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The Bell Pettigrew Museum

History

Portrait of Professor D'Arcy Thompson

The University's first Natural History museum was shared with the town's Literary and Philosophical Society and dates from 1838. In 1904 the collections were taken over by the University Court, and in 1912 moved to their present site in the School of Biology. The new museum was financed by Mrs Bell Pettigrew in memory of her late husband. University staff research has added to the collections since then, e.g. Professor D'Arcy Thompson (shown right).

Old black & white photograph of the interior of the Bell petigrew museum

Collections

The collection is vast and varied. The collections include bottled and dried specimens, skeletal remains, mounted specimens, fossils, scientific instruments and much more.

Photo of starfish, monkey and shark jaw from Bell Pettigrew collection

Teaching collection

In 1970 the museum was re-modelled specifically for the teaching of zoology. The museum is now constructed by its various 'PHYLA' of the animal kingdom. Study of the museum and its collections is encouraged. The museum is also open to the public by appointment.

Photo of current interior of Bell Petigrew Museum