Living and learning in St Andrews

A new gallery at the Museum of the University of St Andrews (MUSA) will explore what it means to live and learn in the Fife University town.

The newly opened ‘Living and Learning’ gallery examines the lives of St Andrews students throughout the University’s 600-year history.

New displays showcase treasures from the University’s collection of over 115,000 artefacts, including silver archery medals from the early seventeenth to the mid-eighteenth centuries, portraits of famous alumni, academic dress, teaching equipment and tableware from the University’s halls of residence.

Over the last year, curators in the Museum Collections Unit have spent time talking to St Andrews students, past and present, to source new objects and stories about student life for the new gallery.

One of the highlights is a down jacket worn by St Andrews student, Geordie Stewart, during his expedition to Mount Everest in 2011. He was the youngest Briton to complete the Seven Summits Challenge – to climb the highest peak on each of the seven continents. Geordie, who donated his Everest down jacket to the University, opened the new gallery with a talk at the weekend.

Claire Robinson, Collections and Exhibitions Curator with the Museum Collections Unit said: “The ‘Living and Learning’ gallery has fun activities for all ages. Visitors can find out more about St Andrews’ traditions, such as ‘Raisin Weekend’, via videos on a new touchscreen interactive display.

“Visitors will also be able to try their hand at being a virtual archer – and winners can design their own archery medal. Children and adults can also try on the famous St Andrews red undergraduate gown.”

Background information

MUSA (the Museum of the University of St Andrews) displays to the public some of the treasures from the University’s collection of over 115,000 artefacts. The museum has four galleries, a ‘Learning Loft’ and a viewing terrace with panoramic views over St Andrews Bay.

MUSA opening times

1 November to 31 March: Thursday to Sunday 12 noon to 4pm

1 April to 31 October: Monday to Saturday 10am til 5pm, Sunday 12 noon to 4pm

Admission is free of charge.

Further details can be obtained from the MUSA website.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office, contactable on 01334 462530 or [email protected].