Religious life and art museum reopens for first time since before pandemic

A “unique” museum of religious life has reopened in Glasgow for the first time since before the pandemic.

The St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art opened it’s doors to the public on Thursday for the first time since March 2020.

The museum, named after Glasgow’s patron saint, explores the importance of religion in people’s lives across the world and across time.

Set over three floors, the museum explores concepts including violence, racism, sectarianism and human rights issues.

Treasured pieces include a bronze sculpture of Shiva, one of the most important gods of Hinduism; a stained glass depicting Moses, Elijah, David, and Enoch; and the New Scots display in the Scottish Gallery, which explores the lives and objects associated with refugees who have made Glasgow their home.

Duncan Dornan, head of museums and collections with Glasgow Life Museums, has said the museum is a “neutral and safe space for dialogue and understanding”.

He 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.

“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.

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

Phillip Mendelsohn, chairman of Interfaith Glasgow, said: “Interfaith Glasgow is delighted that St. Mungo’s Museum is reopening, as it’s 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’s 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.

“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.”