Libraries, museums and archives
Glasgow University Library
Glasgow University Library, built on twelve levels in 1968, is beside the Hunterian Art Gallery on Hillhead Street. With over 2 million books and journals, the Library covers many subjects ranging from Anatomy to Soviet Studies.
Visitors are welcome in the Library and can ask for a one-day visitor pass. Come to the Membership Desk on ground level: it’s on the right near the entrance.
Special Collections on level 12 has an unrivalled collection of manuscripts and printed works. In the foyer, take a look at the display area featuring changing exhibitions of rare material from Special Collection’s holdings.
From the upper levels of the building, the views over the city of Glasgow and the Campsie hills and beyond are impressive.
For more information, see Visitors: using the Library
Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery
The University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1807, making it Scotland's oldest public museum and giving it a unique place within Scotland's cultural heritage. Founder of the Hunterian, Dr William Hunter, was a pioneering obstetrician and teacher with a legendary passion for collecting. His vast and varied private collection is the cornerstone of our collections today. The Hunterian is now rated as one of the top five museums in Scotland because of the scale, range and significance of the collections.
The collections are world class. Admission is free to all but The Mackintosh House, where a small charge is made to help cover the significant costs of upkeep. Permanent exhibitions are enriched by a lively temporary exhibition and events programme.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am - 5pm
Hunterian Museum
Within the Hunterian Museum, refurbished ahead of its bicentenary in 2007 and with a 4 star rating from VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme, there are some fascinating displays. The story of The Hunterian’s founder, Dr William Hunter, Man, Medic and Collector is told and displays include architects and builders from the animal kingdom and a fascinating variety of Scottish fossils and minerals. The past can be reconstructed by investigating how archaeology works and learning about Mediterranean history, from Ancient Egypt to Greece and Rome. You can also discover dinosaurs and explore 500 million years of evolution, from fin to limb and limb to wing, journey around the globe exploring unique societies and cultures, or experience the breathtaking range of life on Earth from insects to birds and coral. Interact with Kelvin's science and the history of medicine in Glasgow.
Hunterian Art Gallery
The Hunterian Art Gallery, next to the University Library, holds a collection of works by Rembrandt, Stubbs, Chardin, Pissaro and Rodin as well as 19th and 20th century works by McTaggart, Guthrie and Fergusson. It houses Europe's largest display of works by the American artist James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903). There are frequent exhibitions and displays based on the Gallery's print collection.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am - 5pm
The Mackintosh House
The Hunterian Art Gallery holds the world's largest collection of works by Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. In addition, the Mackintosh House, entered through the Gallery, is a reconstruction of the principal interiors from Mackintosh's Glasgow home, using fixtures and fitments from the original house.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm
Visit the website at www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian for the latest information.
Retail and café
Shops are located in the Hunterian Art Gallery and the Visitor Centre close to the Museum. The University has a number of café facilities on campus which can be used by visitors to the Hunterian.
Zoology Museum
The Zoology Museum, based in the Graham Kerr Building, features displays showing the amazing diversity of the animal kingdom.
Open weekdays 9am-5pm.
For more information see: Zoology Museum, information for visitors
Glasgow University Archives
Glasgow University Archives Services holds the historical records of the University, created and accumulated since its foundation in 1451 as well as one of the biggest collections of records of business in Europe, providing a unique and invaluable resource for information on Scotland’s enterprise and industrial heritage. In total, Glasgow University Archive Services holds over 1000 collections, spanning more than seven centuries. The archives are an excellent source of information for the University’s own history and for the history of Glasgow, the West of Scotland and indeed the world. Researchers who wish to make use of them for academic research, student assignments, personal interest, family and local history or professional projects are welcome.
