What is there to see?
MUSA is an exciting and dynamic space to visit with the whole family. There are four galleries for you to discover:
The University of St Andrews was founded between 1410-1414. Gallery 1 showcases some of the University’s ancient treasures, including our famous medieval maces – the Arts, Canon Law and St Salvator’s mace - and helps you to discover both the early history of the University and the town of St Andrews.
There is something for everyone in Gallery 2 – whether you are a student, a staff member or a visitor who is completely new to the University. In this gallery we look at the lives of St Andrews students through the ages – what has changed and what has stayed the same? We feature a fascinating collection of silver archery medals, some won by very famous Scots in the 17th and 18th centuries. There are lots of things to do (and games to play) and some quirky memorabilia.
On entering Gallery 3, you are greeted by the spectacular Chalmers stained glass window originally mounted in St Salvators Chapel. In this gallery we look at research and innovation from the view point of the three main teaching and research areas at the University – divinity, the arts and the sciences. Find out how the Victorians invented 3D photography and experiment with making your own kaleidoscope.
Our final gallery – Gallery 4 – we simply call the MUSA Gallery. We invite you to explore the nature of museums and collecting. Examine rock-pools and archaeological ‘sites’ in our shrunken trench cases. Indulge your inquisitive side in our modern interpretation of an 18th century ‘cabinet of curiosities’. Browse among highlights of our art collections. Some of these paintings have been in the University for many years, and some we have acquired recently.
