Old Gala House Museum and Gallery Opens for the Summer Season
A vibrant new season of art, heritage, and handmade treasures for all ages to enjoy.
Old Gala House Museum and Gallery is delighted to announce its summer reopening on Saturday 14 June 2025, inviting visitors of all ages to explore a new season filled with inspiring exhibitions, rich local history, and beautifully crafted artisan gifts. Set within the leafy heart of Galashiels, this much-loved heritage site promises something for everyone whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history lover, or simply looking for a meaningful day out.
“We’re so excited to welcome visitors back to Old Gala House for the summer,” says Phoebe Stewart, Assistant Curator. “This year’s programme blends contemporary art with community storytelling and handcrafted design reflecting both the creative spirit and deep-rooted heritage of the Borders.”
Leading the season is the opening of The Land Lies Quiet, a powerful and atmospheric joint exhibition by artists Annie Green and Helen Acklam. Though distinct in style, both artists share a deep connection to the Scottish landscape, its textures, stories, and shifting moods creating a visual dialogue between memory and place, realism and abstraction.
“Helen and Annie’s work is beautifully complementary,” Stewart notes. “Their pieces explore how we carry the landscape with us in emotion, in memory, and in identity. It’s a truly evocative exhibition.”
The ever-popular artisan gift shop also makes a welcome return this summer, now featuring a larger range of handcrafted goods by talented local makers. From striking original artworks and limited-edition prints to cozy knitted gifts, ceramics, and hand-tooled leatherwork, every item is thoughtfully curated and brimming with character. Visitors can also browse a variety of greeting cards, nourishing lip balms, and natural face creams each crafted with love using locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or treating yourself, every purchase supports small, independent businesses and promotes environmentally conscious craftsmanship.
“We’re proud to support our local makers,” adds Stewart. “The shop is full of high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that you just can’t find anywhere else.”
In the Museum Room, the spotlight turns to local heritage with Old Gala Club Goes by Train, a new community-led exhibition exploring the history of the railway in Galashiels. Designed and curated by the Old Gala Club, the display takes visitors on a journey through time from the arrival of the railway in the 1800s to the closure of the original Waverley Line, and its remarkable revival with the Borders Railway in 2015.
Through rare photographs, maps, personal stories, and original artefacts, the exhibition highlights how the railway transformed the town connecting it to the wider world and fuelling the growth of the textile industry.
“It’s a moving story of innovation and resilience,” says Stewart. “It really speaks to the community’s pride and determination to preserve and reclaim its history.”
Finally, the Lairds Room opens with Tell Me a Story, a charming and imaginative exhibition by illustrator Helen McKnockiter. Inspired by her work with children and her own vivid memories, Helen’s whimsical illustrations invite young visitors and the young at heart to explore the magic of storytelling through art. Each piece sparks curiosity and emotion, encouraging viewers to ask questions, dream up stories, and connect with their inner storyteller.
“Helen’s work really bridges generations,” Stewart says. “It’s playful, thoughtful, and full of gentle wonder. Children will love it and adults will find themselves just as enchanted.”
With its mix of contemporary art, hands-on history, and locally made treasures, Old Gala House offers a refreshing and meaningful cultural experience for visitors of all ages this summer.
Opening Date: 14 June 2025
Location: Old Gala House, Scott Crescent, Galashiels, TD1 3JS
Opening Dates: Saturday 14 June 2025 – Tuesday 30 September 2025
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Closed Sundays
Admission: Free Admission, Donations Welcomed
