The Galleries will bring the past, present and future of Dunfermline – one of Scotland’s ancient Royal capitals – to life, by showcasing historic collections and superb built heritage, and by conserving and interpreting historic objects for future generations. .
Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries will be a spectacular, fully accessible museum and art gallery in the heart of Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter. Designed by award-winning architect Richard Murphy, the new and imaginative build will integrate superbly with the world’s first Carnegie Library.
A new focal point for the town and Heritage Quarter, Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries is a significant £12.4 million investment, and will be key to unlocking Dunfermline’s significant potential; raising the cultural profile, increasing tourism and providing economic and social benefits for the town and its people.
The project is a Fife Council development, with key funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Carnegie Dunfermline Trust already secured. Fife Cultural Trust is managing the project on behalf of Fife Council, and will operate the new facility when it opens.
The facility will supersede two small and inadequately accessible museum premises, Dunfermline Museum and Pittencrieff House Museum, and serve as a gateway to the town’s illustrious past, opening up a new public space between the historic buildings of the Heritage Quarter.
This vision will be realised through:
•New Museum Displays & Exhibitions - The main museum display will cover six themes: Industry; Transport; Recreation and Culture; Home Life; Two World Wars; and Dunfermline as a Centre of Royal and Religious Power. Three galleries will present a lively and engaging programme of changing visual art and exhibitions.
•A new Local Studies Centre - Visitors will be free to browse Dunfermline’s wide-ranging collection of local history archives, books and photographs in a purpose built study space. Special emphasis will be given to exploring some of the town’s hidden gems, including the Murison Burns Collection, a significant collection of books and memorabilia relating to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, and the George Reid collection of illuminated manuscripts and early books.
•Preservation and celebration of the world’s first Carnegie Library - The new development of a modern children’s library and the preservation and conservation of existing facilities within this historic building will create a cultural hub and learning resource for local residents and visitors alike.
•Creative and inspiring learning experiences - Community engagement will be central to shaping the activities programme, with groups encouraged to create their own exhibitions and run activities for visitors. An education programme linked with the Curriculum for Excellence will provide inspirational experiences for children and young people. A full range of volunteering opportunities, school and vocational placement will be available throughout the construction and once open. Over 350 people, from school children to pensioners, have already contributed to the development project.
•A new high profile visitor attraction and public open space in the heart of the Heritage Quarter - A former car park will be transformed into a landscaped public garden running through the middle of the Heritage Quarter, linking into existing paths around the historic buildings and providing a haven for contemplation and relaxation. This open space will deliver wonderful views from the mezzanine café in the building.
