Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery Bringing the history of Dunbar and the surrounding area to life. There are unusual and interesting things to see on every floor.

The Town House is one of Dunbar's oldest buildings and the perfect place to begin a visit to the town. With its distinctive witch's hat tower and its bell, clock and sun dials the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century. Our friendly staff are always on hand to tell you about the town, the surrounding area and bring the history of the building to life. Portraits of every

town provost all the way back to 1833 chart a fascinating history of changing fashions, facial hair, photography and portraiture. Historic heraldic panels and a set of ceremonial robes evoke a grander era of local government. On the top floor you will find Scotland's oldest functioning council chamber. For over 400 years councillors and magistrates presided over the affairs of the burgh from this room including the infamous East Lothian witch trials. Below the chamber is a grimly atmospheric jail with its original massive iron door which has become popular ghost hunting venue. In the neighbouring debtor's cell the fireplace has been preserved complete with prisoners' graffiti. The building is also home to a museum and gallery with changing historical and art exhibitions. Volunteers from Dunbar and District History Society maintain a local history display and are often available to provide further information from the comprehensive local history archive and chat about local history. The Town House also provides a tourist information service. The building is fully accessible on all levels with toilets on the ground floor.

12/06/2026
Just a heads up that we will only be able to take cash payments while this essential system update takes place. Cash onl...
11/06/2026

Just a heads up that we will only be able to take cash payments while this essential system update takes place.

Cash only from 3pm on Friday 12 June to Tuesday 16 June.

Thanks for your understanding!

A reminder that our telephone payment service will be temporarily unavailable from 3pm tomorrow (Friday, 12 June) until Tuesday, 16 June.
The service will be unavailable while an essential system upgrade is completed. A further update will be provided on Tuesday to confirm its return.
During this time, online payments can be made at https://orlo.uk/PBS2J while council tax or rent can also be paid at the Post Office or PayPoint stores.
We apologise for any inconvenience while this upgrade takes place.

11/06/2026
03/06/2026

🌿 FLOW begins this weekend. Celebrating of the role of creativity in climate and nature action.

Every Sunday, Sustaining Dunbar and artist Katie Fowlie will be hosting a programme of creative climate and nature events in Spott Village Hall.

Through workshops, walks, storytelling and artistic exploration, FLOW offers new ways to connect with the landscapes, wildlife and communities around us.

There will be an opportunity for work produced to be displayed at the John Muir's Birthplace Museum later this year.

Whether you're passionate about nature, curious about creativity, or simply looking for a chance to slow down and engage with the world around you, there's something for everyone in this inspiring programme.

🐚 Sunday 7th June 10am-12.00 – Folk, Flora and Fauna Lore
🐚 Sunday 7th June 2-4pm – Mud Balls and Earth Pigments
🐚Sunday 21st June 10am-12.00 & 2-4pm – Plant Photography
Workshop
🐚 Sunday 5th July 10am-12.00 & 2-4pm – From Field to Form
-Nature’s Imprint
🐚 Sunday 12th July 10am-12.00 and 2-4pm -Mosslings Workshop

All activities are free but we will ask permission of participants to use some elements of their work in our exhibition FLOW which will be shown at John Muir’s Birthplace from July to September.

To book your place and for further information please message
Jo McNamara: 07484 210758

27/05/2026
27/05/2026

📣LOCAL HISTORY EVENT REMINDER📣:
__________________________________________________________
⭐️THE HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE TRANENT-COCKENZIE WAGGONWAY
Date: 1st June 2026 (Monday)
Time: 5.30 to 6.30pm
Venue: Star Room, John Gray Centre
**********************************************************
✨THERE ARE STILL PLACES AVAILABLE - HURRY AND MAKE YOUR BOOKING!
Email: [email protected] OR telephone: 01620 820680
Join us for this enlightening community event!

15/05/2026

🌊 Walk The Geology of Dunbar 💥

To celebrate 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, East Lothian Council Countryside Rangers are leading a guided walk to explore Dunbar’s ancient, and sometimes explosive, past. Join them to discover how earthquakes, volcanoes and ice have shaped our landscape.

✨ Tuesday June 2nd
✨ 10.00-12.00
✨ Free, but booking is required: email [email protected]
✨ Meeting place will be passed on at booking
✨ Adults aged 16+

Image credit: Jennifer Petrie

Address

High Street
Dunbar
EH421ER

Opening Hours

Wednesday 1pm - 5pm
Thursday 1pm - 5pm
Friday 1pm - 5pm
Saturday 1pm - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+441620820699

Website

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