Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura

Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura
The Observatory
Dumfries
DG2 7SW
Scotland

Website

www.dumgal.gov.uk/museums

E-mail

dumfriesmuseum@dumgal.gov.uk

Telephone

01387 253374

Fax

01387 265081

All information is drawn or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.
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A treasure house of history in Dumfries and Galloway telling the story of the land and people of the region.

The Camera Obscura, installed in 1836, is on the top floor of the old windmill tower. From it you can see a fascinating panoramic view of Dumfries and the surrounding countryside.

Venue Type:

Museum

 Opening hours

April - September Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1400-1700
October - March Tues - Sat 1000-1300, 1400-1700

Closed: Christmas & New Year

 Admission charges

Admission to museum is free
Camera Obscura presentation - Adults £2.60, Concessions £1.30

Discounts

  • Museums Association

Look out for fossil footprints left by prehistoric animals, the wildlife of the Solway, tools and weapons of our earliest people, stone carvings by Scotland’s first Christians and the everyday things of the Victorian farm, workshop and home.

Collection details

Agriculture, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Industry, Land Transport, Law and Order, Maritime, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Personalities, Religion, Science and Technology, Social History, Trade and Commerce, Weapons and War

Key artists and exhibits

  • Reptilian footprints in Permian sandstone
  • Mineral collections from Wanlockhead and Leadhills
  • Log boats
  • Inscribed Christian stonework
  • The Seven Incorporated Trades of Dumfries
  • Provincial silver collection
  • Camera Obscura
  • Dumfries and Maxwelltown Astronomical Society
Events details are listed below. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all. For events that don't have a specific date see the 'Resources' tab above.
Golden Eagle

Nest Building

  • 2 April 2014 10:30-11:30am

Come along and find out how, why and where birds build their nests and then have a go at building your own, and protecting it from predators!
Booking essential – telephone Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374.
Links with the Gracefield Arts Centre “Locating the Nest” Exhibition.

Suitable for

  • Any age

Website

http://www.dumfriesmuseum.com/family-events/

photograph of acorns

From Little Acorns

  • 9 April 2014 10:30-11:30am

Learn about the plants, small and large, that are about to come to life. Make recycled plant pots and plant your own acorn to see if it will grow into a giant oak tree.
Booking essential – telephone Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374.

Suitable for

  • 5-6
  • 11-13
  • 7-10
  • 14-15

Website

http://www.dumfriesmuseum.com/family-events/

Frog in pond

The Wildlife of the Great Moss

  • 27 June 2014 2-3:30pm

Join Peter for an illustrated journey across one of the largest bogs in Western Europe, discovering the wildlife that lives there today and in the past, including Boars, Bitterns and Black Grouse. Watch out for the carnivorous plants! No booking required for this event.
Please note: this even takes place at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Caerlaverock, Wetlands Centre, Eastpark Farm,Caerlaverock, DG1 4RS.

Suitable for

  • Any age

Website

http://www.dumfriesmuseum.com/whats-on-2/

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