Turner Museum of Glass

About the museum

The Turner Museum of Glass was founded in 1943 by Professor W. E. S. Turner, who led glass research at the University of Sheffield. It is housed within the university in the Sir Robert Hadfield Building, in the department that today teaches materials science and engineering.

Turner built up much of the collection himself during visits to glassworks in Europe and the United States. It is particularly strong on glass of the 1920s to 1950s. Display cases explain how glass is formed and coloured and show vases, bottles, plates, paperweights and a case of 18th-century wine glasses.

The collection spans the history of glassmaking, from an Egyptian bottle of the 8th century to contemporary glass art. Highlights include the glass sculptures Aperture by Galia Amsel and Piano-playing hands by Denis Mann, studio glass by Sam Herman, Anne Warf, Anna Dickinson and Keiko Mukaide, Murano glass, and a wedding dress made of glass fibre. The museum sits on floor E of the building and shares its display area with students and staff, so teaching may be taking place during a visit.

Highlights

• One of the most comprehensive UK collections of 19th and 20th century glass
• Egyptian bottle of the 8th century to contemporary glass art
• Studio glass by Sam Herman, Anne Warf and Keiko Mukaide
• Murano glass and a wedding dress made of glass fibre
• Free entry, with an online 360-degree tour

Permanent exhibition

• Glass collection – Glass from an 8th-century Egyptian bottle to contemporary studio glass, with cases explaining how glass is formed and coloured.

Founded

1943

Operated by

University of Sheffield

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

There is a lift and limited wheelchair access, where assistance is advisable.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on floor E of the Sir Robert Hadfield Building, which is on the University of Sheffield campus; the university provides an interactive campus map.

Amenities & 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