{Scotland} The Carnegie Library & Galleries
Happy Museum Monday! A couple of weeks ago I shared our visit to the fantastic Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Dunfermline, here in Scotland. Well, it’s not the only museum Dunfermline has to offer, as we also popped in to the Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries which houses a museum about Dunfermline’s rich history.
Our main reason for visiting had actually been to visit a special exhibition for families all about fairy tales, which only ran over the summer, but the permanent exhibition also had some interesting bits for kids, with six different themes to explore: Industry, Leisure & Recreation, Transport, Conflict, Homes and Royal Dunfermline.
As well as audio to listen to, labels to turn and match up, and materials to touch, there were things like costumes to try on, an arch building activity, and some costumes to try on, a couple of touchscreen games and a drawing/ colouring station.
There’s also a little garden right next to the museum, with a maze which the boys enjoyed chasing each other through.
I think it total we spent around half an hour or so in the permanent exhibition. If you are travelling from further away like we were, it may not feel worth travelling in to Dunfermline just for this, unless there is also a special exhibition or event on at the time. But it’s a lovely wee museum, and together with the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum as well as the nearby Dunfermline Abbey and Palace (run by Historic Scotland) there is definitely plenty in Dunfermline to make a good day trip out of it!
This looks like a sweet place to visit if you’re in the area – I bet the maze is a lot of fun!
Thanks for the honest review, it sounds good for a little afternoon out if you are local. We have a small museum local to us and it can be looked around in about 20 minutes.
Sounds okay if you’re in the area anyway but as you said, maybe not worth a special trip.
Looks good for an easy day out. I do like museums with more practical stuff so the kids don’t tend to get bored!
Museums & exhibitions are something that really interests my daughter and going to our local one was so much fun. There is so much to see and do. It’s such a great way to learn isn’t it? It’s a shame that you didn’t feel it was worth a special trip.
I may not have phrased that very well (I’ve edited the last paragraph to hopefully make it clearer). I’ve worked in museums for over 15 years and always think they are worth a visit. I meant travelling from further away as we were and then spending just half an hour there might not feel worth the time it takes to get there BUT it’s a lovely wee museum and as part of a day trip to Dunfermline definitely worth a visit!
This looks like a great place to vsiit – love places where the kids can get stuck in
Awesome place to go with especially when you have kids, they will enjoy all the activities. And best of all admission is free.
Looks like an interesting place to visit. I like it when they have fun and interactive things for the kids to enjoy to.