Larne Museum and Arts Centre

About

Larne Museum and Arts Centre is a local museum based in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Built in 1905, this historic building opened its doors to the public in 1906 as the Carnegie Free Library, following financial assistance from the American millionaire and philanthropist Mr Andrew Carnegie. The library was built at a cost of £2500 and was officially opened on 2 April 1906 by Colonel J M McCalmont, M.P.

The library eventually moved to larger premises on Pound Street in July 1980 at a cost of £205,000. Larne Historical Centre first opened in the Reading Room of the Carnegie Public Library in 1972 following a campaign by local people for a museum which led to a grant of £300 from Larne Borough Council. In 1976 the Centre moved to the ground floor of Larne Town Hall before returning to the old Carnegie Library building in June 1983.

In 2005, to commemorate its centenary year, the building was restored and renovated, retaining many of its original features. The building is also now home to Larne Drama Circle and Larne Art Club. The Main Gallery hosts permanent displays reflecting the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area.

Larne is a principal...