Libraries, museums and archives
University of Glasgow Library
The University Library, located on Hillhead Street opposite the Fraser Building, is open every day of the week from 0715-0200 except for Christmas and New Year.
The Library is one of the outstanding academic libraries in Europe and a major resource for staff and students. More than 2.5m books and journals and over 30,000 electronic journals, covering the full range of academic subjects, are available.
Our collections cover most branches of the arts, sciences and medicine, and are complemented by rare books, manuscripts and early photographs in our Special Collections Department. The Maps and Official Publications department includes one of Scotland’s European Documentation Centres. The materials in the Russian and East European collection form one of the major European collections in the field.
You can read more about the Library in our Library Brochure: Information for Prospective Students
Visitors are welcome to consult our collections, with one-day passes available:
The Hunterian
Founded in 1807, The Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest public museum and largest collection outside the National Museums. The Hunterian is one of the leading university museum and gallery services in the UK and its collections have been Recognised as a Collection of National Significance.
Built on the pioneering anatomist and obstetrician William Hunter’s founding bequest, the collections encompass over one million objects including scientific instruments used by James Watt, Joseph Lister and Lord Kelvin; an outstanding assemblage of Roman monumental sculpture from the Antonine Wall; major natural and life sciences holdings; Hunter’s own extensive anatomical teaching collection, one of the world’s great coin rooms; unique objects collected on James Cook’s Pacific voyages; a major collection of Scottish art; and one of Britain’s top graphic art collections. The Hunterian is also home to the world’s largest permanent display of the work of James McNeill Whistler, the largest single holding of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and The Mackintosh House, the reassembled interiors from his Glasgow home.
The Hunterian continues in its Age of Enlightenment mission to be a central resource for research and teaching in the arts, humanities and natural and medical sciences, attracting scholars and visitors from around the world.
Hunterian Museum
The Hunterian Museum is home to rich collection of rare and important objects. Located in the University main building, displays include Scottish mineral treasures, dinosaurs, fossils and world culture. Bio-diversity, evolution and animal architecture also feature, along with permanent exhibitions dedicated to the Romans in Scotland, William Hunter, Lord Kelvin and the history of medicine in Glasgow.
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Closed Monday.
Hunterian Art Gallery
The Hunterian Art Gallery is located next to the University Library and has a wide range of outstanding works on show. Masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Chardin, Whistler and Stubbs sit alongside major examples of Scottish art including the Scottish Colourists and Glasgow Boys.
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Closed Monday.
The Mackintosh House
The Hunterian Art Gallery holds the world's largest collection of works by Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The Gallery is also home to The Mackintosh House, the reassembled interiors of his home. The interiors have been furnished with Mackintosh's own furniture - all to his own design - and decorated as closely as possible to the original.
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. Closed Monday.
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, located in the Graham Kerr Building, is a show-case for the animal world and highlights its diversity. As well as extensive collections of corals and shell, it is abundantly rich in insect life.
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
See The Hunterian website for updates to opening hours and for information on exhibitions and events.
Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections 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, it holds over 1,000 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.