St. Mungo Museum in Glasgow re-opens to public

The popular museum dedicated solely to religion closed at the start of the coronavirus shutdown in March 2020.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 15th Sep 2022

St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art in Glasgow is back open to the public after originally being threatened with closure due to budget cuts.

It is one of the very few museums in the world dedicated solely to religion.

Duncan Dornan, Head of Museums and Collections at Glasgow Life, said: "Many of the problems we have in Glasgow around religions come from a lack of understanding.

"Some people do not see others as being those who have the same fears and aspirations as we all have.

"It provides a safe space to explore religions and to explore their own place here."

The building had originally not been earmarked to re-open due to budget cuts.

Named after Glasgow's patron saint, who brought the Christian faith to Scotland in the 6th century, the museum explores the importance of religion in lives across the world and across time.

There is also a small area outdoors for people to see.

Philip Mendelsohn, Chair of Interfaith Glasgow, told Clyde 1: "This building is a place to break down barriers and encourage friendships.

"People now know this is the place to come for interfaith experience and we exploit that and use it to our advantage.

"Misunderstandings and a lack of knowledge can cause religious tensions.

"There are also lots of refugees coming to Glasgow who perhaps come from a background where they have been persecuted for their beliefs.

"This is a place where they can be educated and understand the civic landscape they are coming to."

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