Gateway Galleries
Discover the treasures of Scotland's oldest University in our exhibition spaces in the Gateway Building.
Current Exhibitions:
The MUSA Young Artist Award 2011: Making Faces
4 June - 31 August 2011
NOW OPEN!
The theme this year's MUSA Young Artist Award is Making Faces and pupils from across Fife responded by creating depictions of the human figure inspired by objects and artworks from the University collections. A total of 421 entries of exceptional quality were received and the judges had a hard time choosing the winners. Drop into the Gateway Galleries to see the winning entries alongside some of the artworks that inspired them and prepare to be astounded by the abilities of Fife's young artists.
You can see the winning entries and find out more about the competition on the MUSA Young Artist Award website.
Curator's Choice
Throughout 2010/2011
Intriguing, inspiring, exotic, artistic, enlightening, scientific, thought-provoking: there are probably nearly as many ways to describe the items in the Museum Collections of the University of St Andrews as there are objects themselves. These amount to over 120,000 artefacts and specimens, ranging from archaeological finds, ethnographic material and zoological, anatomical and geological specimens, to furniture, artworks, silver, coins and medals, textiles and scientific instruments.
The curators and departmental experts were invited to select objects for this exhibition which appealed to them personally: not necessarily the most valuable or beautiful items in the collections, but ones which had spoken to them with their own unique, intriguing stories. The resulting display provides snapshots of the collections, selected by some of the people who know them best. Stop, look and wonder: do they fascinate you too?
Coming Soon:
The Beginning and the End of the World: St Andrews, Scandal and the Birth of Photography
St Andrews was the first town in the English-speaking world to have its people, buildings and natural environment thoroughly documented through photography. The Beginning and the End of the World tells the stories of pioneers of Scottish photography. Yet it also places them within the extraordinary intellectual life of an eccentric society rich with some apocalyptically-minded Victorian inventors and authors whose work has had an international, and controversial, impact.
A range of events linked to the exhibition will take place. All are free of charge but booking is required for most. To book phone 01334 461663 or email alh10@st-andrews.ac.uk.
GEOLOGY WALK TO THE ROCK AND SPINDLE
Sunday 18th September, 11am-2pm
Every fancied time travelling? Now you can! Journey through time with geologist Stuart Allison to learn about the amazing events that have shaped our landscape and see the geological features that inspired Chambers’ thoughts and Adamson’s photography. The walk is approximately 2 ½ miles long and suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. You’ll need sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, a packed lunch and the desire to be amazed. Booking is required for this event.
THE SECRET LIFE OF ROBERT CHAMBERS
Wednesday 28th September 1:15-2pm
In 1844 Robert Chambers’ book Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation challenged accepted views on history and was denounced as evil by some at the time. Robert Crawford, the exhibition’s curator, will discuss the life and work of Chambers in this lunchtime talk. Booking is required for this event.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEARNED GENTLEMEN: BREWSTER, CHAMBERS, PLAYFAIR AND THE ADAMSON BROTHERS
Saturday 8th October, 1:30-3pm
Tales of science, scandal, experimenters and eccentrics will be brought to life by Professor Ian Carradice as he takes you on a stroll through the streets of St Andrews, stopping off at some of the locations associated with these charismatic figures of the early 1800s. The total distance of the walk will be around 2 miles. Booking is required for this event.
MEET SIR DAVID BREWSTER
Wednesday 12 October, 10:30-12:30 and 1:30-3:30
After his well-received visit to MUSA this month, Sir David Brewster, one of St Andrews’ most famous 19th century inventors, is returning. This time he’ll be in the Gateway Galleries on Wednesday 12th October, just drop in to say hello and hear some of his ideas about life, the universe and kaleidoscopes. Booking is not required for this event.
FANTASTIC FOSSILS
Thursday 20th October, MUSA
10:30-11:30am (ages 5-8, must be accompanied by an adult)
1:30-2:30pm (age 9+)
Ever seen a giant scorpion trail, a shark's tooth or a fossil fish? Come along to MUSA and get your hands on some fantastic fossils and create a fake fossil to fool your friends. Booking is required for this event.
SIR DAVID BREWSTER AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Wednesday 16th November, 1:15-2pm
David Brewster invented the kaleidoscope and was responsible for bringing the new art of photography to Scotland. He also happened to be Principal of the University. Join Dr Alison Morrison-Low, Principal Curator of Historic Scientific Instruments and Photography at National Museums Scotland, for an illustrated lunchtime talk on the man himself. Booking is required for this event.
BEYOND THE BIRTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Wednesday 23rd November, 1:15-2pm
The camera never lies. Or does it? In this illustrated lunchtime talk Marc Boulay, Photographic Archivist at the University Library, will challenge this popularly held belief. He’ll also chart the development of photography as a commercially driven medium and highlight some of the treasures from the University’s photographic collection. Booking is required for this event.
Gateway Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 09.00-17.00
Saturday: 12noon-16.00
North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9RJ View a map here - Gateway map (PDF, 172 KB)
Gateway reception Tel. 01334 467400
Museum Collections Unit Tel: 01334 462417
