
Hunterian Museum
Explore over a million items, from mummies to meteorites, in Glasgow's eclectic Hunterian Museum, featuring free galleries and the stunning Mackintosh...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

Hunterian Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over a million items, from mummies to meteorites, in Glasgow's eclectic Hunterian Museum, featuring free galleries and the stunning Mackintosh House.
"A must when in Glasgow, made even more pleasant by the cheerful staff."

🎟️ Book Mackintosh House Early
The Mackintosh House is a separate ticketed experience and often books up. Secure your spot to avoid disappointment!
🎨 Free Main Galleries
Enjoy the vast permanent collections for free! A great option for budget travelers and art lovers.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mackintosh House
Hunterian Art Gallery
Exquisite reconstruction of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's home, a feast for the eyes with delicate beauty and craftsmanship.

Eclectic Permanent Collections
Hunterian Art Gallery
Diverse and interesting art and artifacts, grouped by fascinating themes rather than strict chronology.
Children's Play Area
Hunterian Art Gallery
A small, engaging space for kids with Lego, painting, and design activities, allowing parents to explore galleries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Book Mackintosh House
Plan for Diverse Collections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hunterian museum, University of Glasgow
🎟️ Book Mackintosh House Early
The Mackintosh House is a separate ticketed experience and often books up. Secure your spot to avoid disappointment!
🎨 Free Main Galleries
Enjoy the vast permanent collections for free! A great option for budget travelers and art lovers.
Yesterday I went to the Hunterian museum, I went to Glashow uni for 6 years and never visited it, a real shame because it's a rather lovely little collection.
Glasgow museums
🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun
There's a small play area for children, making it a good stop for families with young ones.
🖼️ Thematic Displays
Appreciate the unique way collections are grouped by theme, offering a fresh perspective on art and artifacts.
Hunterian museum has now re-opened after 3 years!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Mackintosh House Early
The Mackintosh House is a separate ticketed experience and often books up. Secure your spot to avoid disappointment!
🎨 Free Main Galleries
Enjoy the vast permanent collections for free! A great option for budget travelers and art lovers.
🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun
There's a small play area for children, making it a good stop for families with young ones.
🖼️ Thematic Displays
Appreciate the unique way collections are grouped by theme, offering a fresh perspective on art and artifacts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Hunterian Museum, particularly praising the free entry to its diverse main galleries and the exquisite, meticulously recreated Mackintosh House. The thematic organization of collections is a unique highlight, offering fresh perspectives. While the Mackintosh House requires a ticket, most find it well worth the cost.
"Don’t miss the Mackintosh House! It is well worth the ticket. It’s just exquisite, almost startling in its delicate beauty and craftsmanship. A feast for the eyes. The permanent collection is also lovely, and grouped by interesting themes, rather than the usual staid chronology. A must when in Glasgow, made even more pleasant by the cheerful staff."
Ariel Sophia Bardi
"This is an amazing gallery. The Mackintosh house is particularly worth a look. The gallery itself is free, the Mackintosh house is £10 full price and less for concessions.
The collection in the main gallery is diverse and interesting.
The Mackintosh house is a reconstruction of a house the Mackintoshes lived in. It is just an incredible reconstruction with painstaking attention to detail. The knowledge of the staff is really awesome and they are friendly and thoughtful."
Twiggy Love
"Excellent arts. They have small area for children to play the Lego’s, painting the colours, make the designs with different forms etc. small children’s will really enjoy the place where parents have the look on the galleries."
prashant B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hunterian Museum is part of the University of Glasgow. You can reach it via public transport; numerous bus routes stop near the university, and it's a walkable distance from Hillhead subway station.
Limited street parking is available around the University of Glasgow, but it can be expensive and difficult to find. Public transport is generally recommended.
It's a bit of a walk, approximately 30-40 minutes from the city center. Taking a bus or the subway to Hillhead station is a quicker option.
For budget travelers, the subway to Hillhead station is very affordable, or you can utilize Glasgow's extensive bus network.
The nearest train station is Glasgow Queen Street or Glasgow Central, from where you would need to take a bus or subway to reach the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main galleries of the Hunterian Museum are free to enter. However, the Mackintosh House requires a separate admission fee.
The Mackintosh House ticket is £10 for full price and less for concessions. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing.
While the main galleries are free, it's highly recommended to book tickets for the Mackintosh House in advance, as it can sell out.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Always check the official Hunterian website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, concessions are available for the Mackintosh House. Check the Hunterian's website for details on eligibility for discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Mackintosh House is a standout, offering an intimate look at his design. The permanent collections, grouped thematically, are also highly praised for their diversity and interesting displays.
Yes, there's a dedicated children's play area with activities like Lego and painting, making it enjoyable for families.
For the main galleries, 1-2 hours is usually sufficient. If you plan to visit the Mackintosh House, allow an additional hour.
Photography is generally permitted in the main galleries for personal use, but it's best to check for any specific restrictions, especially in the Mackintosh House.
Information on guided tours can be found on the Hunterian's official website. Staff are also noted for their knowledge and friendliness.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Hunterian Museum does not typically have an onsite cafe. However, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in the surrounding University of Glasgow area and the West End.
It's generally not permitted to consume food or drinks within the exhibition galleries. There may be designated areas, but it's best to check signage upon arrival.
The University of Glasgow campus and the vibrant West End offer a wide array of dining choices, from casual cafes to pubs and restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets.
Yes, the West End is known for its diverse range of affordable eateries, including sandwich shops, bakeries, and pubs offering good value meals.
Absolutely. Glasgow's West End is very accommodating to dietary needs, with many restaurants offering extensive vegetarian and vegan menus.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is usually allowed in the main galleries, but flash photography is typically prohibited. Always look for signs or ask staff if unsure.
Photography restrictions are often stricter in reconstructed historical interiors like the Mackintosh House to preserve the delicate environment. Check on-site guidelines.
The unique thematic displays in the main galleries and the meticulously recreated interiors of the Mackintosh House offer distinct photographic opportunities.
Avoid using tripods or selfie sticks in crowded areas, and always be mindful of other visitors. Flash photography is almost always forbidden.
Yes, phone cameras are generally acceptable for personal photography, provided you adhere to the general rules about flash and not obstructing others.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While exploring the main collections, parents can appreciate the diverse and thematically organized exhibits. The Mackintosh House, though ticketed, is a visually stunning experience that might captivate older children with its unique design. Remember to book Mackintosh House tickets in advance if you plan to visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
For a small fee, you can access the exceptional Mackintosh House. Even with that additional cost, it remains a very affordable cultural experience in Glasgow. Utilize public transport like the subway or buses to keep travel costs down as well.
🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts
The Mackintosh House is a must-visit for anyone interested in Scottish design and architecture, offering an unparalleled look into the aesthetic of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The sheer volume and diversity of the museum's holdings, from fine art to scientific specimens, promise a rich and rewarding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Mackintosh House
Visitors often describe the experience as exquisite and startling in its delicate beauty and craftsmanship. The knowledge of the staff is also frequently praised, with many finding them friendly and thoughtful, enhancing the visit with their insights. Due to its popularity and the intimate nature of the space, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to ensure you don't miss out on this exceptional part of the Hunterian.
What to Expect Inside
The Mackintosh House showcases the distinctive style of Mackintosh, characterized by its elegant lines, subtle color palettes, and integrated design. It provides a rare opportunity to step into a preserved artistic environment and appreciate the holistic approach Mackintosh took to interior design.
Thematic Collections: A Unique Approach
This method of display is often described as interesting and different, encouraging visitors to make their own connections and discover new perspectives. It moves away from a staid, linear presentation and invites a more dynamic and personal interaction with the vast array of items. The museum houses over a million objects, ranging from meteorites and anatomical specimens to fine art and historical documents, making thematic organization a practical and insightful way to navigate such a diverse holding.
Discovering Connections
This innovative display strategy makes the Hunterian a place where you can truly discover something new with each visit. The 'empty frames' mentioned in one review hint at the thought-provoking nature of the exhibits, perhaps prompting contemplation on the nature of art and display itself.
Family-Friendly Features
This dedicated space includes activities such as playing with Lego, painting, and creating designs with different forms. This thoughtful inclusion ensures that families can have a more relaxed and enjoyable visit, catering to the needs of both adults and children. It's a great way to introduce kids to art and history in a fun, interactive environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit