Zoology Museum
Free university museum of zoology in Aberdeen with taxidermy, skeletons and preserved specimens from protozoa to great whales.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Zoology Museum belongs to the University of Aberdeen and is part of its museums and special collections. It is housed in the Zoology Building beside the Cruickshank Botanic Garden on the Old Aberdeen campus and is free for everyone to visit.
The collection is worldwide in scope and runs from single-celled protozoa to the great whales. It consists of mounted animals, skeletal material, study skins, specimens preserved in fluid and models, and it is used for teaching and public outreach.
University students offer regular tours, and groups and schools can book visits through the Aberdeen Biodiversity Centre.
Highlights
- Worldwide zoological collection from protozoa to great whales
- Taxidermy, skeletons, study skins, fluid specimens and models
- Free admission
- Student-led tours on Wednesday lunchtimes
- Founded
- 1845
- Operated by
- University of Aberdeen
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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
The entrance doors are automatic. Inside, a ramp leads to the upper gallery and lifts serve the lower gallery. Reaching the building from the car parks involves a walk through the botanic garden, and there is no visitor access from Tillydrone Avenue. Blue Badge holders may use the disabled bays in any university car park. Full access details are on the AccessAble guide.
Kids & families
Free online zoology resources include a virtual tour and paper-folding activities.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Outside the museum (First bus 19)
First bus 19 is the most direct and stops outside the museum. Buses 1, 1B, 2 and 20 stop on the campus, about a five-minute walk away. Buses 17 and 18 stop at Burnett Place, about ten minutes away, and Stagecoach buses 50, X60, X63, X67, X68 and 291 stop on King Street.
By car
During term time (September to July) the campus car parks are reserved for university staff and students from Monday to Friday. Pay and display parking is available on Chanonry and Bedford Road.
- Accessible parking
On foot, the museum is about ten minutes from the main campus through Cruickshank Gardens. A few bike stands are to the right of the entrance when arriving through the garden.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
There are no food outlets in the building; cafes are elsewhere on campus. Food and drink are allowed in the foyer and Cruickshank Gardens but not in the galleries. Seating is available in the foyer, and toilets with changing facilities are on the ground floor.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Student-led tours run on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 13:00. Group and school visits must be booked in advance through the Aberdeen Biodiversity Centre (biodiversity@abdn.ac.uk). |
