Whether you are a first-time visitor to Mauchline or are returning to this historic town, the Burns House Museum is definitely worth a visit.
The museum is situated in the cobbled back streets of Mauchline where Robert Burns lived and worked between 1784 and 1788, years widely regarded as being his most creative and productive period. This was the time that Burns established himself as a poet, leading to the publication of the famous "Kilmarnock Edition”.
Burns and his wife Jean Armour spent some time living in the building that is now the museum and it features a recreation of the room they lodged in. Full of rare collections, original objects and documents relating to Burns’ time, the museum also brings the Burns story up to date.
Find out more about life in Mauchline in the 18th Century, by examining the artifacts and illustrations of the poet's friends and patrons. Discover the many vivid characters around the town that Burns knew, like Holy Willie, who featured in Burns’ poetry and is now buried in the graveyard opposite the museum.
Listen to Burns’ poems in our listening snug and have a go at reciting some poetry or record your own.
The collections on display are regularly changed, and a series of events in and around the museum each year ensure something for every taste and age.
Mauchline is also famous for the manufacture of curling stones, and for the decorative souvenir boxware known as Mauchline Ware, both of which are featured in displays here. You can find also find out more about these two famous local industries opposite the museum in Nanse Tinnock’s (an alehouse in Burns’ day)
Following refurbishment in December 2015, visitors will now be able to access the library which is housed within the re-designed Burns House Museum & Library.
Discover Treasured Moments in Ayrshire & Arran - Including Burns House Museum
