Historic Buildings and Collections at the University of Sheffield
Western bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN
Founded in 1905, explore the history of the University and our role as a civic university.
Tour 1 - Firth Court and the Rotunda
Discover these iconic buildings, the original college and library at the University. The tour will include the Rotunda, the majestic Firth Hall, the original Chancellors Room and some of the University’s collections.
Tour 2 - Mappin Building and Heartspace
Come and see the old and the new ….
The Faculty of Engineering's main home is the grade II listed Sir Frederick Mappin Building, a space dedicated to engineering for almost 150 years. In 2020 the Heartspace, a structure of modern design, connected the Sir Frederick Mappin Building and the 1885 Central Wing to bring the building up to date whilst retaining the integrity of the building.
Alfred Denny Museum
Visit the ‘fantastical’ Alfred Denny Museum, housing a collection of all major taxonomic groups, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals, many dating back to the early 1900s.
Turner Glass Museum
Professor William E S Turner was arguably the most knowledgeable person of his era on the history of glass. See and hear about the early 20th century collection of glass objects he acquired throughout a lifetime of travels and research, plus exhibits added later through acquisitions, commissions and donations.
Weston Bank Library
Western Bank library will be joining Heritage Open Days with a public exhibition on Architecture and a curated talk on 13 September (see details below).
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- Tours & Museums 1000-1630
- Sunday 14 September:
- Tours & Museums 1000-1630
- Tuesday 16 September:
- Turner Museum of Glass 1030-1630
- Thursday 18 September:
- Turner Museum of Glass 1030-1630
Location & directions
Western bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN
- Directions:
- Registration on the day for Tour 1 will now be held at Western Bank Library, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN. Registration on the day for Tour 2 will be held at the Heartspace, 3 Portobello Street, Sheffield S1 4DT Further details about bookings, updates and times of the tours and talks can be found under booking conditions below and on our booking website.
- Contact on day:
- Jean Simpson
- Telephone number:
- +447730579002
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Tours and talks are bookable online via Eventbrite with some availability for walk-ins for Tour 2 (Mappin & Heartspace) and the Turner Museum only. Bookings for Tour 1 and the Alfred Denny Museum are now ticket only and limited to 15 people per tour. Please see our booking website for further details about this.
- Booking contact name:
- Jean Simpson
- Booking telephone number:
- +447730579002
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/public-engagement/upcoming-events/heritage-open-days-guided-tours
- Booking opens:
- 01 Aug 2025 09:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 10 Sep 2025 11:55 PM
Accessibility details
Wheelchair access is unfortunately not available for the Rotunda. Please also see our booking website for changes to some facilities for Tour 1 and tours of the Alfred Denny Museum.
Additional information
Western Bank Library Exhibition: Peter Blundell Jones: Architecture, Landscape and the City Peter Blundell Jones (1949-2016) was an architectural historian at the University of Sheffield from 1994 and also practised as an architect. Learn more about his life, research and designs and his 3D model of Sheffield 125 years ago, by visiting the exhibition; there is also the opportunity to attend a curated talk on 13 September (ticket only). Exhibition open to general public for drop-ins, no need to book Open 9-5 Monday to Friday; 10-6 Saturday & Sunday. Curated talk: 13 September 2025 @ 10:30am
- Max no of people per tour:
- 20
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
