About
Carnegie Day
Saturday 4th April 2026, 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Celebrating 120 Years!
Today Larne Museum & Arts Centre celebrates 120 years since the official opening of the Larne Carnegie Free Library building.
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.
Now a grade B1 listed building, of historic and architectural interest, it was designed by Nicholas Fitzsimons, who also designed Smiley Cottage Hospital, and is an example of Edwardian 'free style' architecture.
The library was built at a cost of £2500 and was officially opened on 2nd April 1906 by Colonel J M McCalmont, MP. 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 Free Library in 1972 following a campaign by local people for a museum which lead to a grant of £300 from Larne Borough Council. In 1975 the Centre moved to the ground floor of the McGarel Town Hall before returning to the old Carnegie Library building in June 1983.
Join us for an afternoon of family friendly activities, as we celebrate 120 years since the official opening of Larne Carnegie Free Library in 1906!
10.00am – 4.00pm: The John Clifford Gallery will be hosting "Thin Place", an Art Exhibition by Bob Speers.
12.00pm – 3.00pm: Learn about the prehistory and archaeology of the Larne area, with artefacts from the museum's collection. If you have collected any prehistoric flint tools from the area, bring them along to be analysed by an archaeologist!
12.00pm – 1.30pm: Bubble fun with Bubble Trouble.
12.30pm – 2.30pm: Join in paper weaving and bookmark activities with Kathleen's Attic.
12.45pm – 2.45pm: Magical fun with Caolan McBride.
Everyone welcome! This is a free drop-in family event however children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, please contact Larne Museum & Arts Centre on 028 28 262443 or e-mail marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.
Book Tickets
Facilities
Accessibility
- All areas accessible to disabled visitors
