Scotland's oldest public museum receives £249k project funding boost

The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow will now be able to carry out a scoping project that will shape the future of its museum and art gallery.

The Hunterian Museum has been open to the public since 1870, while the art gallery was constructed between 1973 and 1981.

The funding will now allow The Hunterian to identify what is required to revitalise its ageing buildings, which are significant parts of Glasgow’s heritage.

The Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest public museum and has provided an invaluable academic and community resource and is committed to become a more meaningful place for more diverse audiences.

It will now look to safeguard its important collections and serve the needs of the community as part of a project entitled ‘Unlocking the Potential of The Hunterian: The Changing Museum’, which will enable it to create ac lear plan and set of activities to understand what is needed to achieve transformational change.

A survey of the buildings will also be carried out and funded by the University of Glasgow and will consider what happens inside the venues.

The Hunterian Museum (Image: Hunterian Museum)

It will play a central role in defining what The Hunterian will be for the next generation through a programme of survey work, consultation, collaboration and co-production.

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: "We are very pleased that thanks to National Lottery players we are able to support this important project and invest in the future of The Hunterian collections and Scotland's oldest public museum.

“Generations of visitors and researchers have enjoyed and learned from The Hunterian collections and this project will help to ensure they continue to provide an important and relevant resource."

Steph Scholten, Director of The Hunterian said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to undertake this crucial foundational work. When our vision is realised, our collections will be protected, displayed in revitalised, sustainable venues and will meet the needs of all of our visitors.

“We will work with our communities to give them a central role in shaping the future of The Hunterian, creating spaces where people can think critically, and can come together to both challenge and find common ground.”

Completion of the project will allow The Hunterian to develop a future bid to fund the redevelopment work necessary to conserve and upgrade the buildings.

‘Unlocking the Potential of The Hunterian: The Changing Museum’ will run throughout 2025, and the findings will be made available in Spring 2026.