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The Falkirk Cultural Center

Want to spread a picnic on a gentle hillside lawn overlooking the Mt. Tam? Maybe you want to see the latest in Marin and Bay Area artwork? Perhaps you're looking for a seasonal event to get you into the holiday spirit? These are just some of the exciting features of the Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael.

Since 1974 Falkirk has produced cultural events of all shapes and sizes. All year long we feature prominent Marin and Bay Area artists in our elegant galleries. We hold annual family and children-oriented programs. We host and co-host a wide range of events such as concerts on the lawn, poetry readings, art lectures, docent tours, art classes for kids, and special events.

The Falkirk Cultural Center is at the heart of the cultural community in Marin county, and is a vital part of the exciting changes taking place in San Rafael. As a National Historic Place, Falkirk shares a role in the history as well as the cultural vitality of the area. The Center sits on an 11-acre estate, covered with beautiful lawns, exotic Bunya-Bunya, oak and redwood trees, an historic greenhouse and outdoor sculpture. Formerly the home of Robert Dollar, Falkirk was purchased by the city of San Rafael to provide a place in the community for celebrations of all kinds

Culture is Falkirk's raison d'etre. Falkirk has produces/or hosts civic celebrations and significant work by regional artists in the visual, performing, and literary arts. Among our innovative and acclaimed exhibits we present an annual Lifework Award to a local artist with an exceptional body of work. Among the artists we've shown are Linda Connor, Richard Shaw, and Inez Storer. Exhibits are free to the public. We encourage artists, art enthusiasts and students to visit our galleries for an exciting look at local art.

Falkirk is especially for families. In Northern California's busy commuter world the amount of quality "family time" has diminished. That's why Falkirk has intensified its own activities for family enjoyment and learning. Our public programs have grown exponentially in the last year. Our Halloween Haunted house attracted 1,000 goblins, ghosts and ghouls (and their parents)! Our seasonal events include the Alice in Wonderland Egg Hunt, Summer Concerts on the Lawn, Young Explorer's Festival, Victorian Holiday and The Halloween Haunted House.

We've experienced a lot of recent change. The past three years have been a time of tremendous growth and innovation for Falkirk. In that time our attendance has grown by 55%! Through our programs and exhibitions we now serve more than 34,000 people annually. We completed a capital campaign for the exterior preservation of the mansion. Working with local professionals, leaders, and the City of San Rafael, Falkirk has expanded goals for the evolution of both our physical facilities and our cultural offerings.

Part of planning for the future means continuing to develop support and private membership. Some of our sponsors include the Marin Community Foundation, Fireman's Fund Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, Compton Foundation, Institute of Museum Services, West America Bank, Fair Isaac and the Pacific Sun. Falkirk also benefits from the hard work of the Cultural Affairs Service League (CASL), a dedicated group of local and Victorian history buffs whose efforts have radically improved the estate. They've purchased everything from furniture to fixtures so Falkirk retains its 19th century charm and ambiance.

Remember, Falkirk is your cultural center. Visit us free, 6 days a week‹for a relaxing afternoon on the lawn, or a walk through the mansion and galleries. Put your name on our mailing list for a quarterly calendar of events and news. Better yet, become a member of Falkirk and make a difference in the cultural community of San Rafael.