Wardlaw Museum - what is there to see?

• Displays

  Gallery 1: Scotland’s First University

  

  In 1413 a Bull of Foundation was secured from the Pope, confirming the foundation of Scotland’s first university in St Andrews. Over the centuries the University has embraced challenge and welcomed modernisation, including standing at the forefront of the campaign for a University education for women.  Featuring iconic objects including the university’s medieval maces alongside a Raisin Weekend costume collected in 2017, this gallery explores not only the history but the distinctive identity, sense of community, and student life of a university that embraces the full experience of living and learning.

  Gallery 2: Enquiring Minds

  
  Teaching and learning are central to any university, and this gallery focusses on the ways that models, instruments, artefacts and specimens have been used to investigate, record, and see things differently. The displays draw from across art and science, and feature at the centre a stunning display of microscope slides and butterflies.

  Gallery 3: Reformers and Innovators

  
  For more than 600 years, the University has drawn pioneering individuals to St Andrews to research and to learn. Groundbreaking discoveries, inventions, and ideas developed here have had a lasting impact on Scotland, and have changed the world. This gallery brings together objects relating to themes as diverse as photography, the development of LEDs, and the Reformation, to encourage visitors to think about those moments when new ideas can change everything.

  Gallery 4: Expanding Horizons

  
  Curiosity and a desire to investigate the unknown have inspired St Andrews staff, students and residents. Featuring objects collected from around the world, specimens from pioneering research into life in the deep oceans in the 1870s, and lunar rock samples sent from NASA to St Andrews in the 1970s for expert analysis, this gallery shows how St Andrews has always been global, and has contributed to an expanding and changing understanding of the human world, the natural world and the universe.

• Temporary exhibitions

  A programme of changing exhibitions offers the opportunity to dig deeper into a particular topic, see amazing artefacts, explore fascinating stories and experience the results of cutting-edge research. Exhibitions change several times a year, giving plenty of reasons for a return visit.

  At present the Albany Galleries are showing:

  Alien Worlds

  Saturday 1 June 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025

  How do you explore a planet that's so far away you can't see it? How do you even know it's there at all? Could those planets support life? Could they support us?

  Join us for the journey of a lifetime as we travel from our Solar System to the farthest flung planets that we know about, discover the surprising relationship between science and science-fiction and uncover the possibilities for life - human and alien - in space.

  

• Viewing terrace

  The viewing terrace provides one of the best views in St Andrews, offering a stunning panorama over the West Sands beach, the world-famous golf links, Tentsmuir Forest and the North Sea. On a clear day you can even catch a glimpse of the Bell Rock Lighthouse. A free talking telescope explains what you can see and you can also meet St Andrews' very own "Prince Wullie".

• Gift shop

  The Wardlaw Museum shop has a wonderful range of gifts, souvenirs and books that are inspired by our collections, our University and our beautiful coastal location. There are beautiful handmade gifts, artworks, books for beginners and experts, quirky souvenirs of our eclectic collection, classic University of St Andrews merchandise and a thoughtful, fun and affordable range of children’s toys, games and books.

  Stock is carefully chosen to enable you to take your learning further, so if something's inspired you to find out more or take action you'll find something in the shop to help you to do so.

  Our online shop also allows you have gifts and souvenirs posted to the comfort of your home.

• Research studio

  The Research Studio is an experimental space where you'll find the very latest new thoughts, discoveries and ideas from experts at the University of St Andrews. Content is created by the researchers themselves, often in short timescales to ensure you can encounter the very latest findings.

  

  Scottish Objects of Encounter

  Dr Emily Michelson
  In the Research Studio from 7 September 2024 - January 2025

  What does it mean to be Scottish? Scottish Objects of Encounter asks how we understand Scottishness, both today and when the University was first founded. It examines how national identity is also shaped by foreign objects, materials, techniques, and concepts. 

  Diversity and encounter have always contributed to Scottish identity and to its iconic objects - and the University of St Andrews has been part of this international exchange since its founding.

  Including an interview with Greek master-silversmith and chaser Panos Kirkos, maker of the Six Centuries Mace, Scottish Objects of Encounter explores the hidden diversity of the University maces and history. This project is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Grant no. AH/X007065/1.

• For families

  The Wardlaw Museum aims to offer a warm welcome to families and offers:

  • a variety of hands-on interactives
  • free activity backpacks 
  • craft activities in the Learning Loft.

  Plus the museum offers a variety of free events for families, including:

  • Wee Wardlaws, for pre-school children and whoever looks after them, on the first Friday of every month
  • regular workshops during school holidays
  • three family fun days each year.

  Visit the What's On page to see the full programme, or check our Facebook page for the latest event information and what might be happening today. You can also email museumlearning@st-andrews.ac.uk to join our mailing list.

• For a relaxed visit

  The Wardlaw Museum can be a relaxing contemplative space, with beautiful art to ponder, one of St Andrews' most stunning views and quiet spaces.

  The quietest time to visit is immediately after opening, or try one of our dedicated quiet openings, when noise is reduced. These take place on the first Sunday of the month between 10am and midday and the third Thursday of the month between 2pm and 5pm.

  You can also try our free relaxed drawing sessions every Wednesday between 3pm and 5pm, when we encourage you to sit in the galleries and sketch what you see. All materials are provided and all abilities are welcome.

  Our events programme is designed around the Five Ways to Wellbeing, so any event you attend should help you to feel better. 

  See the What's On page for the full programme of events or email museumlearning@st-andrews.ac.uk to sign up to the mailing list.

• For a quick visit

  If you're pressed for time, you can see the key highlights of the museum in as little as 15 minutes. Our friendly and welcoming staff will be happy to recommend things to see.

• If you've a special interest

  Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, keen on science or something else entirely, there's a good chance the museum will have something that interests you.

  Our friendly and welcoming staff will be able to recommend what to look at if you tell them about your interest.

  Our programme of temporary exhibitions changes several times a year, meaning there'll often be a deep dive into a fascinating subject, plus our events programme offers a range of talks, workshops and chances to meet experts. You can also explore The Curiosity Conversation podcast, which introduces you to a different expert every month for a fascinating 30-minute conversation.

  See our What's On page for current exhibitions and upcoming events, or email museumlearning@st-andrews.ac.uk to join our mailing list.

• For big groups

  If you're part of a big group or an organised tour it's a good idea to phone in advance to let us know you're coming, allowing us to prepare for your arrival and make it a highly enjoyable experience.

  We can also offer free guided tours to big groups; please phone in advance or speak to one of our friendly and welcoming members of staff on arrival.