Wardlaw Museum (formerly MUSA)
The Wardlaw Museum, known as MUSA until 2020, is the University of St Andrews' free museum at 7 The Scores. It tells the story of Scotland's first university through its collections, including three 15th-century ceremonial maces and the Great Astrolabe of 1575, and has a terrace overlooking St Andrews Bay.
What it is and why it matters
The museum opened as MUSA in 2008 and reopened in 2020 after a £2.1 million redevelopment, renamed after Bishop Henry Wardlaw, the University's founder and first Chancellor. It has four thematic galleries plus a temporary exhibition space, drawing on the University's art, history, science and natural history collections. Highlights include the medieval maces, among them the Mace of the Faculty of Arts commissioned in 1416, and the Great Astrolabe, thought to be the largest historic astrolabe in existence.
Visiting practicalities
Entry is free. The museum is at 7 The Scores, the clifftop street along the north side of the town, and is easy to reach on foot from the town centre. There is one accessible parking space on site; otherwise use the town's car parks. The museum office is separate, at 87 North Street. Allow time to step out onto the terrace and garden, which give a sea view across St Andrews Bay. Two of the galleries are named after University alumni: the Drysdale Gallery and the Albany Gallery. Check the University's website for current opening times and any temporary exhibitions before you visit.
Nearby and combining your visit
St Andrews Castle is a short walk east along The Scores, and the cathedral ruins lie just beyond. Walk west to reach the British Golf Museum and the West Sands.
Highlights
- Free museum of the University of St Andrews
- Three 15th-century ceremonial maces
- The Great Astrolabe of 1575
- Terrace and garden with sea views
Good to know
- Entry is free
- Renamed the Wardlaw Museum in 2020; formerly MUSA
- One accessible parking space on site
- Check opening times on the University website
Frequently asked questions
Sources: st-andrews.ac.uk · news.st-andrews.ac.uk · en.wikipedia.org