Dick Institute

The 'Institute', opened in 1901, features two large gallery spaces, and several museum areas. Funding was donated by James Dick who although living in Australia was born in Kilmarnock the home of the museum. In 1909 the building suffered serious fire damage causing the loss of some its collection. It did not reopen until 1911. During World War I the Institute was seconded for military hospital use. Today it is reputed to be the finest contemporary art gallery in the west coast of Scotland. Its large and varied art collection included works by Stuart Park, James Wingate, Archibald Kay, Solomon J Solomon, D. Y. Cameron, Andrew Law, E. A. Hornel, Robert Colquhoun, William McGeorge, Robert Gemmell Hutchinson and may other.