Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

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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.

07/10/2026

All are welcome to come to this important event hosted by Dunbar Churches' Eco Group. The film is free to attend and there will be a chance to discuss it afterwards.

07/10/2026

Explore the artists… Aga Reut Alexandra Bell Anna Wimbledon Anne Gillies Annie Broadley Annie Green Anstey Garrick Green Astrid Trügg Benedict Barbour Catriona Simpson Eleanor Cunningham Elisabeth Lewis Falcon Green Gilli Sleigh Helen Muir Helen Wyllie Ian Darling Iona Molleson JaneR Designs Jay ...

A new round of still life classes from Gail Wallace are kicking off in October - do get in touch with her if you'd like ...
30/09/2026

A new round of still life classes from Gail Wallace are kicking off in October - do get in touch with her if you'd like to book!

30/09/2026

🍂 OPENING HOURS UPDATE ❄️

The winter season is here!

From 1st October 2026 to 31st March 2027 we will be open on Saturdays from 2-4pm courtesy of the fantastic Dunbar & District History Society. Their volunteers will be offering tours of the building and a chance to look at their current exhibition.

To find out more about what the History Society is up to take a look at their website: https://dunbarhistory.org.uk/.

23/09/2026
16/09/2026

Have you left a pair of glasses at Dunbar Town House today? We have a pair behind the desk waiting for their owner to return!

10/09/2026

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/art-and-torness-nuclear-station-power-protest-posterity-tickets-1997154632267?aff=oddtdtcreator
Have you spotted this interesting talk?
Part of Dunbar Art Route's programme of workshops, demos and talks.
Taking place at Dunbar's historic Town House Museum and Gallery on Sunday 18th October.

Art and Torness Nuclear Station ; Power, Protest, Posterity

Presented by PhD candidate and artist Emma Meehan, this talk explores the local nuclear geographies of Torness and Dunbar through an art historical lens, inviting us to consider how nuclear power, place and landscape have shaped the area and its communities.
Emma will examine both the optimism of the nuclear establishment, and the creativity of protest groups in opposition to Torness, specifically the activities of SCRAM (Scottish Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menaces).
Book a free place through the link.

09/09/2026

View details and apply for this arts / museums / libraries role in with East Lothian Council on myjobscotland

Address

High Street
Dunbar
EH421ER

Opening Hours

2pm - 4pm

Telephone

+441620820699

Website

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