The Hunterian Museum, Scotland‘s oldest public museum, has received a £249,000 boost from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a transformative scoping project.
This initiative aims to shape the future of the museum and its art gallery, both integral to Glasgow’s cultural heritage.
Established in 1870, The Hunterian Museum has long served as an academic and community resource, while its art gallery, built between 1973 and 1981, complements its rich legacy.
The new funding will enable The Hunterian to identify essential upgrades to its ageing facilities and ensure the preservation of its collections for future generations.
The project, titled “Unlocking the Potential of The Hunterian: The Changing Museum,” will focus on revitalising the museum’s infrastructure and reimagining its role for a more diverse audience.
It includes extensive building surveys funded by the University of Glasgow, alongside consultations, collaborations, and co-production efforts with the local community.
This initiative aims to transform The Hunterian into a modern, inclusive space that continues to educate and inspire visitors while protecting its invaluable artefacts.
The museum’s director, Steph Scholten, expressed excitement over the grant, highlighting the importance of creating sustainable venues that meet the needs of all visitors and provide platforms for critical thinking and community engagement.
The project will also lay the groundwork for a future funding bid to implement the required redevelopment work. Running through 2025, the scoping phase’s findings are expected to be published in Spring 2026.
The Hunterian Museum’s commitment to evolving as a resource for both researchers and the wider community reflects its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Scotland’s cultural and academic landscape.
