Dick Institute, Art museum and public library in Kilmarnock, Scotland
The Dick Institute is an art museum and public library in Kilmarnock, Scotland, housed in a large Victorian sandstone building from 1901. The spaces feature gallery areas, exhibition spaces, and a central library all within the same structure.
The institute was funded by James Dick, a Scottish expatriate living in Australia, around 1900. A major fire in 1908 damaged the building significantly, and it later served as a military hospital during World War I.
The main gallery hosts rotating exhibitions featuring works from notable contemporary artists and institutions. These changing shows give the place its role as a center for viewing modern art.
The institute is open Tuesday through Saturday, with extended evening hours on Thursdays and free admission to all galleries and library services. The large staircase and wide corridors make it easy to move around the spaces.
The museum displays a replica of John Wilson's printing press, which produced the first edition of Robert Burns' poems. Alongside rotating original manuscripts, this offers a rare glimpse into Scotland's literary heritage.
Location: East Ayrshire
Inception: 1901
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Dick Institute, Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock KA1 3BT, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: Tuesday,Wednesday 10:00-18:00; Thursday 13:00-20:00; Friday,Saturday 10:00-16:00
Website: http://eastayrshireleisure.com/index.php?a=landing&id=6&sid=146&mid=169
GPS coordinates: 55.60839,-4.48972
Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04
Dean Castle
1.7 km
Craufurdland Castle
3.8 km
Burns Monument
502 m
Kilmaurs Place
3.9 km
Caprington Castle
2.9 km
Palace Theatre
326 m
Kilmaurs Castle
3.3 km
Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock
523 m
Kay Park
519 m
Howard Park, Kilmarnock
935 m
Haining Place and the Barony of Haining-Ross
3.5 km
Blacksyke Tower
3 km
Kilmarnock railway viaduct
491 m
Titchfield Street drill hall, Kilmarnock
535 m
Shawhill Estate
2.7 km
Kilmarnock War Memorial
65 m
Bailliehill Mount
3.3 km
Holy Trinity Church (Kilmarnock)
681 m
Odeon
681 m
Castle Hill, Caprington
2.5 km
Kilmaurs, Tour, Dovecot
3.4 km
Caprington Golf Course
2.9 km
Kilmarnock, Riccarton Parish Church
1.5 km
Old High Kirk (Kilmarnock)
546 m
Kilmarnock, Dean Road, Dean Country Park, Dean Castle, Palace Range
1.7 km
Shawhill House
2.7 km
Kilmarnock, Hill Street, St Joseph's R C Church
735 m
Kilmarnock, St Marnock Street, Court House
600 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes