The University had a museum as far back as 1727 and holds a huge range of collections that cover its full history. The collections cover archaeology and ethnography to Scottish history, coins and medals, fine art, scientific instruments, medicine, natural sciences and more.
The entire collection of the University is also Recognised of National Significance to Scotland.
With the closure of their venues due to Covid-19 restrictions, the University’s online exhibitions site exhibitions.abdn.ac.uk is currently the main venue for their changing exhibition programme. It also hosts virtual versions of previous in-person exhibitions.
For enquiries about exhibitions, events and group visits, please email UoACollections@abdn.ac.uk
For enquiries about the collections, please email museums@abdn.ac.uk
1. The Gallery in the Sir Duncan Rice Library
The Gallery has a programme of changing exhibitions throughout the year taken from the University’s huge collection. You don’t need to book and entry is free. For information on the latest exhibitions, visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/museums/exhibitions/index.php
PLEASE NOTE: The Gallery is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Bedford Road, Aberdeen AB24 3AA
Monday – Wednesday, Friday: 10am – 5pm; Thursday: 10am – 7pm; Saturday & Sunday: 11am – 4pm
For information about exhibitions, events, group visits, outreach and volunteering, please email UoACollections@abdn.ac.uk
For enquires about the collections, including arranging a research visit, please email museums@abdn.ac.uk
Parking on site is reserved for university staff, but there is pay and display parking in the surrounding roads. For directions and further information on how to get there, visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/maps/view/112/
The number 19 bus stops directly outside the Sir Duncan Rice Library on Bedford Road, and runs every 15 minutes. Bus routes 1, 2 and 20 also stop at the University campus. See First Bus timetables https://www.firstgroup.com/aberdeen/routes-and-maps/route-maps
For a pan-disability access guide to the Sir Duncan Rice Library, visit the AccessAble website.
2. Zoology Museum
The museum houses the only large, international exhibition of zoological specimens in the north of Scotland. You can see insects, birds and even whales and tigers. You don’t need to book and entry is free. For more information, visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/museums/exhibitions/zoology-museum-588.php
PLEASE NOTE: The Zoology Museum is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Tillydrone Ave, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ
Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm
For group and school visits to the Zoology Museum, please contact the Aberdeen Biodiversity Centre on
biodiversity@abdn.ac.uk or call 01224 274545
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/biodiversity/
Parking on site is reserved for university staff, but there is pay and display parking in the surrounding roads. For directions and further information on how to get there, visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/about/campus/maps/view/113/
Access to the upper floor of the museum is limited – contact the museum for details. For a pan-disability access guide to the Zoology building, visit the
AccessAble website.
3. King’s Museum, Old Aberdeen Town House
Currently closed for re-development.
Old Aberdeen Town House, High Street, Aberdeen AB24 3EN
How to find us
The Gallery in the Sir Duncan Rice Library
Aberdeen AB24 3AA, UK
Zoology Museum
Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
King’s Museum, Old Aberdeen Town House
High Street, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3EN, UK