Larne Museum & Arts Centre

Larne Museum & Arts Centre is housed in the town’s historic former Carnegie Free Library building, which opened its doors to the public in 1906 following financial assistance from the American millionaire and philanthropist Mr Andrew Carnegie. The library eventually moved to larger premises on Pound Street in July 1980. In 2005, to commemorate its centenary year, the building was restored and renovated, retaining many of its original features. 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. 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. Now managed by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the museum’s main gallery hosts permanent displays reflecting the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area, while the ‘John Clifford Gallery’ plays host to a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.