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? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Glasgow Women’s Art Collective are thrilled to bring their individual works into one space, displaying a diverse range of artworks reflecting the individuality of each artist.
READ MOREA major new presentation by one of Brazil's most renowned living sculptors, Solange Pessoa, will be hosted at Tramway Glasgow between Saturday 10th May and Monday 22nd September!
READ MOREMeet founders and designers from 33 watch brands from across Europe when The Glasgow Watch Show is held at Platform on Saturday 10th May!
READ MOREA visit to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the SEC Glasgow is a must if you're planning a home upgrade!
READ MOREThe Glasgow Gallery of Photography is hosting a 6 week long photography exhibition, showcasing the theme Portraiture in photography at their gallery on High Street between May and June.
READ MOREThe Glasgow Gallery of Photography is hosting a 6 week long photography exhibition, showcasing the theme Nature in photography at their gallery on High Street between May and June.
READ MOREThe Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust opens its Bridgeton Bus Garage to the public for their Super Sunday events throughout the year!
READ MORERADIOMATON delves into themes of truth construction, media contamination, fake news, and the body's role in perceiving information.
READ MOREThe House Arts Collective are thrilled to welcome Julie Brook for an artist talk, presentation and screening of a short selection of some of her work on film.
READ MORE