Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology

The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology houses one of the largest collections of Greek ceramics in Britain.

Discover more about Greek mythology and life through images on our many vases. Find out how Odysseus escaped the Cyclops cave or study scenes of warriors going into battle.

See everyday and extraordinary objects, from the small oil bottles that athletes wore around their wrists to a mask of the terrifying Gorgon Medusa.

Learn about the Egyptians too, through our important and exciting collection of artefacts, including a fascinating funerary boat, jewellery, grave offerings and a mummified cat's head.

The Museum was established by the University's first professor of Classics, Professor P.N. Ure, and his wife, Dr A.D. Ure, who until her death in 1976 acted as curator. Their aim was to build up a collection of that would be representative of the different areas of manufacture of Greek pottery, as well as a glimpse into the world of the ancient Greeks, both in daily life and as tomb offerings. The Museum also contains a number of Egyptian antiquities, mainly from Thebes, Memphis, Meydum and Abydos, including material excavated by Flinders Petrie and Garstang.

The Gallery gives an overview of the collection, as it is displayed in the museum and the themes into which they're organised.

The Museum is open to the public, weekdays 9 am to 4.30 pm, is also used as part of the teaching programme at the University, so please contact us before you visit to confirm that the Museum will be open. Research access can also be arranged through the curator. See contact details for further information.