The Hunterian Art Gallery main gallery.
1 / 10

Hunterian Museum

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore over a million items, from mummies to meteorites, in Glasgow's eclectic Hunterian Museum, featuring free galleries and the stunning Mackintosh...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Loading map...
The Hunterian Art Gallery main gallery.

Hunterian Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore over a million items, from mummies to meteorites, in Glasgow's eclectic Hunterian Museum, featuring free galleries and the stunning Mackintosh House.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A must when in Glasgow, made even more pleasant by the cheerful staff."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Mackintosh House Early

The Mackintosh House is a separate ticketed experience and often books up. Secure your spot to avoid disappointment!

🎨 Free Main Galleries

Enjoy the vast permanent collections for free! A great option for budget travelers and art lovers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Mackintosh House

The Mackintosh House

Hunterian Art Gallery

Exquisite reconstruction of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's home, a feast for the eyes with delicate beauty and craftsmanship.

Eclectic Permanent Collections

Eclectic Permanent Collections

Hunterian Art Gallery

Diverse and interesting art and artifacts, grouped by fascinating themes rather than strict chronology.

Children's Play Area

Children's Play Area

Hunterian Art Gallery

A small, engaging space for kids with Lego, painting, and design activities, allowing parents to explore galleries.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, But Book Mackintosh House

The main Hunterian Museum galleries are free to enter, but the stunning Mackintosh House requires a separate ticket. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for this unique reconstruction.

Plan for Diverse Collections

With over a million items, from mummies to meteorites, the Hunterian offers eclectic art and artifact collections. Grouped by themes, it's a journey through diverse interests.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Main galleries are free, good for budget
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Hunterian museum, University of Glasgow

🎟️ Book Mackintosh House Early

The Mackintosh House is a separate ticketed experience and often books up. Secure your spot to avoid disappointment! Reddit

🎨 Free Main Galleries

Enjoy the vast permanent collections for free! A great option for budget travelers and art lovers. Reddit

reddit.com

Yesterday I went to the Hunterian museum, I went to Glashow uni for 6 years and never visited it, a real shame because it's a rather lovely little collection.

reddit.com

Glasgow museums

🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun

There's a small play area for children, making it a good stop for families with young ones. Reddit

🖼️ Thematic Displays

Appreciate the unique way collections are grouped by theme, offering a fresh perspective on art and artifacts. Reddit

reddit.com

Hunterian museum has now re-opened after 3 years!

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Mackintosh House Early

The Mackintosh House is a separate ticketed experience and often books up. Secure your spot to avoid disappointment! Reddit

🎨 Free Main Galleries

Enjoy the vast permanent collections for free! A great option for budget travelers and art lovers. Reddit

🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun

There's a small play area for children, making it a good stop for families with young ones. Reddit

🖼️ Thematic Displays

Appreciate the unique way collections are grouped by theme, offering a fresh perspective on art and artifacts. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Hunterian Museum, particularly praising the free entry to its diverse main galleries and the exquisite, meticulously recreated Mackintosh House. The thematic organization of collections is a unique highlight, offering fresh perspectives. While the Mackintosh House requires a ticket, most find it well worth the cost.

"Don’t miss the Mackintosh House! It is well worth the ticket. It’s just exquisite, almost startling in its delicate beauty and craftsmanship. A feast for the eyes. The permanent collection is also lovely, and grouped by interesting themes, rather than the usual staid chronology. A must when in Glasgow, made even more pleasant by the cheerful staff."

Ariel Sophia Bardi

"This is an amazing gallery. The Mackintosh house is particularly worth a look. The gallery itself is free, the Mackintosh house is £10 full price and less for concessions.
The collection in the main gallery is diverse and interesting.
The Mackintosh house is a reconstruction of a house the Mackintoshes lived in. It is just an incredible reconstruction with painstaking attention to detail. The knowledge of the staff is really awesome and they are friendly and thoughtful."

Twiggy Love

"Excellent arts. They have small area for children to play the Lego’s, painting the colours, make the designs with different forms etc. small children’s will really enjoy the place where parents have the look on the galleries."

prashant B

What People Like

Free main galleries
Mackintosh House beauty
Thematic collection displays

What People Dislike

Mackintosh House ticket cost

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hunterian Museum is part of the University of Glasgow. You can reach it via public transport; numerous bus routes stop near the university, and it's a walkable distance from Hillhead subway station. Reddit

Limited street parking is available around the University of Glasgow, but it can be expensive and difficult to find. Public transport is generally recommended. Reddit

It's a bit of a walk, approximately 30-40 minutes from the city center. Taking a bus or the subway to Hillhead station is a quicker option. Reddit

For budget travelers, the subway to Hillhead station is very affordable, or you can utilize Glasgow's extensive bus network. Reddit

The nearest train station is Glasgow Queen Street or Glasgow Central, from where you would need to take a bus or subway to reach the museum. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The main galleries of the Hunterian Museum are free to enter. However, the Mackintosh House requires a separate admission fee. Reddit

The Mackintosh House ticket is £10 for full price and less for concessions. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

While the main galleries are free, it's highly recommended to book tickets for the Mackintosh House in advance, as it can sell out. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Always check the official Hunterian website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

Yes, concessions are available for the Mackintosh House. Check the Hunterian's website for details on eligibility for discounts. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Mackintosh House is a standout, offering an intimate look at his design. The permanent collections, grouped thematically, are also highly praised for their diversity and interesting displays. Reddit

Yes, there's a dedicated children's play area with activities like Lego and painting, making it enjoyable for families. Reddit

For the main galleries, 1-2 hours is usually sufficient. If you plan to visit the Mackintosh House, allow an additional hour. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted in the main galleries for personal use, but it's best to check for any specific restrictions, especially in the Mackintosh House. Reddit

Information on guided tours can be found on the Hunterian's official website. Staff are also noted for their knowledge and friendliness. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Hunterian Museum does not typically have an onsite cafe. However, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in the surrounding University of Glasgow area and the West End. Reddit

It's generally not permitted to consume food or drinks within the exhibition galleries. There may be designated areas, but it's best to check signage upon arrival. Reddit

The University of Glasgow campus and the vibrant West End offer a wide array of dining choices, from casual cafes to pubs and restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets. Reddit

Yes, the West End is known for its diverse range of affordable eateries, including sandwich shops, bakeries, and pubs offering good value meals. Reddit

Absolutely. Glasgow's West End is very accommodating to dietary needs, with many restaurants offering extensive vegetarian and vegan menus. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is usually allowed in the main galleries, but flash photography is typically prohibited. Always look for signs or ask staff if unsure. Reddit

Photography restrictions are often stricter in reconstructed historical interiors like the Mackintosh House to preserve the delicate environment. Check on-site guidelines. Reddit

The unique thematic displays in the main galleries and the meticulously recreated interiors of the Mackintosh House offer distinct photographic opportunities. Reddit

Avoid using tripods or selfie sticks in crowded areas, and always be mindful of other visitors. Flash photography is almost always forbidden. Reddit

Yes, phone cameras are generally acceptable for personal photography, provided you adhere to the general rules about flash and not obstructing others. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hunterian Museum offers a good experience for families. The main galleries are free, making it an accessible outing. For the kids, there's a dedicated play area with activities like Lego and painting, ensuring they stay engaged. Reddit

While exploring the main collections, parents can appreciate the diverse and thematically organized exhibits. The Mackintosh House, though ticketed, is a visually stunning experience that might captivate older children with its unique design. Remember to book Mackintosh House tickets in advance if you plan to visit.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Hunterian Museum is a fantastic option for budget travelers as the main galleries are free to enter. This allows you to immerse yourself in a vast collection of art and artifacts without any admission cost. Reddit

For a small fee, you can access the exceptional Mackintosh House. Even with that additional cost, it remains a very affordable cultural experience in Glasgow. Utilize public transport like the subway or buses to keep travel costs down as well. Reddit

🎨 Art & History Enthusiasts

Art and history lovers will find the Hunterian Museum a treasure trove. The eclectic and thematically arranged collections offer a fresh perspective on art and artifacts, moving beyond traditional chronological displays. Reddit

The Mackintosh House is a must-visit for anyone interested in Scottish design and architecture, offering an unparalleled look into the aesthetic of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The sheer volume and diversity of the museum's holdings, from fine art to scientific specimens, promise a rich and rewarding experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Mackintosh House

The Mackintosh House is a highlight for many visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the life and work of the renowned Scottish architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. This is not an original house, but a meticulous reconstruction of the interiors of the Mackintoshes' Glasgow home, which was demolished in the 1960s. Every detail, from the furniture to the decorative elements, has been painstakingly recreated based on original plans and photographs. Reddit

Visitors often describe the experience as exquisite and startling in its delicate beauty and craftsmanship. The knowledge of the staff is also frequently praised, with many finding them friendly and thoughtful, enhancing the visit with their insights. Due to its popularity and the intimate nature of the space, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to ensure you don't miss out on this exceptional part of the Hunterian.

What to Expect Inside



The Mackintosh House showcases the distinctive style of Mackintosh, characterized by its elegant lines, subtle color palettes, and integrated design. It provides a rare opportunity to step into a preserved artistic environment and appreciate the holistic approach Mackintosh took to interior design. Reddit

Thematic Collections: A Unique Approach

Unlike many traditional museums that organize exhibits chronologically, the Hunterian Museum is celebrated for its thematic grouping of collections. This approach allows for unexpected juxtapositions and a more engaging exploration of art and artifacts. You might find ancient sculptures displayed alongside contemporary pieces, or historical scientific instruments placed near artistic interpretations of nature, all united by a common theme. Reddit

This method of display is often described as interesting and different, encouraging visitors to make their own connections and discover new perspectives. It moves away from a staid, linear presentation and invites a more dynamic and personal interaction with the vast array of items. The museum houses over a million objects, ranging from meteorites and anatomical specimens to fine art and historical documents, making thematic organization a practical and insightful way to navigate such a diverse holding.

Discovering Connections



This innovative display strategy makes the Hunterian a place where you can truly discover something new with each visit. The 'empty frames' mentioned in one review hint at the thought-provoking nature of the exhibits, perhaps prompting contemplation on the nature of art and display itself. Reddit

Family-Friendly Features

The Hunterian Museum makes an effort to be accessible and engaging for families with children. While the main collections offer a broad appeal, a specific small area for children is provided, designed to keep younger visitors entertained while parents can still enjoy the galleries. Reddit

This dedicated space includes activities such as playing with Lego, painting, and creating designs with different forms. This thoughtful inclusion ensures that families can have a more relaxed and enjoyable visit, catering to the needs of both adults and children. It's a great way to introduce kids to art and history in a fun, interactive environment. Reddit

You may also like