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A view of the kitchen showing the hearth and spinning wheel in Burns Cottage.
Ayrshire & Arran

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Read in: Scots

About this place

Birthplace of a genius – a celebration of the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet

  • New for 2024! Our Burns collection is now available online.
  • Visit the humble cottage where Robert Burns was born and spent the first years of his life.
  • Explore the museum which houses more than 5,000 Burns artefacts including his handwritten manuscripts.
  • Follow in Tam o’ Shanter’s footsteps to atmospheric Alloway Auld Kirk and over the Brig o’ Doon.
  • Visit the Monument where Burns tourism began back in 1823.
  • Celebrate the legacy of Burns with haggis, neeps and tatties in the museum café.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a truly unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son. Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Bard, and his poetry and songs are known and loved the world over. But who was he and what made him tick? The best place to get close to Burns and his genius is his birthplace in the beautiful village of Alloway. Our flagship museum starts a journey that weaves through the village, taking you from historical buildings to landmarks known to Burns.

Whether you’re a die-hard Burnsian or brand new to the bard, a day immersing yourself here will open your eyes and ears to an enduring hero of Scotland’s literary heritage.

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Today's Opening Hours

Museum
10.00–17.00 (last entry 16.30)
Burns Cottage
11.00–16.00 (last entry 16.00)
See full opening times

Entry prices

Adult
£12.00
Concession
£9.00
Child
£7.00
Family
£29.00
One adult family
£20.00
See all entry prices

Membership

At all Trust places, admission is free for members.

Join from £5.20 / month

TripAdvisor Rating

Accreditations and awards

  • Scottish Tourist Board sign for a 5 star visitor attraction
  • The Green Tourism Business Scheme sign for a Gold award
  • 2019/20 Scottish Thistle Awards National Winner of Best Heritage Tourism Experience

Hoolet

An owl

Guidebook

Buy a copy of our Robert Burns Birthplace Museum guidebook to find out more about the poet and the place!

Online shop

Venue Hire

Burns Cottage, the Education Pavilion and the museum are all available for private hire – the perfect venues for weddings, corporate functions and private events.

Venue hire

School visits

We welcome school visits. For more information please visit our learning pages.

School visits