The Dick Institute
The Dick Institute
4.5
오전 10:00~오후 6:00
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휴무
화요일
오전 10:00 - 오후 6:00
수요일
오전 10:00 - 오후 6:00
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오후 1:00 - 오후 8:00
금요일
오전 10:00 - 오후 4:00
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오전 10:00 - 오후 4:00
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베스트 주변
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5km 내 113개
관광명소
10km 내 46개
4.5
리뷰 94건
훌륭함
66
매우 좋음
25
보통
3
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Explore-Lanarkshire
이스트 킬브라이드, UK포스팅 10건
2024년 12월 • 친구
In the pre-Christmas period, my friend and I finally visited the Dick Institute in Kilmarnock, taking advantage of its relatively quiet atmosphere. We travelled about 25 miles to visit it. This multifaceted venue — comprising a museum, library, exhibition space, and activity areas — occupies a distinguished late Victorian public building opened in 1901. Entry was free, and adjacent parking was also free and plentiful when we visited.
The building itself is a marvel, situated within beautiful and well-appointed landscaped grounds. It features an imposing late Neoclassical façade. Inside, the interior boasts rich teak or mahogany panelling, floors, and doorframes, complemented by elegant white plaster cornicing, ornate mouldings, intricate tiling, and stone finishes. Fully functional cast iron fireplaces add to the building’s historic charm, their gentle warmth and trickling away certainly enhancing the overall ambience. Such well-appointed public buildings from this period have a strong civilising quality, and we found ourselves deeply impressed as soon as we walked in the door. We held our heads a little higher and felt proud on behalf of the people of Kilmarnock. The Dick Institute felt like a miniature Kelvingrove set within an Ayrshire town. Despite its reputation as one of Scotland’s premier municipal galleries and provincial museums, the experience certainly surpassed our expectations.
Though relatively small, the Institute is larger than one might anticipate for Kilmarnock. Its scale is better understood in the context of the town’s industrial prosperity and growth during the 19th century.
The library and café areas, very modern in design and function, cater to daily footfall. Their appearance is quite utilitarian. We learned, however, that the collections include valuable historical books, manuscripts, and even the ancient Boyd of Kilmarnock papers, which are tucked away from public view.
The museum occupies two principal areas on the first floor, accessible via a grand staircase featuring a memorial plaque. There is also lift access. Original display cases are integrated into the central stairwell balustrade. These contain mostly wartime memorabilia when we visited, and were very interesting. One of the main halls, modernised to provide behind-the-scenes insights, includes windows into storage areas housing historic weaponry, processional drums, and taxidermy collections crammed into every available nook and cranny. These displays range from mammals and birds to insect cases, with additional traditional display cases in the main hall showing even more. This area also leads onto a space which includes a diverse collection of archaeological and palaeontological artefacts, including fossils millions of years old and evidence of prehistoric human settlement in the district. A standout feature is the enormous whale jawbone, forming an archway over a Classical doorway through which the visitor passes. Highlights for children include a model dinosaur and a stuffed lion.
The second larger hall on the opposite side showcases Kilmarnock’s significant industrial and historical legacies. Exhibits highlight mining, whisky production and labelling, the Carron Ironworks, and the Glenfield Forge to name a few. These exhibits are well curated and crammed with interest. The spinning and weaving display (the Loom Room) was particularly significant to us. The sight of the ‘meikle wheel’ and a foot-pedalled loom was profound, offering an important connection to the 18th and 19th-century weaving trade that shaped many Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, and Lanarkshire communities. Surprisingly absent from most museum displays, these artefacts were a treasure to see. Coming from a town where its core older villages thrived on weaving, we have nothing in our hometown or nearby that explores this topic. It took a visit to Kilmarnock for us to achieve it, and we were very grateful!
The room also featured notable artworks, including a portrait of a local weaver and a figurative piece by Hornel, a favourite artist of ours. The Mauchlineware collection was another cherished highlight.
The Robert Burns exhibit was the real showstopper. Considering Kilmarnock’s pivotal role in Burns’ rise to fame, the display did not disappoint. It was profoundly moving, indeed hair-raising and unexpected, to see an original Kilmarnock Edition of Burns’ foundational work, with its pages open at ‘The Twa Dogs’. If this was not impressive enough, it was displayed alongside a phrenological cast of Burns’ own skull. The connection to history was absolutely palpable. The reconstructed Wilson printing press used for the 1786 edition was also very impressive. We did see the original press in Alloway, or what is left of it. Alas, it was carved into an elaborate chair by Victorians! Kilmarnock offered as a flavour of the original, and the story of its reconstruction was inspiring.
A modern exhibition space downstairs houses contemporary displays. While they were not entirely to our taste and cultural awareness, it was clear that this area is vital and well-used, filling a gap in facilities many towns lack. Indeed, it was one of the most impressive exhibition spaces outside of major cities that we have seen.
Staff were present throughout, maintaining a helpful but unobtrusive presence that allowed visitors to explore freely while also safeguarding exhibits.
The opening hours are practical and balanced across the week, though a later closing time on Saturdays, perhaps to 5 p.m., would better accommodate late-rising weekend visitors travelling from much farther afield.
THE CONS AND AREAS FOR IMPORVEMENT:
Despite its exceptional qualities, the Dick Institute has untapped potential —
Café Experience: The current café lacks any charm. It offers mostly uninspiring fare and seating that contrasts with the building’s elegance, although it does fit better into the more modern and utilitarian library space. While undoubtedly adequate for doorstep users, it is clear that an enhanced hospitality would greatly enhance the visitor experience. Such an effort can remain viable and affordable. An experience akin to the enhanced municipal hospitality services within Glasgow’s Mitchell Library or Kelvingrove Museum could attract more visitors. It doesn’t need to be super fancy. Make the Dick Institute more of an overall experience.
Unrepresented Themes: Key figures and landscapes from East Ayrshire’s history, such as William Wallace’s legendary and historical associations in East Ayrshire; Loudoun Hill’s connection to Robert the Bruce and Celtic Civilisation in Scotland; the rich covenanter heritage including Peden; and James Boswell’s association with Auchinleck and its landscape, are underexplored. These elements deserve attention to reflect the region’s rich cultural and aesthetic landscape charms. The Dick Institute, as it is, does seem overly industrial and Burns in its focus. An idea of the grand country estates and scenery would help to round it off. For example, where are the references to Ballochmyle and its foghouse, and the many other haunts of Burns? Help celebrate Ayrshire the place, rather than just the people and output within it. Setting is everything.
Retail Opportunities: Another issue is the lack of capitalisation. Even a very small shop section beside the café or entrance area could help visitors take a bit of history away with them. The building intrigued us as much as the exhibits, to the extent we requested a written history of the building from the library section. Sadly, all that was available was a dog-eared photocopy of an older volume kept in a polypocket for reference. This was very satisfying to read and it answered many questions. Despite our gratitude, we would have preferred to buy an updated history, which could be achieved very cost-effectively by the trust, and generate some marginal revenue.
Lighting: While dim lighting preserves delicate artefacts from fading, it is overbearing in many areas and clearly detracts from the overall experience. It did, however, add some intimacy to the Burns’ exhibits.
Child Engagement: The museum’s collections are not especially child-friendly, lacking interactive exhibits and clear explanations. The activity section partially compensates, but it is generic and feels out of place in the historical setting.
Research Facilities: The building and parent museum collection obviously includes a lot of important historical books, manuscripts and records, but there was no clear consultation space or promotion for this within. A special consultation room, such as that found in Cumnock, would better showcase the ability to undertake deeper research and make people aware of what exists.
Another criticism is that this asset feels like an island to outsiders. It is unclear how it fits into the wider townscape. Improved street signage and a set of signposted walks connecting into wider Kilmarnock would be a great aid for tourists unfamiliar with the area, and help them to discover wider Kilmarnock. A Dick Institute leaflet with a heritage sightseeing trail for Robert Burns starting at the museum would be a good initial step and not expensive to produce. Perhaps something for the Council and its attendant Leisure Trust to look into.
The building itself is a marvel, situated within beautiful and well-appointed landscaped grounds. It features an imposing late Neoclassical façade. Inside, the interior boasts rich teak or mahogany panelling, floors, and doorframes, complemented by elegant white plaster cornicing, ornate mouldings, intricate tiling, and stone finishes. Fully functional cast iron fireplaces add to the building’s historic charm, their gentle warmth and trickling away certainly enhancing the overall ambience. Such well-appointed public buildings from this period have a strong civilising quality, and we found ourselves deeply impressed as soon as we walked in the door. We held our heads a little higher and felt proud on behalf of the people of Kilmarnock. The Dick Institute felt like a miniature Kelvingrove set within an Ayrshire town. Despite its reputation as one of Scotland’s premier municipal galleries and provincial museums, the experience certainly surpassed our expectations.
Though relatively small, the Institute is larger than one might anticipate for Kilmarnock. Its scale is better understood in the context of the town’s industrial prosperity and growth during the 19th century.
The library and café areas, very modern in design and function, cater to daily footfall. Their appearance is quite utilitarian. We learned, however, that the collections include valuable historical books, manuscripts, and even the ancient Boyd of Kilmarnock papers, which are tucked away from public view.
The museum occupies two principal areas on the first floor, accessible via a grand staircase featuring a memorial plaque. There is also lift access. Original display cases are integrated into the central stairwell balustrade. These contain mostly wartime memorabilia when we visited, and were very interesting. One of the main halls, modernised to provide behind-the-scenes insights, includes windows into storage areas housing historic weaponry, processional drums, and taxidermy collections crammed into every available nook and cranny. These displays range from mammals and birds to insect cases, with additional traditional display cases in the main hall showing even more. This area also leads onto a space which includes a diverse collection of archaeological and palaeontological artefacts, including fossils millions of years old and evidence of prehistoric human settlement in the district. A standout feature is the enormous whale jawbone, forming an archway over a Classical doorway through which the visitor passes. Highlights for children include a model dinosaur and a stuffed lion.
The second larger hall on the opposite side showcases Kilmarnock’s significant industrial and historical legacies. Exhibits highlight mining, whisky production and labelling, the Carron Ironworks, and the Glenfield Forge to name a few. These exhibits are well curated and crammed with interest. The spinning and weaving display (the Loom Room) was particularly significant to us. The sight of the ‘meikle wheel’ and a foot-pedalled loom was profound, offering an important connection to the 18th and 19th-century weaving trade that shaped many Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, and Lanarkshire communities. Surprisingly absent from most museum displays, these artefacts were a treasure to see. Coming from a town where its core older villages thrived on weaving, we have nothing in our hometown or nearby that explores this topic. It took a visit to Kilmarnock for us to achieve it, and we were very grateful!
The room also featured notable artworks, including a portrait of a local weaver and a figurative piece by Hornel, a favourite artist of ours. The Mauchlineware collection was another cherished highlight.
The Robert Burns exhibit was the real showstopper. Considering Kilmarnock’s pivotal role in Burns’ rise to fame, the display did not disappoint. It was profoundly moving, indeed hair-raising and unexpected, to see an original Kilmarnock Edition of Burns’ foundational work, with its pages open at ‘The Twa Dogs’. If this was not impressive enough, it was displayed alongside a phrenological cast of Burns’ own skull. The connection to history was absolutely palpable. The reconstructed Wilson printing press used for the 1786 edition was also very impressive. We did see the original press in Alloway, or what is left of it. Alas, it was carved into an elaborate chair by Victorians! Kilmarnock offered as a flavour of the original, and the story of its reconstruction was inspiring.
A modern exhibition space downstairs houses contemporary displays. While they were not entirely to our taste and cultural awareness, it was clear that this area is vital and well-used, filling a gap in facilities many towns lack. Indeed, it was one of the most impressive exhibition spaces outside of major cities that we have seen.
Staff were present throughout, maintaining a helpful but unobtrusive presence that allowed visitors to explore freely while also safeguarding exhibits.
The opening hours are practical and balanced across the week, though a later closing time on Saturdays, perhaps to 5 p.m., would better accommodate late-rising weekend visitors travelling from much farther afield.
THE CONS AND AREAS FOR IMPORVEMENT:
Despite its exceptional qualities, the Dick Institute has untapped potential —
Café Experience: The current café lacks any charm. It offers mostly uninspiring fare and seating that contrasts with the building’s elegance, although it does fit better into the more modern and utilitarian library space. While undoubtedly adequate for doorstep users, it is clear that an enhanced hospitality would greatly enhance the visitor experience. Such an effort can remain viable and affordable. An experience akin to the enhanced municipal hospitality services within Glasgow’s Mitchell Library or Kelvingrove Museum could attract more visitors. It doesn’t need to be super fancy. Make the Dick Institute more of an overall experience.
Unrepresented Themes: Key figures and landscapes from East Ayrshire’s history, such as William Wallace’s legendary and historical associations in East Ayrshire; Loudoun Hill’s connection to Robert the Bruce and Celtic Civilisation in Scotland; the rich covenanter heritage including Peden; and James Boswell’s association with Auchinleck and its landscape, are underexplored. These elements deserve attention to reflect the region’s rich cultural and aesthetic landscape charms. The Dick Institute, as it is, does seem overly industrial and Burns in its focus. An idea of the grand country estates and scenery would help to round it off. For example, where are the references to Ballochmyle and its foghouse, and the many other haunts of Burns? Help celebrate Ayrshire the place, rather than just the people and output within it. Setting is everything.
Retail Opportunities: Another issue is the lack of capitalisation. Even a very small shop section beside the café or entrance area could help visitors take a bit of history away with them. The building intrigued us as much as the exhibits, to the extent we requested a written history of the building from the library section. Sadly, all that was available was a dog-eared photocopy of an older volume kept in a polypocket for reference. This was very satisfying to read and it answered many questions. Despite our gratitude, we would have preferred to buy an updated history, which could be achieved very cost-effectively by the trust, and generate some marginal revenue.
Lighting: While dim lighting preserves delicate artefacts from fading, it is overbearing in many areas and clearly detracts from the overall experience. It did, however, add some intimacy to the Burns’ exhibits.
Child Engagement: The museum’s collections are not especially child-friendly, lacking interactive exhibits and clear explanations. The activity section partially compensates, but it is generic and feels out of place in the historical setting.
Research Facilities: The building and parent museum collection obviously includes a lot of important historical books, manuscripts and records, but there was no clear consultation space or promotion for this within. A special consultation room, such as that found in Cumnock, would better showcase the ability to undertake deeper research and make people aware of what exists.
Another criticism is that this asset feels like an island to outsiders. It is unclear how it fits into the wider townscape. Improved street signage and a set of signposted walks connecting into wider Kilmarnock would be a great aid for tourists unfamiliar with the area, and help them to discover wider Kilmarnock. A Dick Institute leaflet with a heritage sightseeing trail for Robert Burns starting at the museum would be a good initial step and not expensive to produce. Perhaps something for the Council and its attendant Leisure Trust to look into.
2025년 1월 7일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
Thank you for your in-depth review, we really appreciate all feedback and I will pass this on to the Dick Institute team. Hopefully you will visit us again soon.
2025년 2월 6일 작성
이 답변은 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 시설 담당자의 주관적인 의견입니다.
hepziba k
포스팅 14건
2024년 2월 • 가족
It was very surprising... the museum wasn't huge but definitely a good collection. The animal display was fantastic. Library was huge too. Kids spent time reading..
2024년 2월 12일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us feedback, we are glad you enjoyed your visit. Hope you visit again soon.
2024년 3월 19일 작성
이 답변은 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 시설 담당자의 주관적인 의견입니다.
michieg121
에어, UK포스팅 1,045건
2023년 11월 • 커플
Very impressive and interesting place with a museum and art gallery as well as a library and excellent cafe. The Cafe has a good selection of baking and the coffee is excellent. Staff are friendly and helpful.
2023년 11월 4일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
hairdy
프레스턴, UK포스팅 4,204건
2022년 3월 • 개인
I visted as staying in the area for a Skerryvore gig in Darvel. A special trip was made as nrver visited before and a temporary Grayson Perry tapestry exhibition was on. There was so much to see, snd good to see the library open too. Lots of local history exhibited plus some good artwork. Well worth a visit if in the area, all staff very helpful
2022년 7월 20일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
Judith A
블랙풀, UK포스팅 117건
2022년 5월
My husband and I visited the museum whilst on a tour of the region. We called in as Kilmarnock was a good break in the journey up to Loch Lomond and we were interested to find out about the local history. Whilst the building is impressive, the interior is less so, and we found the museum to be lacking in so many ways. There was no flow to the exhibits, no labelling, so we didn’t know what were looking at and everywhere was dark and unwelcoming. There was nothing to interest children, nothing interactive and inspiring. I appreciate that a lot of money is needed to get this museum up to a high standard, but could not recommend anyone to visit. We spent about 30 mins here, which is not long for a visit and whilst I appreciate that it is free, would have preferred to have paid for a better experience. Lottery and government funding is clearly needed and an enthusiastic team of volunteers could make this a fantastic place to visit. Sadly, if this does not happen, I fear that this venue will not be worth visiting. I could not imagine how this place could inspire or interest children who should be excited to learn about their local history. I must add that the gentleman on duty in the north room was really helpful, pleasant and informative.
2022년 5월 21일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
Mixreview
해러게이트, UK포스팅 77건
2021년 8월
We arrived a little early and hung about outside for 20 minutes with another member of the public. Eventually, a member of staff walked around the building and told us that it was closed that day for cleaning. Nothing on the website and no notice on the door. Thinking about the customer appears to have been lost in the process and not so much as an apology, Very disappointed after we walked for 40 minutes to get there.
2021년 11월 26일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
Sharon G
Darvel, Scotland, United Kingdom포스팅 280건
2021년 10월
We, being me, my 10 year old and her bestie, went in the October School holidays. Was brilliant. Highlight of our holiday.
Fab welcome, felt safe, the Dean Castle exhibits was what we went for. Saw more than we expected to in that. So well done.... Was so impressed.
But there was so much more too. If you get the chance to visit, would highly recommend. We will be back.
Fab welcome, felt safe, the Dean Castle exhibits was what we went for. Saw more than we expected to in that. So well done.... Was so impressed.
But there was so much more too. If you get the chance to visit, would highly recommend. We will be back.
2021년 10월 14일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
CarpeDiemTravelling
글래스고, UK포스팅 70건
2020년 6월
Excellent museum in wunderkammer style with everything from dinosaurs to period art, furniture, everyday objects from bygone days and among other things a display of medieval armour with numerous full-body knight‘s suits, jousting spears, swords, shields. Among the best displays I‘ve seen, good lighting and space to view properly. This and the informative notes made it interesting even for me, someone who is not a military enthusiast. Family friendly. Young People’s Gallery has works chosen with teens in mind. Elsewhere liked the display of taxidermy animals and birds in a diorama grouping, with viewing windows placed at a good height for the wee visitors. Overall, museum is well organized, easy to navigate, and very well cared for, with staff who are friendly and love to talk about the collections. Plus, there is a resource library space and cafe that is bright and welcoming. Recommend!
2021년 5월 29일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
skln3
나라, 일본포스팅 3,733건
2020년 4월
キルマーノックにあるディック研究所です.図書室・アートギャラリー・博物館などさまざまな施設が併設されています.
2020년 4월 3일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
jinty20162017
에어셔, UK포스팅 51건
2019년 12월
Really interesting museum. With local lacemaking machinery and products.. Kilmarnock historical exhibits. Domestic utensils and household tools from past generations.
2020년 3월 8일 작성
이 리뷰는 트립어드바이저 LLC의 의견이 아닌 트립어드바이저 회원의 주관적인 의견입니다. 트립어드바이저에서는 리뷰를 확인합니다.
Hi - the library will be open for click and collect on 21 July - No dates yet for the opening of the galleries and museum - the best place to check for info is East Ayrshire Leisure website or social media.
2020년 7월 11일 작성
It's open Tuesday to Saturday. On Saturdays, it's open from 10am, until 4pm.
2020년 1월 21일 작성
It's closed on Sunday and Monday then open TUESDAY: 10am - 6pm
WEDNESDAY: 10am - 6pm
THURSDAY: 1pm - 8pm
FRIDAY: 10am - 4pm
SATURDAY: 10am - 4pm
2019년 10월 5일 작성
Hi Details for Dick Institute, Kilmarnock below. Hope this helps.
Museum & Gallery opening hours
Tuesday & Wednesday 10am-6pm
Thursday 1pm-8pm
Friday & Saturday 10am-4pm
Closed Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays - Sept 16 & December 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30.
Tel: 01563 554300
Full disabled access available Elmbank Avenue, Kilmarnock, KA1 3BU
2017년 8월 2일 작성
My parents originally came from Kilmarnock and the area around. My Father was an Abbott and my Grandfather's married sister was a McCutcheon My understanding was that members of that family had connections with The Dick Institute. Isabel H.
2016년 11월 9일 작성
Hello, We plan to visit the Dick Institute on a Saturday in May, 2016. I was wondering where the nearest carpark is located. I understand there's a multi-story garage nearby but the address wasn't provided. Thanks.
2015년 9월 22일 작성
So it's a year late but there is some parking available outside the Dick Institute failing that there are spaces to park on the road at the top of the hill at Kilmarnock Academy and you can walk down. All the towns car parks are pretty central and are about a 10 min walk away,oh and it's free parking in them at the weekend.
2017년 3월 7일 작성
Is it free to become a member? Is there wifi or do you need to be on a computer to access the internet? Are there quiet places to study?
2015년 5월 3일 작성
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