380th Anniversary Exhibition - Celebrating 380 Years of the Auld Kirk Building in Kirkintilloch
People are being offered the chance to travel through time as they explore the history of one of East Dunbartonshire's most iconic buildings.
About 380th Anniversary Exhibition - Celebrating 380 Years of the Auld Kirk Building in Kirkintilloch
The Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch is hosting a free exhibition until 8 August 2024 – marking the 380th anniversary of the building itself.
The structure has Category A listed status, which is given to buildings of special architectural or historic interest which are outstanding examples of a particular period, style or type.
It began life as St Mary’s Parish Church in 1644 – designed to resemble the shape of a Greek cross, with traditional Scottish crow-stepped gables. The 1644 date stone is still visible on the exterior south gable wall.
A growing congregation led to a new St Mary’s being built at its current location next to Townhead Bridge and the Forth and Clyde Canal. It was completed in 1914.
The Auld Kirk building continued to be used for many years as a Sunday school, passing into the care of the Town Council and then opening as a museum in 1961 – following refurbishment by John Laird & Son.
Since 2011, the museum – which has a four-star Visit Scotland rating – has been managed by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust. It attracts thousands of visitors every year – from across the area and beyond.
Karin Jackson, General Manager of EDLC Trust, said, “The Auld Kirk Museum has hosted many wonderful exhibitions and events over the years so it’s only right that – on its 380th anniversary – we focus on the building itself.
“Times have changed massively since it became an iconic fixture locally, but it has survived and thrived. I hope as many people as possible take the chance to visit the free exhibition and explore its fascinating history.
“As well as photographs and information from the past you can also see some of the objects that have been in the museum's collection the longest.”
The Auld Kirk has a permanent display on the history of Kirkintilloch – including one of the iconic red telephone boxes created by the Lion Foundry – and a changing exhibition space which regularly showcases work by a range of local, national and international artists.
The 380th Anniversary Exhibition is on until 8 August 2024.
The Auld Kirk Museum – Cowgate, Kirkintilloch, G66 1HN – is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is free.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Auld Kirk Museum
Christmas Craft at the Auld Kirk Museum
Yule be sure of a warm welcome at the Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch, which is hosting a Christmas Craft exhibition between 15th November and 18th December!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Beautiful Shambles - A Visual Love Letter To Glasgow
For one weekend, four Scottish artists come together to share what this city means to them. Beautiful Shambles is a visual love letter to Glasgow with all its character, charm and contradictions.
READ MORE
Still Glasgow
Still Glasgow at the Gallery of Modern Art is an extensive new exhibition which has photography at its core and looks at Glasgow, past and present.
READ MORE
Fashion: International Photography Exhibition
This December, The Glasgow Gallery of Photography will be displaying an international photography exhibition with the theme Fashion running for 3 weeks.
READ MORE
Purple: International Photography Exhibition
This December, The Glasgow Gallery of Photography will be displaying an international photography exhibition with the theme Purple running for 3 weeks.
READ MORE
Glasgow Kiss: Ashley Rawson Solo Exhibition
For the first time Ashley Rawson's original paintings are being put on display, don't miss the Glasgow Kiss Exhibition at Cass Art in December!
READ MORE
Clò An Tìr - Cloth of the Land
Clò An Tìr, Cloth of the Land, is an exhibition celebrating the beauty and versatility of local materials!
READ MORE
Beneath the Trees
Beneath the Trees is a collaborative art exhibition at Saltspace Gallery featuring the work of B.B. Gray, Joanie Jack and Christine Novosel.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show returns to the Scottish Event Campus for 2026 between the 5th and 8th of February!
READ MOREFind other events in Glasgow
Sponsored Links