Historic Buildings and Collections at the University of Sheffield

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 (Included in Tour 1)
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 (Included in Tour 2)
Professor William E S Turner was arguably the most knowledgeable person of his era on the history of glass. See 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. Further details to be supplied.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

TBA

Sunday 14 September:

TBA

Location & directions

Western bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN

Directions:

Registration on the day for Tour 1 will be held at the Diamond, 32 Leavygreave Rd, Sheffield S3 7RD. Registration on the day for Tour 2 will be held at the Heartspace, 3 Portobello Street, Sheffield S1 4DT Further details about bookings and the tours will be added shortly and included in press releases/marketing materials.

Contact on day:

Jean Simpson

Telephone number:

+447730579002

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Tours will be bookable online via Eventbrite with some availability for walk-ins. Tours for the Rotunda will be in groups of 10-15 people.

Booking contact name:

Jean Simpson

Booking telephone number:

+447730579002

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

01 Aug 2025 09:00 AM

Booking closes:

10 Sep 2025 11:55 PM

Accessibility details

Wheelchair access for the Rotunda to be checked and will advise.

Additional information

The exhibition at Western Bank Library is walkin-in only. It will be open in the week throughout the Festival during normal weekday opening hours. There may be additional tours of the Turner Museum of Glass on one or two weekdays during the Festival; further details will be supplied shortly and will be added to the booking system.

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

2 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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