Cockburn Geological Museum
University of Edinburgh geology museum with more than 130,000 minerals, rocks, meteorites and fossils, open to visitors by prior arrangement.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Cockburn Geological Museum belongs to the School of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh and is housed in the Grant Institute on the King's Buildings campus. It reflects the leading role that Edinburgh has played in the geological sciences since the time of James Hutton (1726-1797).
The collections have grown for well over a century and include major donations of rare and special specimens. In total the museum holds more than 130,000 minerals, rocks, meteorites and fossils, together with historical objects such as maps and photographs and the archives of earth scientists reaching back to the late eighteenth century.
A selection of attractive specimens is shown in presentation cases along the main corridors of the Grant Institute. Most of the historical collection is kept in secure cabinets and can be viewed by appointment, and research collections linked to graduate theses are stored in several places and can only be examined by arrangement with the curator. The geology collection holds Full Accreditation under the national museum accreditation scheme.
Highlights
- More than 130,000 minerals, rocks, meteorites and fossils
- Specimens displayed in cases along the Grant Institute corridors
- Archives of earth scientists from the late eighteenth century
- Help with identifying rocks, fossils and minerals on request
Permanent exhibition
- Geology collections in the Grant Institute – Minerals, rocks, meteorites and fossils are shown in presentation cases along the corridors of the Grant Institute, while the larger historical collection can be seen by appointment.
- Founded
- 1873
- Operated by
- University of Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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
There is an access ramp and a lift for visitors with reduced mobility, and toilets are on the ground and first floors of the Grant Institute.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
Refreshments are available in King's Buildings House, directly behind the Grant Institute.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum can arrange or host tours, talks and outreach activities on geology and Earth history for schools and other groups. A bilingual tour may be possible with advance notice. Staff can help to identify rocks, fossils and minerals on request. |
