Campbeltown Museum
Campbeltown Museum
Campbeltown Museum tells the story of Kintyre through its collection of archaeology, fine art, natural sciences, and social history. Highlights include a Bronze Age jet necklace, a seascape by William McTaggart, a reflector from the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse, and a swooping gannet.
We are working in partnership with Argyll and Isles Culture Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHArts) to support Campbeltown Museum development initiatives.
Campbeltown Museum cares for many artworks, these can be viewed via Art UK
There is currently a mini display to commemorate the Argyll Colliery. Find out more on The Road to Drumleman Project website.
Campbeltown Museum is a member of Explore Campbeltown.
The Building
James MacAlister Hall was born in Campbeltown, but like many of its residents travelled far and wide to make his fortune. After a successful career in India he returned to the town of his birth, founding Campbeltown Museum and Library in 1898. He was rewarded with the Freedom of the Burgh, a distinction only bestowed twice before – to the Duke of Argyll in 1840 and the Marquess of Lorne in 1868. He employed one of the most celebrated architects of the time, John James Burnet, to design the new Museum, Library and Ladies Reading Room. Burnet’s building is a masterpiece of Victorian Renaissance architecture and retains all of its original internal timber panelling, chimneypieces, decorative plasterwork and cupolas.
Also within the building are Campbeltown’s Marriage Room and Argyll and Bute Council’s Service Point.
Linda McCartney Memorial Garden
Burnet’s original design included a loggia opening to a sheltered inner garden. This garden has since been redesigned and dedicated to the memory of Linda McCartney, a statue of whom forms the centrepiece. The garden is open between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm (Mon to Fri) and 10.00 am and 4.00 pm (Sat and Sun).
Friends of Campbeltown Museum
The Friends of the Museum provide invaluable support to the museum via their fundraising activities and support of events. The Friends are always looking for new members, if you would like to get involved please contact a curator who will put you in touch.
Opening Hours
Campbeltown Museum will be closed from 18th December to 6th January.
Museum
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
20th May - 23rd August
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Access via the Burnett Building main entrance. From 12pm entrance to the museum will ONLY be via the Linda McCartney Memorial Garden.
The museum is free to all visitors but donations are most welcome.
Please note that during Bank Holidays, your local facility opening times may differ – please contact us to find out more information. Access to the museum may also be restricted during marriage ceremonies – it is advised that you call ahead to confirm arrangements.