Venue

Built in 1776, the former parish church in Saltcoats, houses our principal museum collection.

With an artefact collection of local, regional and national importance, many objects are displayed on a permanent basis along with regularly changing temporary exhibitions. The collection is varied and includes: a stone sarcophagus, thought to be one of the finest examples of Scottish medieval sculpture, archaeology, social, domestic, military and natural history, costume, fine art and the Ardrossan Burgh Fire Engine, built in 1866 and manually operated, used during the First World War.

Set within the magnificent grounds of Rozelle Park, the Maclaurin Gallery offers a rare chance to enjoy a wide range of works from local, national and internationally acclaimed artists.

The impressive mansion house, built in 1760 in the style of Robert Adam was gifted to the Royal Burgh of Ayr in 1968. A generous bequest of funds from the late Mrs Mary Maclaurin enabled the conversion of the coach house and stables into an art gallery in 1976 and the ongoing acquisition of a unique collection of classic and contemporary art.

Dean Castle, home and stronghold of the Boyd family for over 400 years, is open all year round to visitors and is one of Ayrshire’s greatest free attractions. The Keep, dating to around 1350, and the Palace or Place, built about 100 years later, house spectacular displays of historic weaponry, armour, plus medieval tapestries and more. (Please note due to current building issues at Dean Castle the musical instruments have been temporarily removed from display).

Refurbished in 2004, the Burns House Museum is a fresh combination of interactive and traditional exhibits; the Museum represents a truly authentic Burns experience.

Situated in the cobbled back streets of Mauchline where Robert Burns lived and worked between 1784 and 1788, years considered to be the most important and formative of his life. It was also Mauchline where he met and married his great love Jean Armour. On display here are a number of original manuscripts and objects from Burns’ life, including poems and letters, as well as an original Kilmarnock Edition.