Kirkcaldy Galleries
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
Come and explore Kirkcaldy's cultural hub! Kirkcaldy Galleries offers visitors a library, museum, art gallery, local & family history room, an information desk, café, gift shop and children's areas - all under one roof! Come and visit our free exhibition Brushstrokes: open until 9 January 2023 and our exciting museum exhibition 'Moments in Time' captures 24 moments in Kirkcaldy’s history – from 300 million years ago to the modern day through artefacts, photos, film and sound.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
174 reviews
Excellent
110
Very good
50
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
1
MIB-53
Larkhall, UK649 contributions
Jul 2022
We booked for the Vettriano Exhibition, arrived a little early, so made a visit to the Cafe and enjoyed a Coffee and a snack in a friendly, clean and well stocked eatery.
The exhibition was Fabulous, the staff were friendly and helpful. The numbers of people viewing was controlled, the paintings were well spaced with lots of information to hand. The staff were also happy to discuss and advise when approached.
We had a fantastic, time, learning more about the artist and his background (good video at the start) and just enjoying the paintings. The shop was well stocked and seemed to be busy.
I think we may come back before the end of the exhibition for another viewing.
The exhibition was Fabulous, the staff were friendly and helpful. The numbers of people viewing was controlled, the paintings were well spaced with lots of information to hand. The staff were also happy to discuss and advise when approached.
We had a fantastic, time, learning more about the artist and his background (good video at the start) and just enjoying the paintings. The shop was well stocked and seemed to be busy.
I think we may come back before the end of the exhibition for another viewing.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
So pleased you enjoyed your visit! We've had great feedback about the exhibition and Kirkcaldy Galleries generally. Hope you manage back for another visit.
Written July 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MichaelCoffey
Kincardine, UK163 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We went to Kirkcaldy Galleries to visit the Jack Vetriano exhibition, which was very interesting, but I was completely entranced by the town museum downstairs. it is small but it has been curated very well and the displays are bright, interesting and informative. Many town museums are worthy but a bit dull, but that is not the case in Kirkcaldy. The exhibits focus on local social and industrial history with themes such as the changing High Street, whaling, mining, sport etc. There is a section on Kirkcaldy’s most famous son, Adam Smith, but, perhaps surprisingly, nothing about the former prime minister, Gordon Brown. I thoroughly recommend this small but well conceived museum; it brilliantly demonstrates the adage that “less is more.”
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a marvellous review. We're very proud of Kirkcaldy Galleries and have been delighted with the amazing feedback we've received from visitors to the Jack Vettriano exhibition. Hope you'll return again.
Written October 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shirley E
Dronfield, UK329 contributions
Apr 2022
This was my second attempt as the first time a couple of years ago it was raining so hard it was coming through the roof and they had to close the building. Anyway second time did not disappoint. It is truly amazing. Well worth a visit. Great cafe too and the staff were all very friendly. A great place to get out of the bad weather.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, Hope you'll visit again soon.
Written June 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WJBP
London, UK31 contributions
Oct 2022
The Kirkcaldy Galleries were recommended to us by art-loving friends who mentioned their Scottish Colourist collection. In fact, the ground floor had a display that focussed on the history of Kirkcaldy, which was fascinating in its own right, not least as the home of lino. Upstairs, much of the gallery was occupied by an exhibition about Jack Vettriano; even avoiding this, the two rooms with pictures from the general collection were worth the detour. As well as Colourists, there were works by a number of nineteenth- and twentieth-century artists that were fantastic, including Waterhouse's beguiling (despite reservations about Victoriana) Dolce far niente. The walls dedicated to Kirkcaldy's formidable Colourist holdings were the highpoint, though, with strong works by Peploe, Cadell and even Fergusson, who is I confess my least favourite, but whose representation there made me reappraise his work. And that is the true mark of success. Particular note should be made of the activities within the galleries for children which were simple, yet so well targeted that adults with smalls could enjoy the collection uninterrupted for a surprising amount of time!
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi there!
Thank you so much for your kind comments. The team here will be delighted that you had such a good time. We are very proud of our art collection and are so pleased that you found our activities entertaining. Your feedback will be much appreciated by the curatorial team too! Hope to see you again in the future.
Written October 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EGM68
Gateshead, UK176 contributions
Aug 2022
Visited recently for the Jack Vettriano the early years exhibition, which was very interesting, especially given his connection to the area. The gallery itself is much larger than expected and there was quite a lot to see. Great staff, very friendly and helpful and more than happy to spend time discussing the paintings and providing background info on the artist himself.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for your review, delighted you enjoyed your visit
Jennifer
Written September 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK4,629 contributions
Oct 2022
Kirkcaldy Galleries is an excellent art gallery and museum hub with a very good cafe. It is situated next to the rail station which has plentiful and free parking.
They have a very large collection of art, so are able to host changing exhibitions. Fortunately we were in the area for the Jack Vettriano exhibition which was superb, and it felt very special to see the originals of some of his iconic works. We were also impressed with all members of staff who were clearly passionate about the exhibition.
They have a very large collection of art, so are able to host changing exhibitions. Fortunately we were in the area for the Jack Vettriano exhibition which was superb, and it felt very special to see the originals of some of his iconic works. We were also impressed with all members of staff who were clearly passionate about the exhibition.
Written October 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello there, I am so pleased you enjoyed your visit here to the Galleries and thank you for your kind comments about our art collection. We have some exciting new exhibitions coming so watch this space!
Written October 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AntheaJG
Edinburgh, UK188 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We went to see the exhibition "Jack Vettriano the early years" at the Kirkcaldy galleries in August. The exhibition was amazing and it was so interesting to see paintings that he had done under his birth name Jack Hoggan. We had lunch in the cafe which was delicious - home made soup and a cheese scone before going upstairs to the exhibition. All the staff from reception, cafe and gallery were so friendly and kind, all in all a lovely day out. We came by car but as it is right next door to the train station could have easily come by train.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
So pleased you had a great visit! We've had great feedback about both the exhibition and the experience of visiting Kirkcaldy Galleries.
Jennifer
Written August 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BJD
Stockton-on-Tees, UK13 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Visited the gallery for the Jack Vettriano Early Years exhibition.
The gallery and staff were amazing. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
The exhibition was fantastic and we bought ourselves a limited edition print as a treat/birthday present.
Well worth the visit.
The gallery and staff were amazing. They were extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
The exhibition was fantastic and we bought ourselves a limited edition print as a treat/birthday present.
Well worth the visit.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for your review! I'm delighted you enjoyed your visit, we've been getting great feedback, especially about the staff. They are loving having the exhibition and it's showing in the wonderful feedback like yours. Hope you'll return again.
Jennifer
Written August 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ellen K
Dundee, UK81 contributions
Jul 2022
What a fabulous and surprising small gallery and museum!! Visited today for the Vettriano ‘Early Years’ exhibition which was excellent with a great range of the artists early paintings. The galleries were a delight with associated exhibitions including many of the works which inspired Vettriano and chosen by the staff to highlight their importance. The cafe has a tasty and varied menu. The staff were very welcoming and the whole visit was a delight. Highly recommend
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi, thanks so much for taking time out to leave this positive review. We hope to see you again soon.
Written July 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katherine G
17 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Being a tourist in the Covid-19 summer is a bit weird, no spontaneous dropping in to anything, but the booking process was easy and the chap on meet and greet duty was friendly and welcoming. The cafe was still closed so no point arriving early for your slot but there's a caravan doing takeaway within 100 metres and you can eat in or out at the Adam Smith theatre which is right next door to the caravan.
Inside the gallery there are about 4 rooms open and at 10.30am on a Friday I was the only visitor so took a good hour to look at everything. The best pieces for me were in the Contemporary room; Frances Walker's massive Leaving St. Kilda gave a good enough feeling of being at sea to have me flexing my knees as if I was onboard and David Mach's coat hanger sculpture of his Dad was delightful. The other stars were in the Fife room; Michael Colliery is such a clever layering of shape and texture and the View from the Binn has, for me, far more effective use of colour than any of the actual Colourist pieces.
What was open was well worth the visit; I got the feeling that there may be other rooms but the virus restrictions meant there wasn't a lot of guides or leaflets to get more information.
Inside the gallery there are about 4 rooms open and at 10.30am on a Friday I was the only visitor so took a good hour to look at everything. The best pieces for me were in the Contemporary room; Frances Walker's massive Leaving St. Kilda gave a good enough feeling of being at sea to have me flexing my knees as if I was onboard and David Mach's coat hanger sculpture of his Dad was delightful. The other stars were in the Fife room; Michael Colliery is such a clever layering of shape and texture and the View from the Binn has, for me, far more effective use of colour than any of the actual Colourist pieces.
What was open was well worth the visit; I got the feeling that there may be other rooms but the virus restrictions meant there wasn't a lot of guides or leaflets to get more information.
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kirkcaldy Galleries - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Kirkcaldy Galleries
- Kirkcaldy Galleries is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Mon - Wed 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thu - Thu 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Kirkcaldy Galleries:
- (0.01 mi) New upmarket flat next to train station, bus and close to downtown. Free parking
- (0.09 mi) Lothrie Bed & Breakfast
- (0.21 mi) Scotties Bed and Breakfast
- (0.22 mi) Invertiel Bed & Breakfast
- (0.27 mi) Dunedin
- Restaurants near Kirkcaldy Galleries:
- (0.01 mi) Fast N Fresh
- (0.02 mi) Domino's Pizza
- (0.11 mi) The Academy Restaurant
- (0.10 mi) RR Brothers Catering
- (0.15 mi) Cafe Wemyss