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

Paint strokes with text that reads Art Exhibition
Tuesday 26 May – Saturday 27 June 2026
See listing for opening hours
Free

Girvan Arts Festival Exhibition

Girvan Arts Festival Exhibition
Girvan Arts Festival Presents Femme Fatale Crime Writing Workshop
Saturday 30 May 2026
10am - 12noon
10

Sharon Bairden and Noelle Holten: Femme Fatale Crime Writing Workshop

Sharon Bairden and Noelle Holten: Femme Fatale Crime Writing Workshop
Banner showing a cultivated field with neat rows of green potato plants stretching into the distance under a cloudy sky. A fence runs along the left side, with trees and a distant coastline visible on the horizon. Large white text in the center reads “Girvan Tattie Fest Exhibition 9–19 June,” with smaller credit text at the bottom right.
Tuesday 9 June - Friday 19 June 2026
Free

Girvan Tattie Fest Exhibition

Girvan Tattie Fest Exhibition
Our Freedom (dsa 3)
14 July - 7 August 2026
See listing for opening times
Free

Our Freedom: Then and Now

Our Freedom: Then and Now

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