Carnegie is a name associated with money, but what can be learned from his remarkable life? On a visit you will discover a story about his wealth and how hard he worked to give it all away, hence his reference to being the father of modern philanthropy. The humble birthplace cottage reveals the experience of the Carnegie family in 1830s Dunfermline. When Andrew visited the cottage in 1909, he wrote in the visitor’s book, “First visit to my birthplace. The humble home of honest poverty.” In 1848, the family departed for America with the clothes on their backs, connecting with family who had already settled in the region.
A memorial hall built by widow Louise Carnegie in 1928, shares how Andrew made his fortune and gives many examples where he and Louise gave it away. In 2026 the museum is partnering with the Royal Scottish Academy to celebrate their 200-year anniversary. Carnegie endowed an annual scholarship with the RSA to support artists’ travel costs to expand their knowledge and skills. A temporary exhibition will include art from RSA artists who were awarded the Carnegie Travelling Scholarship over the past 123 years.
The exhibition features works by renowned Scottish artists including Joan Eardley, Elizabeth Blackadder and William Wilson, with some pieces being exhibited for the first time. The museum is free for entry with donations welcome.
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