John Gray Centre Museum

John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar is a compact yet inspiring museum dedicated to the early life of the pioneering conservationist. Set inside the modest 18th‑century house where Muir was born in 1838, it traces how a boy from a Scottish coastal town grew into one of the most influential voices for wilderness protection in the United States. Inside, the exhibition unfolds across three floors. The ground level introduces Muir’s childhood in Dunbar, with engaging displays about his love of nature, local wildlife and the rugged coastline that shaped his imagination. Personal objects, family stories and period furnishings help recreate the world he grew up in. The middle floor explores Muir’s emigration to America and his transformation into an inventor, botanist and explorer. Interactive exhibits highlight his adventures in Yosemite and his role in establishing national parks. One of the most interesting features is the recreated study space, showing how he wrote, sketched and campaigned for environmental preservation. The top floor focuses on Muir’s legacy, from modern conservation movements to global environmental awareness. Photographs, maps and multimedia displays show how his ideas continue to influence policy and inspire activism.