Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Hunterian?
There are four Hunterian venues on the University of Glasgow campus. The Hunterian Museum is in the main building on University Avenue, the Hunterian Art Gallery and The Mackintosh House are on Hillhead Street, the Zoology Museum is in the Graham Kerr Building and the Anatomy Museum is in the Thomson Building. Map of Hunterian venues.

Is there an admission charge?
Admission to all permanent exhibitions and galleries of The Hunterian, including The Mackintosh House, is free. There is an admission charge for our special exhibitions. Admission to the Anatomy Museum is by appointment only. Telephone 0141 330 5871 for further information.

Are there cloakroom facilities?
There are no formal cloakroom facilities in any Hunterian venues. For security reasons, bags over a certain size may not be taken in to The Mackintosh House. Some small lockers are available in the Art Gallery reception area where bags can be temporarily stored.

Do the exhibitions and displays change?
As well as our permanent displays, we have a programme of Special Exhibitions. In the Hunterian Art Gallery we also have Focus Exhibitions and Spotlight and Art on Paper walls which change regularly. In the Hunterian Museum we have an Object in Focus which showcases recent acquisitions and rarely seen objects in the collection.

Can we book a tour of The Mackintosh House?
We currently do not take advanced bookings for individuals. Access to The Mackintosh House is by guided tour, and tours run approximately every half hour from 11am to 4pm. Tours are allocated each day on a first come, first served bases. For conservation reasons, the maximum group size allowed in The Mackintosh House is 12 at any one time. Each tour takes around 30 minutes. Due to restrictions on numbers allowed in The Mackintosh House, visitors may experience a waiting time for tours, particularly during weekends and holiday periods.

We accommodate bookings for larger groups (of up to 20 people) between 10am-11am, Tuesdays to Fridays. Individuals planning to visit at this time are advised to call 0141 330 5434 to check tour availability.

Can I take photographs or use a video camera?
Photography is permitted in certain areas of the main Hunterian Museum, but visitors must ask a member of staff before taking any photographs. Flash photography, additional lighting and tripods are not permitted in any of The Hunterian venues. Photography is not permitted in The Hunterian Art Gallery, The Mackintosh House, and the Anatomy Museum. For further information please contact Harriet Gaston.

Are pushchairs allowed?
There is no restriction on pushchairs, however we would encourage visitors with young children in pushchairs to be vigilant for others’ safety in our gallery spaces.

Are dogs allowed?
We welcome assistance dogs.

Is there a shop or café?
There are shops located in the Hunterian Art Gallery and in the University Visitor Centre below the museum. Both shops stock a range of books, gifts and accessories, related to The Hunterian collections and the University. The University has a number of café facilities on campus which can be used by our visitors. Byres Road and Ashton Lane are 5 minutes walk away and offer a range of cafes and restaurants.

Is sketching allowed?
Sketching is permitted within our galleries. Easels are permitted but ink and paint are not. If you are using an easel, please be vigilant for others’ safety in our gallery spaces.
 
Can I hire a Hunterian venue?
The Hunterian Museum, Kelvin Gallery and Hunterian Art Gallery are all available for hire for various functions and events. Please contact the University Conference and Visitor Services Office for further details or telephone 0141 330 3123.

Can I get married in The Hunterian?
We are currently exploring the possibility of our gallery spaces being licensed for civil weddings. In the meantime, we can provide a prestigious and memorable venue for your wedding drinks reception. Please contact the University's Conference and Visitor Services Office for further details or telephone 0141 330 3123.

Internships, Placements and Jobs at The Hunterian
Internships and placements working with The Hunterian collections are currently open to University of Glasgow students. Any jobs at The Hunterian are advertised on the University’s website.

Where are the rest of Hunter’s collections?

Manuscript Collection
Hunter's illuminated manuscript collection is in Special Collections in the University Library, along with his collection of printed books.

Pathology Collection
The pathology collection is made up of medical teaching material amassed by William Hunter in his career as anatomist, obstetrician and doctor. It differs from other parts of The Hunterian collection in that it represents things which Hunter and his school made and used professionally rather than for leisure interests. The Pathology collection is presently housed in the Pathology Department at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary and only researchers may view the collection by appointment. Some Pathology specimens are on show to the public in the main Hunterian Museum and in the Anatomy Museum.