University news

The University of Glasgow is partnering with Glasgow Building Preservation Trust to welcome visitors to its historic campus and celebrate its 575th anniversary during Doors Open Days Festival 2026.

From 17–20 September, the University will host a varied programme of events, including guided building tours and talks, drop-in exhibitions at the Hunterian Museum & Gallery, a special screening of Everybody to Kenmure Street, line dancing in St Mungo Square, and Explorathon – an annual research engagement festival with activities for the whole family.

A specially curated heritage trail will offer visitors the chance to explore 575 years of history and discover the world-changing work of alumni, staff and students. Starting outside the iconic Gilbert Scott building, the tour takes in some of the University’s most notable buildings, historic figures and objects, bringing to life the stories that have shaped the University.

Visitors can also delve into the University’s more mysterious past with a special anniversary talk: Glasgow University 575th Anniversary Talk: Secret societies, curious characters and campus legends! The talk will uncover fascinating stories from across the University’s 575-year history.

Professor Andy Schofield, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: "As we mark 575 years of the University of Glasgow, we are pleased to welcome visitors to our campus as part of the Glasgow Doors Open Day Festival. The University has been shaped by the people, communities and ideas for generations, and the festival provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those enduring connections.

“We are delighted to welcome visitors onto our campuses to explore our heritage, discover how our people and research are helping to change the world, and join a city-wide celebration of the buildings, stories and communities that make Glasgow such a welcoming and vibrant place." 

The Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) will serve as the Doors Open Days Festival Hub. The University's flagship research building has hosted the festival hub for the past four years. With its spacious, fully accessible ground floor, which is open to the public year-round, the ARC provides an ideal venue for talks, exhibitions, activities and events. 
 
David Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, said: “We're delighted to be partnering with the University of Glasgow for a fifth consecutive year to host the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival Hub at the Advanced Research Centre. 
  
“This partnership has played a vital role in the success of our festival, providing an outstanding venue that has enabled us to expand our talks and exhibitions programme and create a welcoming space where people can come together to celebrate Glasgow's rich built heritage and social history. We are incredibly grateful for the university's continued support and shared commitment to making culture, heritage and learning accessible to everyone. 
  
“As we look ahead to this year's festival, we're excited to welcome visitors back to the ARC this September and to continue building on a partnership that helps us engage new audiences and deliver an even richer festival experience.” 
 
The University of Glasgow was founded by the signing of a Papal Bull on 7th January 1451 and is celebrating its 575th birthday throughout 2026.  
 
Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival is Scotland’s largest community and heritage festival, celebrating the city’s people, places and stories. More than 150 organisations will deliver hundreds of free events across the city. 
 
The University of Glasgow programme for Glasgow Doors Open Day 2026 can be found at https://www.gla.ac.uk/doorsopen.  
  
The full Glasgow Doors Open Day Festival programme was launched on the 5 August, www.glasgowdoorsopendays.org.uk.

First published: 18 August 2026