Business Details
Explore Dumfries and Galloway's Cultural Treasures
We are DG Culture, a dedicated team preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Scotland's southwest region. Our mission is to connect communities with history, art, and heritage through thirteen unique venues spanning museums, art galleries, and historic sites. With a focus on accessibility and education, we offer free entry to permanent collections, dynamic exhibitions, and tailored programmes for schools, families, and researchers. Our venues include Robert Burns' former home, medieval castles, and Scotland's smallest cinema, each offering immersive experiences rooted in local stories. We collaborate with national and regional partners to ensure our cultural assets drive tourism, support education, and foster community engagement.From handling historic artefacts to exploring 19th-century camera obscuras, we create opportunities for meaningful interaction with Scotland's past. Our commitment to innovation is evident in our digital resources, loan boxes, and seasonal events that blend tradition with contemporary interpretation. As part of Dumfries and Galloway Council, we align our work with regional strategies to champion cultural identity while maintaining global relevance through partnerships and research initiatives.
Services
Museum visits
Art exhibitions
Educational workshops
Venue hire
Family activities
Historical research access
Loan boxes
Guided tours
Cultural events
Digital resources
Highlights and features
- We offer free access to permanent collections across 13 historic venues
- Our educational programmes include hands-on artefact handling for schools
- We manage Scotland's oldest working camera obscura and smallest cinema
- Family-friendly activities combine fun with historical learning experiences
- Our venues host award-winning exhibitions and community collaboration projects
Services
Museum visits
Explore 13 venues showcasing Scotland's history through permanent and temporary exhibitions. Our museums feature prehistoric fossils, Burns memorabilia, and local industry artefacts. Visitors engage with interactive displays and guided tours that bring regional stories to life while preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Art exhibitions
Experience rotating exhibitions in historic buildings like Kirkcudbright Galleries and Gracefield Arts Centre. Our collections blend traditional and contemporary works, featuring local artists alongside national treasures. Venues host themed shows annually, with special programmes for emerging creatives and community art projects.
Educational workshops
Deliver curriculum-linked learning through hands-on sessions with historic objects and replica artefacts. Our 'Living History' programmes let students experience medieval life and wartime eras. Free workshops available for Dumfries and Galloway schools, including Burns-themed sessions during January festivals.
Venue hire
Book unique historic settings for weddings, conferences, and community events. Available venues include Castle Douglas Art Gallery at 20/day and Stranraer Museum's refurbished Old Town Hall. Each location combines architectural character with modern facilities for memorable occasions.
Family activities
Enjoy seasonal craft workshops and DIY projects designed to engage young minds with history. Downloadable resources include dinosaur fossils, wartime postcards, and puppet-making kits. Special events during school holidays feature themed trails and interactive storytelling in castle and museum settings.
Questions
Are Dumfries and Galloway museums free to visit?
All permanent collections and basic museum entry are free. Some special exhibitions and venue hires may incur charges.
Can I host an event at your venues?
Yes, select locations like Castle Douglas Art Gallery offer hire at £20/day. Contact us for availability and booking details.
Do you offer educational resources for schools?
We provide free loan boxes with historic artefacts, curriculum-linked workshops, and self-guided visit resources for local schools.
What family-friendly activities are available?
Download printable craft projects, join seasonal events, or explore interactive exhibits like the working camera obscura in Dumfries Museum.
Are there Burns-related attractions?
Yes, visit Robert Burns' former home, the Robert Burns Centre, and participate in annual January-February living history sessions across key sites.
Can I research local history collections?
Specialist researchers may access archives by appointment. We collaborate with academic institutions and provide digital resources for remote study.
Reviews (1)
Edward Eckie Haworth
Apr 09, 2021
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I'm delighted to live right next door to this unique little museum! A Must Visit place! (but please don't park in front of my house😂🙏)
