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 Hunterian Museum, located in the Main Building, is Scotland’s oldest public museum and home to over a million items ranging from meteorites to mummies. The Hunterian opened in 1807, making it 200 years old this year. To celebrate the bicentenary, a range of special exhibitions and events will take place. From May 2007, visit the refurbished Museum and explore the new permanent displays including the weird and the wonderful and William Hunter’s story, plus some old favourites like dinosaurs, Kelvin’s science and the history of medicine in Scotland.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9.30am - 5pm
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.hunterian.gla.ac.uk for the latest information.
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery shops stock a varied selection of publications, gifts and souvenirs. Cafe Chardin, located within the Art Gallery, serves light refreshments.
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.