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.
- Help us by making a donation to support our education work.
Opening Hours
10am - 5pm Monday - Saturday
1 - 5pm Sunday
Closed Monday and Tuesday 1st November to 31st March
Admission free
Tel. +44 (0)1368 865899
Email info@jmbt.org.uk
For details of public transport to John Muir's Birthplace and within the area, see our Visit section.
"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.
The John Muir Birthplace Trust exists to:
- promote knowledge of John Muir’s life and legacy
- encourage participation in conservation and
- inspire people to follow in Muir’s footsteps.
The John Muir Birthplace Trust (JMBT) 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 JMBT secured the future of John Muir's birthplace in Dunbar and developed it into an interpretative centre focused on Muir's work. The project was supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
