John Muir's Birthplace

Visit John Muir's Birthplace

John Muir's life and work has inspired people all over the world. Now the Dunbar birthplace of the pioneering conservationist has been transformed into a new visitor attraction. The stunning interpretative centre highlights the work and achievements of this remarkable man.

Born in Dunbar in 1838, John Muir emigrated with his parents to the United States where he campaigned for the preservation of natural environments through his work as an environmentalist, geologist and botanist.

• Learn about John Muir's adventures and travels all over the globe.
• Read extracts from his journals and view some of his sketches of wildlife and plants.
• Find out how you can follow in John Muir's footsteps. 

"When I was a boy in Scotland I was fond of everything that was wild ... I loved to wander in the fields to hear the birds sing, and along the shore to gaze and wonder at the shells and the seaweeds, eels and crabs in the pools when the tide was low; and best of all to watch the waves in awful storms thundering on the black headlands and craggy ruins of old Dunbar Castle."

John Muir was born in Dunbar on April 21st 1838. As a child he developed a deep love of the natural world around his home.

John Muir Coin Puzzle

Try out our new online puzzle based on the John Muir California quarter, due to be issued early next year.

East Lothian Council Museums Service operates John Muir's Birthplace on behalf of the John Muir Birthplace Trust (JMBT). The Trust was formed in September 1998 as a partnership project involving East Lothian Council , the John Muir Trust , Dunbar's John Muir Association and Dunbar Community Council. The aim of the JMBT has been to secure the future of John Muir's birthplace in Dunbar and to develop it into an interpretative centre focused on Muir's work. The project was supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund .

Contact details

126 High Street
Dunbar
East Lothian

Tel 01368 865899
Email info@jmbt.org.uk

Opening Hours

April to October
10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday, 1 - 5pm Sunday

November to March
10am - 5pm Wednesday - Saturday, 1 - 5pm Sunday

Admission Free

Access information

The building is fully accessible throughout, with a lift to the upper floors. The toilet is on the ground floor.