Wardlaw Museum

Museum | St Andrews | Scotland | United Kingdom

History of St Andrews University

The Wardlaw Museum in St Andrews, Scotland, is a significant museum that provides a comprehensive insight into the history and culture of the University of St Andrews. It was opened in 2019 and showcases a diverse collection of over 115,000 artifacts that reflect the history of the university and its global impact.

Interactive experiences at Wardlaw Museum

Key features of the collection:

Temporary exhibitions at Wardlaw Museum

Diverse exhibitions: The museum houses four thematic galleries focusing on various aspects of the university, including art, history, science, and natural history. These exhibitions offer a deep understanding of the university's development and influence over the centuries.

Research and education at Wardlaw Museum

Interactive experiences: For visitors of all ages, the museum offers interactive experiences that promote understanding and engagement with the exhibitions. This includes digital installations, workshops, and events that regularly take place.

Diverse exhibitions at the museum

Temporary exhibitions: In addition to the permanent collections, the museum regularly presents temporary exhibitions that illuminate different themes and aspects of the university and its history. These exhibitions provide visitors with the opportunity to discover new and diverse perspectives.

Research and education: The museum serves as a center for research and education, offering programs for schools, university students, and the general public. It promotes understanding of the history and impact of the university and supports the academic community through various educational initiatives.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
7 The Scores
KY16 9AR St Andrews

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 17:00
Monday10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday10:00 - 17:00
Thursday10:00 - 17:00
Friday10:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 17:00

Reviews

258 Reviews

P H
14.01.2025

An unexpectedly worthwhile short visit. Lots of interesting varied exhibits.
G K
09.01.2025

Nice little museum to wander round, would probably be a bit of a disappointing experience if you had to pay but since it's free it's worth spending some time here. Lovely view across the sea, beach, and golf courses from the roof terrace.
leocriminal
04.01.2025

Due to unforeseen circumstances, closed for essential maintenance. Unable to rate.
Donna Dargie
14.12.2024

Lovely wee museum, very interesting. Staff were friendly and helpful plus a lovely wee shop at entrance.
Gordon Handy
01.12.2024

Excellent museum. First class.
Michael Taylor
21.11.2024

Freezing cold day. I had time to kill so I took a look. Very peaceful in there. All displays laid out beautifully. The museum covers the history of st Andrews and the university and it's life as well as displays of history mathematics science chemistry etc and discoveries made by people from the university and a separate display on space and exoplanets and the possibility of life on other planets lots of interactive exhibits and one can get completely lost in the displays. I found it very calming and the atmosphere was serene. The staff take pride in their job and there is a gift shop. Also an upstairs cafe..Entrance is free and the toilets are very modern and clean.I couldn't give it 5 stars because there is a statue of shiva and Parvati gifted to the museum that was unlawfully removed from India in the 1800s. Most enjoyable
Paul Damian
16.11.2024

Free and worth it!
Kris Henderson
02.11.2024

Well put together museum with unique exhibits and interactive exhibits, as well as a great view from the north roof.
Grant French
19.10.2024

Came across this free museam by chance while walking through St Andrews and very glad we did. 4 Galleries to go through detailing the history of St Andrews, medical and anthropology, Engineering and Travel and other cultures. There was also a fish Galleey which was "Out of this world" relating to space, exploration and science fiction. Really enjoyable wee experience and they had backpacks with stuff for the kids to do in each gallery which was really well thought out. Really enjoyed the space exhibit which had a wee reading nook with science fiction books to read. Right by it was some original notes from Iain M Banks Culture series which was lovely to see. All in all a great wee place to visit and see with very friendly and helpful staff.
James McCormack
15.10.2024

Well worth a visit
Nicolas Heath
15.10.2024

Great museum, surprised that it’s free. It may look small from the outside but there is a lot to see and experience. Kudos to an extremely friendly staff as well.
Kimmy Smith
10.10.2024

Interesting historical information, Beautiful view of the North Sea.
Peter Marshall
06.10.2024

Free entry, so much to see will go back soon.
Euan Tausney
18.09.2024

Great little museum about the history of the university. Quite varied exhibits, and a viewing gallery to boot.
David Jones
15.09.2024

Had a quick scoot round. Really interesting. Particularly the space exhibition which was on. Gift shop had some interesting stuff in, which was different from usual tat you might find.
Clare Young
13.09.2024

Wee gem in the busy toon.
VAMOS POR EL MUNDO
11.09.2024

Pequeño para recorrer prontamente disfrtando las exhibiniciones. Parte interactva y muy agradable el personal
Hunor Deak
18.08.2024

I really enjoyed writing an article for In Focus Magazine on the Wardlaw Museum's Alien Worlds exhibition. The place is great fun to visit. Thanks to all the help from Museums of the University of St Andrews and Arjen Anthony Lucassen! The article will explore the museum, music and a lot of space science, both real and fictional!
Enric GSola
08.08.2024

El Museo Wardlaw: Un viaje en el tiempo El Museo Wardlaw es una joya escondida en Saint Andrews. Sus colecciones son una ventana al pasado de la universidad más antigua de Escocia. Desde artefactos históricos hasta curiosidades científicas, hay algo para todos los gustos. Las exhibiciones son muy bien cuidadas y las explicaciones son claras, lo que facilita entender la importancia de cada objeto. Si te interesa la historia y la cultura escocesa, ¡no te lo puedes perder! Es una visita que te transportará a través de los siglos.
Carol „Dora5“
05.08.2024

A hidden gem of a museum. So interesting and well laid out . Lovely welcome by the staff Can't believe it's free!
John Russell
05.08.2024

Interesting exhibits
Hollie Sutherland
24.07.2024

Amazing free family events
Víctor Coto Ordás
19.07.2024

Totalmente recomendable para gente de todas las edades. Contiene objetos de la historia de la universidad más antigua de Escocía y cientos de artefactos científicos y objetos con muchísima historia. Las vistas desde la terraza son espectaculares. Genial!!! Por cierto, es gratis.
Owen Morris
07.07.2024

Strangely interesting, wasn't sure what to expect but it's a good little museum.
gillian hepburn
27.06.2024

A great experience from start to finish. We took our pupils there for a visit and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it.. will definitely be here again
Matthew Quinn
09.06.2024

Fantastic wee Museum. Free entry and the kids loved doing the museum quest. They even got a wee prize at the end
Ken MacLeod
30.05.2024

Great exhibition on exoplanets: Alien Worlds, with a nice mix of science and science fiction. Historic scientific instruments and books as well as meteorites (one from Mars!) and interactive displays.
Silke Salavati
28.05.2024

Very nice small museum. We went in because of temporary exhibition, but geeked out over their permanent one also, especially the science parts. Very friendly staff too. Worth a visit, and has a rooftop terrace with a nice view also.

 

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