MUSA seeing stars
The home of the treasures of Scotland’s oldest university has been given the five star treatment. MUSA, which tells the story of the University of St Andrews’ 600 year history, has been awarded five stars by Visit Scotland. The top grading, which signifies ‘exceptional’, follows a mystery visit by the awarding body’s Quality Assurance Scheme.
The museum, which opened in 2008, offers interactive displays in four themed galleries, a Learning Loft education centre and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the St Andrews Bay. The recently enhanced retail space, which offers visitors the opportunity to purchase a variety of University and MUSA themed gifts including books and artworks, was also commended by the Quality Assurance Scheme.
With a record number of 21,000 visitors this year so far, the museum is well on track to beat 2009’s record of 25,000. Director of University Museums, Professor Ian Carradice said, “This is fantastic news and a much appreciated reward to the staff who have worked so hard to make MUSA such an attractive and popular museum”.
Artefacts on display in the museum include the world famous medieval maces; a unique set of 70 silver medals and 3 silver arrows from the seventeenth century, the Great Astrolabe (1575), Sir David Brewster’s microscope and many other outstanding collections of paintings, rare books and manuscripts.
MUSA is located on The Scores, St Andrews and is open 7 days a week 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-4pm (free entry).
For further information visit: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa
ENDS
Note to Picture Editors
Images of MUSA and its collections are available for use from the Press Office – contacts below.
Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Victoria Herd on 01334 462530 or [email protected]
Ref: (musa/080911)
View the University’s latest news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/news/
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