Earth Science Collection, University of Bristol
University geology collection of over 100,000 fossils, rocks, minerals and maps in the Wills Memorial Building, open to visitors by appointment.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Earth Science Collection of the University of Bristol's School of Earth Sciences holds more than 100,000 palaeontological, petrological and mineralogical samples of scientific and historical importance. They include over 1,600 type, figured and cited specimens, 10,000 geological thin sections and slides, and an archive of international geological maps. A further 16,000 handling specimens are kept for teaching.
The collection is housed in the Wills Memorial Building on Queens Road, the university landmark that was opened by King George V and Queen Mary in 1925 and badly damaged in the Blitz in 1940. A recently created Collection Study Space on the second floor allows students, academics and members of the public with a personal interest in geology to look at specimens, thin sections, maps and archival documents. It has desks, a computer with access to the collection catalogue and Wi-Fi.
The School also runs an art gallery in the building, and the university's Wills Memorial Tower Tours let visitors see behind the grand facade of the building and climb the tower. The collection offers workshops, volunteering and a digital database so that its specimens can be explored online.
Highlights
- More than 100,000 fossils, rocks, minerals and archive items
- Over 1,600 type, figured and cited specimens
- 10,000 geological thin sections and slides
- Archive of international geological maps
- Collection Study Space on the second floor of the Wills Memorial Building
- Online database of the collection
Permanent exhibition
- Earth Science Collection – Fossils, rocks, minerals, thin sections and geological maps that can be studied in the Collection Study Space by appointment.
- Founded
- 1958
- Operated by
- University of Bristol, School of Earth Sciences
Admission & discounts
| Wills Memorial Tower Tour (building tour, Saturdays at 11am and 1pm) | £5Under 8s £3; evening tours £10 per person for groups of at least 10; cash or online payment, no card payments on the day |
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No charge is published for visiting the collection by appointment. The Earth Gallery is free. Tower tours of the Wills Memorial Building are a separate paid activity run by the university.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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
The Collection Study Space on the second floor is reached by two lifts that are suitable for wheelchair users, and the Earth Gallery has wheelchair access. The tower of the Wills Memorial Building is reached by about 350 steps with no lift.
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
- Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available in the Collection Study Space. The Earth Gallery has toilets and a seating area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| Good to know | Wills Memorial Tower Tours take visitors behind the facade of the building and to the top of the tower, lasting 60 to 90 minutes; the tower is reached by about 350 steps and children must be closely supervised. Visitors to the collection should make a research enquiry and arrange an appointment with plenty of notice so that the material is ready. |
