The Scottish Parliament, 15 October 2013 to 25 January 2014

"He who dies thus rich dies disgraced"

Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), one of the richest people who ever lived, became the world’s first modern philanthropist. This exhibition explores how the Scots-American industrialist from Dunfermline used his private wealth for public good.

Discover how the beliefs and actions of one individual resulted in an international legacy of philanthropy. Visitors can see new and historic exhibits that tell the story of Andrew Carnegie’s optimistic vision to change the world.

Exhibits on display include documents such as letters between Carnegie and important politicians of the day and his last will and testament. Prepare to be surprised by the extent of Carnegie’s philanthropy when you see Sesame Tree puppets and a robotic bagpipe player on display. And learn about how Carnegie made a dinosaur world famous.

The wealth of this one man built the Peace Palace at The Hague, established more than 2,600 public libraries and greatly widened access to education in Scotland and the United States.

Carnegie’s philanthropy had an impact across the world, especially in America and Britain. Objects on display are being loaned by many organisations including the Library of Congress, Columbia University Archives, Carnegie Hall Archives, the British Library and National Records of Scotland.

This exhibition was made possible due to the generous support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and was created by a collaborative partnership between Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, Carnegie Birthplace Museum and the Scottish Parliament.

As part of the exhibition, McBlare a robot who plays the bagpipes will perform one or two pieces each Saturday at 12.30 during the exhibition.  McBlare's last performance will be on Saturday 18th January.

Please be aware that the performance involves the playing of real bagpipes and is therefore as loud as a bagpipe performance.