The Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery

The Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery, Scotland’s oldest public museum, is part of the University of Glasgow and offers a fascinating mix of art, history, and science. Founded on the collections of pioneering anatomist and physician William Hunter, it has grown into one of the country’s most significant cultural assets. Today, the Hunterian spans multiple sites across the university campus, showcasing everything from Roman artefacts and scientific instruments to masterpieces of European art.

• Admission: Free, though donations are welcome.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible with lifts, ramps, and facilities for visitors with additional needs.

Some of our favourite highlights

The extraordinary Roman artefacts from the Antonine Wall, part of Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage.
The Mackintosh House, a faithful reconstruction of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s home, filled with his original furniture and designs.
An outstanding collection of paintings by Whistler, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Scottish artists.
Displays of scientific instruments, anatomical specimens, and medical history, reflecting William Hunter’s pioneering work.
The museum’s location on the University of Glasgow campus, with its stunning Gothic architecture.

The Bearsden Shark

The Bearsden Shark, is a 330 million year old fossil of a prehistoric shark discovered outside the town of Bearsden, near Glasgow. It is considered one of the most complete and best-preserved shark fossils of its time ever found

Chinese Map of the World

The map showing the two hemispheres of the world in the Hunterian collection was designed for the Second Qing Emperor of China, Kangxi (1662-1722) by the Jesuit Father Ferdinand Verbiest (1623-88), in 1674.

Antonine Wall Display

‘The Antonine Wall: Rome’s Final Frontier’ explores the biography of this important Roman monument and through The Hunterian’s rich collections.

Visiting Information

Why Visit?

The Hunterian offers a unique opportunity to explore art, science, and history side by side. Few museums can rival its breadth, from ancient Roman artefacts that chart Scotland’s place in the Roman Empire, to cutting-edge medical collections that highlight the evolution of science and anatomy. Its art galleries are equally impressive, with works by Old Masters and modern Scottish greats, making it a must for art lovers as well as history enthusiasts.

A visit to the Hunterian isn’t just about the collections, it’s also about the setting. Located within the historic University of Glasgow campus, visitors can enjoy one of the city’s most beautiful architectural landmarks while exploring the museum. The Mackintosh House is a particular highlight, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and work of Glasgow’s most famous designer.

Whether you’re drawn by art, fascinated by history, or intrigued by science, the Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery has something to inspire. Free to enter and filled with world-class collections, it’s a cultural experience that connects Glasgow to stories from around the world, while celebrating its own heritage.