The Scottish Maritime Museum’s Linthouse Building is a maritime museum in Irvine, housed in a vast Victorian building that was once a Glasgow shipyard’s engine shop. Inside, you’ll find historic vessels, shipbuilding tools and machinery, lifeboats, engines and ship models. Special exhibition days can add visiting displays and activities. Families can take on a children’s object-finding quest, and staff-led tours include the fitting shed and 1920s flats. Allow time to look around the building as well as its exhibits.
A shipyard engine shop turned museum
The Linthouse Building was originally the engine shop of a Glasgow shipyard. Its vast interior has a glass roof, and it now houses the Scottish Maritime Museum’s main site in Irvine. The museum’s collection includes historic vessels, maritime objects, art, sculptures, personal items, shipbuilding tools and machinery.
The building is part of the visit: its scale and industrial origins give context to the engines and tools on display. Take time to look around the interior as well as at the objects and boats.
Boats, models and family activities
Exhibits include boats, lifeboats, engines and large ship models. Some exhibition days bring extra attractions, including visiting exhibitors and displays of boats outside, so check the museum’s programme if those are a priority.
Children can try an object-finding quest, including a cat-and-rat version. There is also a small activity area near the entrance, with colouring, train tracks, boats and games for younger children. Staff-led tours cover the fitting shed and 1920s flats; ask about tour availability when you arrive.
FAQ
Where is the Scottish Maritime Museum’s Linthouse Building?
It is on Harbour Road in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
What can you see at the Linthouse Building?
The collection includes historic vessels, lifeboats, ship models, engines, shipbuilding tools and machinery, as well as maritime objects, art and personal items.
Is there anything for children to do?
Children can take on an object-finding quest. A small activity space near the entrance has colouring, train tracks, boats and games.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available at the museum and in nearby areas.
