Glasgow's St Mungo Museum reopens to public for first time since pandemic

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, named after the city’s patron saint, is recognised for its role in promoting understanding and respect between people of different faiths and of none.

The museum, which sits in one of the oldest parts of the city beside the Cathedral and Provand’s Lordship, explores the importance of religion in peoples’ lives across the world and across time.

It is one of only a few museums in the world dedicated to religion.

Duncan Dornan, head of museums and collections with Glasgow Life Museums, said: “Since St Mungo Museum opened in 1993, we have worked with the local community to create imaginative displays, ground-breaking educational programmes, interfaith dialogue, and interesting topical exhibitions.

Ravinder Kaur, Isobel Smyth and Brij Ghandi. Pic: Gordon Terris (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

“Together this has established the museum’s popularity and reputation as a neutral and safe space for encouraging dialogue and understanding, often of challenging topics.”

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He added: “It’s wonderful news we are open and ready to welcome the public back to St Mungo.”

Set over three floors, the museum includes treasured pieces such as a bronze sculpture of Shiva, one of the most important Gods of Hinduism; a striking stained glass depicting Moses, Elijah, David, and Enoch; the New Scots display in the Scottish Gallery which explores the lives and objects associated with refugees and asylum seekers who have made Glasgow their home; and a powerful work by war artist Peter Howson OBE commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre in 1995.

Phillip Mendelsohn, left and Duncan Dornan. Pic: Gordon Terris (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Outside the museum sits Britain’s first permanent Zen Garden, which opened in 1993.

Tourists from as far afield as New York and Germany joined local people at the opening, alongside invited guests including Shabir Beg of the Muslim Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, Sister Isabel Smyth of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Revd Linda Haggerstone of the Scottish Pagan Federation and retired Glasgow forensic technician Robert Neil, whose paintings based on his experiences helping families identify their loved ones killed during conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo are also held in St Mungo.

Isobel Smyth, Brij Gandhi, Shabir Beg and two New York tourists.Pic: Gordon Terris (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Robert’s new book, Grave Faces, features some of his work, including cover image Mother of Srebrenica and Subjugation, both of which are on show at the museum.

He said: “Since the book’s publication in the US, one of the knock-on effects has been a renewal of interest in my paintings, and the whereabouts of the cover painting and Subjugation.”

The book is being translated into Bosnian, Arabic and Albanian and all proceeds will go to The Association of Women Victims of War (Sarajevo).

Phillip Mendelsohn, chair of Interfaith Glasgow said: “St Mungo Museum is such an important resource to the faith communities of Glasgow and the wider community. 

“As a city with many refugees and asylum seekers, sharing the story of the many faiths in the city is important in building community cohesion.  

“The importance of St Mungo extends far beyond the city as it is one of the few museums of comparative religion in the world and is unique in the UK.”

He added: “We look forward to renewing our partnership working with the wonderful team at the museum and, especially, to being able to deliver our ever-popular Faith to Faith events in person again.”

The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, except on Fridays and Sundays, when it opens at 11am.

The Heavenly Creatures - Angels in Faith, History and Popular Culture exhibition will be open, although the shop and cafe will remain closed for now.