The University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is home to one of the top five collections in Scotland, with over a million items ranging from meteorites and mummies to Mackintosh.
The Hunterian is the legacy of Dr William Hunter, a pioneering obstetrician and teacher. His passion for collecting was legendary. Hunter was born and raised locally and was a student at the University of Glasgow. He moved to London in 1741, where he found fame and fortune as a physician to the Royal family and teacher of anatomy and surgery. Hunter lavished his wealth on building up his vast and varied private collection.
When he died in 1783 he left his entire collection to the University of Glasgow, along with the money to create a suitable museum. The Hunterian opened its doors in 1807, making it Scotland's oldest public musuem.
The present day Hunterian, preparing to celebrate its bicentenary in 2007, is spread across four sites on the University campus. Visitors can see many items from Hunter's original collection as well as new material which has been added to over the years. The purpose built Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh House are in Hillhead Street. The Hunterian Museum is in the Main University building on University Avenue. The Zoology Museum is in the Graham Kerr building and the Anatomy Museum is in the Thomson building.
Visit the amazing permanent collections or world - class temporary exhibitons. Have tea in Cafe Chardin, or browse in our shops.