Explore nearly 800 species of preserved animals arranged in classic taxonomical order, from elephants to giant squid, in this historic teaching collection.

The Hunterian Zoology Museum, located in the Graham Kerr building at the University of Glasgow, showcases the astonishing diversity of the animal kingdom through its extensive collection of preserved specimens. Visitors can discover nearly 800 different species on display, representing a tiny fraction of the estimated 7.7 million animal species thought to exist on Earth. The displays range from large mammals like elephants to unusual creatures such as echidnas, giant squid, and glass sponges, all arranged in classic taxonomical order. Originally opened in 1923, the museum has served as both a teaching resource for undergraduate students and a public exhibition space. The specimens have diverse origins—some were purchased from natural history supply companies, others were collected by University staff and students, and many were donated by individuals or other museums. This creates a fascinating narrative of scientific discovery and preservation spanning generations. The museum holds particular significance in the context of modern conservation challenges. Approximately one-fifth of the animals on display are classified as threatened species, and with ongoing climate change and biodiversity crises, museums like the Hunterian increasingly serve as important repositories for species that may only exist as specimens in future. The venue offers free entry and is suitable for families, students, and anyone interested in natural history and zoology. Opening hours are Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. The museum is located a five-minute walk from the main Hunterian Museum on the University's Gilmorehill campus.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Frank S

2 months ago

Great museum but be aware this is relatively small. Just one large room. That said, this is a fascinating stop while in Glasgow and well worth your time.

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Michel Hamelink

2 months ago

Small musuem in the university. But very interesting and a pretty large collection! Free entry.

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Mariam

10 months ago

We really enjoyed our visit to the Hunterian Zoology Museum! 🦋 It’s a fascinating place filled with unique animal exhibits and interesting scientific displays. The museum is small but rich in information and very well organized. It was also perfectly located on our way to the University of Glasgow, which made the visit even more enjoyable. A great stop for anyone who loves nature, science, and history! 🐚✨

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Meth Santa

10 months ago

A lovely visit. Not huge but full of tiny bugs and fishes up to massive animals. Very informative and a worthy visit, skeletons, birds, beautiful beasties, spiders and allsorts

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Shelley C

a year ago

A small but good zoology museum tucked away on the ground floor of the Graham Kerr building at Glasgow University. It is crammed full of skeletons and stuffed animals. There is a small children's area. Due to the preserved specimens, it does have a distinct smell, so it is not a great place to go if you have hyperosima. The museum is free to enter. To find the room that contains the museum, you go through the main entrance and up a few steps. On the right-hand side of the entrance parlour is a corridor. Go down this and turn left. That brings you to the museum. There are toilets, though they are rather narrow and have a glass window in the door. The glass is mainly frosted, but there is enough of a clear glass rim for the potential to make embarrassing eye contact. The building is wheelchair accessible using a ramp and a chairlift. The museum had a hard-surface wooden floor. There are no disabled toilets. There is free blue-badged parking.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026