Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum — Attraction in Central Dunfermline

July 2017: Love Carnegie or loathe him but here, be inspired! Carnegie is bound to provoke debate and there looked like a decent tapas restaurant nearby to do just that Great staff at the museum and a knowledgeable curator who remembered my parents visit from the other day and had lovely things to say.

In terms of presentation, the cottage birthplace forms one half of the museum (start there). There are a couple of good "press the button" audio stories in the cottage upstairs. I prefer these to the "continuous loop" type audio that there was in the weaving room because it interferes with reading the panels. This becomes tricky when trying to understand the complicated jaquard panel with audio going on at the same time. We'll time our next visit with the weaving demonstration usually on the first Friday of the month (phone first).

The story after Carnegie emigrates to the US continues in the main hall. There is a cafe area between the two. I could smell soup but could only see a coffee machine and forgot to ask. There's a pretty, very wee garden just off this room - with flax! There are information panels at child height all round the museum. Apparently there are other child trails activities but the person responsible wasn't there that day to ask. The displays have some repetition and contradictory dates at one point but the overall impression and information is very interesting.

A member of staff mentioned that the library (the first C. donated) has recently been restored and is well worth visiting. I remember from previous visits to the town there is a decent playpark in the the Glen (Pittencrieff park)...

Wonderful little museum in the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie. It was amazing to see how much good he did around the world through parks, libraries, performance halls, and more.

Andrew Carnegie’s father was a weaver and they have a working jacquard loom in the house. The part of the house where the family lived is restored to period furniture and personal effects of the family.

The second part of the museum has Carnegie’s life after he left for America, how he effected the world and on-going legacy. There are many artefacts and things from his life in this part of the museum as well.

The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable with an enthusiasm for what they do working there.

The middle room is a wee café and there is also a wee gift shop.

If you’re interested in learning and the life and times of Andrew Carnegie, we recommend a visit. Check the hours to make sure it is open before you go. It was closed the first time we went. There’s no charge...

The Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum is a very interesting must visit place if you are from Dunfermline or interested in the history of it. It's a great educational day out for the children and adults alike. Andrew Carnegie done so much for Dunfermline, things that we should still be greatful for to this day. Like buying the beautiful Pittencrief Park ( the Glen to locals) from it's previous owners. It was once private property, but now thanks to Andrew Carnegie we can all enjoy a leisurely stroll through its magnificent grounds and feed the squirrels and take in the beautiful plumage of the Indian peacocks. He was a truly wonderful and unique individual, who's rags to riches story is an...