The Hunterian Zoology Museum

About

The Hunterian Zoology Museum, housed in the University of Glasgow’s Graham Kerr Building since 1923, showcases the astonishing diversity of the animal kingdom in classic taxonomic order. Its displays feature nearly 800 species, from elephants and giant squid to echidnas and delicate glass sponges, representing just a fraction of the millions of species on Earth. Many specimens were acquired through fieldwork, donations, or historic natural history suppliers, and around a fifth are now classified as threatened. Originally designed to support teaching in zoology, the museum continues to serve both academic study and public curiosity, offering insight into evolution, biodiversity, and conservation. With its atmospheric gallery and meticulously preserved specimens, it stands as a reminder of the importance of scientific collections in understanding and protecting the natural world, while also reflecting over a century of the university’s commitment to research and education in the life sciences.

Glasgow Scotland

Location

The Hunterian Zoology Museum is located in the Graham Kerr Building on the Gilmorehill campus of the University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ. This museum houses an extensive collection of zoological specimens, ranging from common animals like koalas and antelopes to marine creatures such as sponges and microscopic species. It offers visitors a fascinating insight into animal biology and biodiversity, with a particularly notable insect section. The museum is about a five-minute walk from the main Hunterian Museum in the historic Gilbert Scott Building. Nearby, visitors can explore the rich academic and cultural quarter of the university, including the Hunterian Art Gallery and the Mackintosh House. The area is accessible via Hillhead and Kelvinbridge subway stations, offering good connectivity to the rest of Glasgow.