaking roller covered in bright pink ink on a work surface. Printmaking tools and ink containers are visible in the blurred background. Overlaid on a purple paint-stroke graphic is the text: “PRINTMAKING” and “DROP IN SESSIONS” in large white lettering. The image promotes family-friendly printmaking activities.
Friday 24 July & Friday 7 August 2026
1.30pm - 3.30pm
Free, drop-in

Printmaking Drop-In Sessions at The McKechnie Institute

Printmaking Drop-In Sessions at The McKechnie Institute
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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