Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery is a historical gem located in the heart of Dunbar, East Lothian. The building itself dates back to the 16th century and has been beautifully restored to its former glory, complete with original features and furnishings. The museum and gallery offer visitors a fascinating insight into the rich history and culture of the local area.
The museum’s collection includes a wide range of artefacts and exhibits, from prehistoric fossils to medieval weaponry and local pottery. Visitors can explore the different rooms of the townhouse, including the kitchen, bedroom, and drawing room, each of which has been carefully recreated to give a glimpse into life in Dunbar over the centuries. The gallery space showcases contemporary art exhibitions from local and international artists, providing a unique contrast to the historical setting.
Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or simply looking for an interesting day out, Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery is a must-visit destination. With knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions and a range of events and activities throughout the year, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery Overview
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is a historic building located in the town of Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland. The building dates back to the 16th century and is known for its distinctive Witch’s Hat Tower.
The Town House has served many purposes over the centuries, including as a courthouse, town hall, and jail. Today, it is a museum and gallery that showcases the history and art of the local area.
The museum section of the Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery features exhibits on the town’s history, including its role in the Scottish Wars of Independence and the life of John Muir, a famous environmentalist who was born in Dunbar. Visitors can also see artifacts from the town’s past, such as medieval coins and pottery.
The gallery section of the Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery features rotating exhibits of local and regional art. The exhibits showcase a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Historical Significance
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is a significant historical landmark in Dunbar, a small coastal town in East Lothian, Scotland. The town of Dunbar has a rich history dating back to the 7th century, when it was a major centre of power for the Picts. The town became a royal burgh in the 14th century, and played an important role in Scottish history during the Wars of Independence and the Jacobite uprisings.
The Dunbar Town House, which dates back to the 16th century, was the administrative centre for the burgh and played a crucial role in the town’s development. The building has been used for a variety of purposes over the centuries, including as a courthouse, a jail, and a meeting place for the burgh council. Today, the building serves as a museum and gallery, showcasing the town’s rich history and culture.
Visitors to the museum can explore the building’s many rooms and exhibits, which cover a range of topics related to local history, including the history of the burgh, the town’s fishing industry, and the lives of notable local figures. The museum also features a collection of art and artefacts, including paintings, sculptures, and historical objects.
Exhibitions and Displays
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions and displays throughout the year. The museum’s collection includes a range of artefacts, artworks, and documents that relate to the local history of Dunbar and the surrounding area.
The museum’s art exhibitions showcase the work of local and national artists. These exhibitions change regularly, so visitors can always expect to see something new and exciting. The exhibitions cover a range of styles and mediums, from oil paintings to sculptures.
The Local History Display Area is a permanent display that tells the story of Dunbar’s history. The display covers topics such as the town’s fishing industry, its role in the Battle of Dunbar, and the life of John Muir, who was born in Dunbar. The display includes a range of artefacts, photographs, and documents that bring the town’s history to life.
In addition to the Local History Display, the museum also has a collection of artefacts and documents that relate to the history of Dunbar and the surrounding area. These artefacts include items such as tools used in the fishing industry, military memorabilia, and items related to the life of John Muir.
The museum’s displays are designed to be informative and engaging for visitors of all ages. The displays are well-presented and easy to understand, with clear labels and information panels.
The Building and Its Features
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is a historic building located in the heart of Dunbar, East Lothian. The building dates back to the 16th century and was originally used as a council chamber and jail. Today, it has been beautifully restored and transformed into a museum and gallery, showcasing the rich history and culture of the town.
The building’s exterior is a stunning example of Scottish Renaissance architecture, with its distinctive crow-stepped gables and intricate stonework. The interior features a number of interesting and unique features, including two sun dials, which were used to tell the time and date, and a debtor’s cell, which gives visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities of debtors’ prisons.
One of the most fascinating features of the building is the jail, which housed prisoners from the 16th century until the early 20th century. Visitors can step inside the jail and see the original iron door, as well as the prisoners’ graffiti, which provides a fascinating insight into their lives and experiences.
The council chamber is another highlight of the building, with its impressive wooden panelling and ornate ceiling. This room was once used for meetings of the town council and is now used as a space for exhibitions and events.
Local History and Research
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is a great place for anyone interested in local history. The museum is home to the Dunbar and District History Society, which was founded in 1984 to preserve and promote the history of Dunbar and the surrounding area. The society has an extensive collection of photographs, documents, and artefacts that tell the story of the town and its people.
Visitors to the museum can explore the Local History Archive, which contains a wealth of information about Dunbar’s past. The archive includes records of businesses, schools, churches, and other organisations that have played a role in the town’s history. There are also maps, census records, and other documents that provide insight into the lives of Dunbar’s residents over the years.
The Research Room is available for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the town’s history. The room is equipped with computers, microfilm readers, and other resources that can help visitors with their research. The museum staff are knowledgeable and can provide guidance and assistance to anyone who needs it.
Local history is an important part of Dunbar’s heritage, and the museum is committed to preserving and sharing this heritage with visitors. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the area, the museum is a great place to learn about Dunbar’s fascinating past.
Tours and Events
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery offers a range of tours and events throughout the year, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the town.
Tours
Guided tours of the museum and gallery are available on request, allowing visitors to explore the exhibits in more detail and gain a deeper understanding of the town’s rich heritage. The knowledgeable guides are passionate about sharing their expertise and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Events
The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including talks, workshops and exhibitions. These events offer a unique insight into the history and culture of Dunbar and are a great way to engage with the local community.
Ghost Hunting
For those who are interested in the paranormal, the museum also offers ghost hunting events. These events take place after hours and provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the town house and gallery in a completely different way. Led by experienced paranormal investigators, these events are a fascinating insight into the world of ghost hunting.
Ghost Hunting Venue
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is also available as a venue for private ghost hunting events. With its rich history and atmospheric surroundings, the town house is the perfect location for a spooky evening of paranormal investigation. Contact the museum for more information on booking a private ghost hunt.
Visitor Information and Accessibility
The Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is an accessible and welcoming attraction for visitors of all ages. Here is some useful information to help plan your visit:
Opening Hours
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. It is closed on Mondays, except for public holidays.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible, with a lift to all floors and disabled parking available nearby. There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
Tourist Information Service
The museum has a tourist information service, where visitors can find out more about the local area and other attractions in Dunbar. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and can provide maps and leaflets to help plan your visit.
Visitor Information
There is a small gift shop on the ground floor, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books related to the museum’s collections. There is also a café on the ground floor, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals.
Travel and Parking Information
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is located in the heart of Dunbar, a historic coastal town in East Lothian. Visitors can easily access the museum by train, bus, car or bike.
Train and Bus
Dunbar has a train station that is served by regular trains from Edinburgh and other nearby towns. Visitors can also take the bus to Dunbar from Edinburgh and other parts of East Lothian. The museum is just a short walk from the train station and bus stops.
Car
Visitors can reach Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery by car via the A1. The museum is located in the town centre and there are several car parks nearby, including the High Street Car Park and the Bleachingfield Centre Car Park. Parking fees may apply.
Coach Parking
Coach parking is available in the nearby Bleachingfield Centre Car Park. Please note that parking fees may apply.
Bike
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is located on the John Muir Way, a long-distance walking and cycling route that runs along the East Lothian coast. Visitors can park their bikes in the designated bike racks outside the museum.
Address
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is located at High Street, Dunbar, EH42 1ER.
Community and Council Involvement
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery has been an integral part of the community since its inception. Over the years, the museum has received support from the local council and councillors, as well as the wider community.
The museum has a dedicated community room that is available for use by local groups and organisations. This room is often used for meetings, workshops, and events, and provides a valuable space for the community to come together.
The local council has also been involved in the museum’s development and growth. They have provided funding for exhibitions and events, and have worked closely with the museum to ensure that it meets the needs of the local community.
In addition, the museum has been supported by local magistrates, who have provided valuable advice and guidance on legal matters.
Regular meetings are held between the museum and the council, councillors, and other community groups to discuss the museum’s progress and future plans. This open dialogue ensures that the museum remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the community.
Staff and Volunteers
The Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is run by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who are passionate about preserving the history and culture of the town. The staff and volunteers at the museum are known for their friendly and knowledgeable approach, and they are always happy to answer questions and provide information about the exhibits.
The museum has a small team of paid staff who oversee the day-to-day operations of the museum. These staff members are responsible for everything from managing the exhibits to greeting visitors and ensuring that the museum is running smoothly. The staff members are highly trained and knowledgeable about the history and culture of Dunbar, and they are always happy to share their expertise with visitors.
In addition to the paid staff, the museum also relies heavily on volunteers to help with various tasks. The volunteers at the museum come from all walks of life, and they are united by their love of history and their desire to preserve the heritage of Dunbar. The volunteers help with everything from giving tours to helping with special events, and they are an integral part of the museum’s success.
Social Media and Online Presence
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery has a strong online presence, with active accounts on Facebook and Twitter. These platforms provide an opportunity for the museum to connect with its audience, share news and updates, and promote upcoming events.
The museum’s Facebook page has over 1,500 followers and is regularly updated with posts about exhibitions, events, and other news. The page also includes information about the museum’s history, opening hours, and contact details.
Visitors can leave reviews on the page, which can be a valuable source of feedback for the museum. The page also allows visitors to interact with the museum by commenting on posts and sharing their own photos and memories.
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery’s Twitter account has over 700 followers and is used to share news and updates in real-time. The account is particularly active during events, providing live updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
The museum also uses Twitter to engage with its audience, responding to questions and comments and retweeting content from other museums and cultural institutions.
Additional Services
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery offers a range of additional services to enhance your experience and make your visit more enjoyable. These services include:
Civil Marriages
The Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is licensed to hold civil marriage ceremonies. The beautiful and historic building provides a unique and memorable setting for your special day. Our experienced team can help you plan and organise every aspect of your ceremony to ensure that it is perfect in every way.
Group Visits
We welcome group visits to the museum and gallery. Whether you are a school group, a community group, or a group of friends and family, we can provide a tailored experience to suit your needs. Our knowledgeable staff can provide guided tours, talks, and workshops to enhance your visit and help you get the most out of your time with us.
Tourist Information
As well as being a museum and gallery, Dunbar Town House is also a tourist information centre. Our staff can provide information and advice on local attractions, accommodation, and events. We can also help you plan your itinerary and provide maps and guides to help you explore the local area.
We hope that these additional services will help to make your visit to Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Surrounding Area and Local Attractions
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is located in the heart of Dunbar’s historic High Street. The town is situated on the east coast of Scotland, around 30 miles east of Edinburgh. Dunbar is a charming coastal town with a rich history and plenty to see and do in the surrounding area.
Visitors to Dunbar can explore the town’s historic sites, including the ruins of Dunbar Castle and the 16th-century John Muir’s Birthplace. The town is also home to several beautiful beaches, including Belhaven Bay, which is popular with surfers.
For those interested in nature, Dunbar is a great base for exploring the nearby John Muir Country Park, which covers around 7,000 acres of coastline, woodland, and farmland. The park is named after the famous conservationist and naturalist, John Muir, who was born in Dunbar in 1838.
In addition to its natural beauty and historic sites, Dunbar has a thriving arts and culture scene. The town is home to several galleries, including the Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery, which showcases the work of local and national artists.