Bell Pettigrew Museum
University zoology museum in St Andrews with fossils and specimens from around the world, including extinct species, open to the public in Fife school holidays.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum has its roots in the Literary and Philosophical Society of St Andrews, founded in 1838, whose collection served both students and the town. By the end of the 19th century the society was in decline and the collection had outgrown its rooms, so it passed to the University in 1904.
A new building was paid for by the widow of James Bell Pettigrew, a biologist and professor at the University, and the museum was named after him. It opened in the early 1910s, and the University counts its official birthday as 14 September 1911, when the doors opened for the banquet marking the University's 500th anniversary.
The museum worked as both a town and a university museum until the 1950s, when the other collections moved to the departments they related to and it became a museum of zoology only. It is regarded as a rare surviving Victorian teaching museum. The zoology collection runs to thousands of specimens, among them extinct species such as the thylacine.
Highlights
- Victorian teaching museum with zoology specimens from around the world
- Extinct species, including the thylacine
- Fossils and prehistoric creatures
- Free entry
Permanent exhibition
- Zoology collection – Creatures and fossils from around the world, including extinct species, rare specimens and prehistoric animals.
- Operated by
- University of St Andrews
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Two accessible parking spaces are outside the Bute Building.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
South Street
Take the train to Leuchars, then a bus to the town centre. The nearest bus stop is on South Street.
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking is available in the town centre.
- Accessible parking
The museum is about half a mile (a 13-minute walk) from St Andrews Bus Station. Enter through St Mary's Quadrangle from South Street, or from Queen's Terrace. St Andrews can be reached by the A91, A917 or A915. The nearest electric vehicle charging point is on Westburn Lane.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The entrance is Door C of the Bute Building. |
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