Fife for culture vultures

If you’re looking for a day out in Fife we’ve got some great options if culture is your thing. Why not visit one of the many museums and galleries to discover more about Fife's history. Here are some of our favourites. 

Dunfermline

Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries is a multi purpose space which combines the world’s first Carnegie Library in the hometown of it’s benefactor Andrew Carnegie, and an award winning modern building which takes you on a journey through the town’s fascinating history. There's also gallery space which shows different exhibitions throughout the year. 

The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum is another award winner, which was recognised for being especially family friendly. It tells the story of Andrew Carnegie who became the richest man in the world and gave away much of his fortune to causes all over the world. The museum includes the cottage where Andrew was born.

Fire Station Creative is a unique place. The iconic Art Deco building was erected in 1934 and housed the Fire and Rescue Service for many years until their move in 2010 to new premises. Nowadays the fire station is home to artists studios and gallery space with regular exhibitions.

Kirkcaldy

Kirkcaldy Galleries is a cultural hub at the heart of the town. Learn about the history of the town in the museum then enjoy the outstanding collection of Scottish Art. Highlights include the nationally important collection of work by William McTaggart, Scottish Colourist, S.J. Peploe and Fifer Jack Vettriano. Jack Vettriano The Early Years exhibition is currently running until 23rd Oct and well worth a visit.

Anstruther

The Scottish Fisheries Museum in the lovely fishing village of Anstruther is a fascinating place to visit. It tells the story of the history of how, through a constant process of innovation, the Scottish fisheries became such an important part of the lives of so many Scots. They have a great collection of objects and also paintings and photographs and the museum also has a fine collection of boats used for fishing and other purposes.

St Andrews

St Andrews Museum explores the wonderful heritage of the town which has played such an important part in Scottish history and is known the world over as the Home of Golf. The St Andrews A – Z exhibition has a great collection of displays, objects and images which tell the many stories of the town from the 12th century right through to the present day. 

Discover the history and collections of Scotland’s first university at the Wardlaw Museum. The Museum takes visitors inside the University, with four thematic galleries on its groundbreaking research and global impact, showcasing its extraordinary art, history, science and natural history collections.

Ceres

Fife Folk Museum is a real gem. It is housed in a series of beautifully restored listed buildings in this pretty wee village in North Fife. It celebrates the social, domestic and working lives of the people in Fife with all shapes and sizes of objects from dolls’ house furnishings to bicycles and horse-drawn carts. There are amazing costumes, china and glass, kitchen utensils, dolls and toys, farm implements, weights and measures, and old photographs.

Just across the water from Fife…..

Take a trip across the River Tay to visit V&A Dundee – Scotland’s design museum. Sitting in a spectacular location right beside the river with wonderful views back across to Fife, the V&A celebrates the best of design from Scotland and beyond in an iconic building.

See more museums & galleries in Fife