Our heritage

Our heritage is a unique resource for research and provides an engaging and distinctive educational experience for our students.

History and heritage at the University

Orchestra Performance

History and heritage

The University of Sheffield developed from three local institutions and today represents a global community whose citizenship stretches into more than 150 countries.
Western Bank Library reception - student walks down the staircase and colleague is standing at reception

Protecting our heritage

Our history and heritage are a unique resource and our Heritage Strategy sets out how we will protect this for our University community, local region and researchers.

Explore the collections and archives

Individual presenting to a group of people sat on chairs looking at the presentation screen

University heritage collection

Our heritage collection consists of thousands of objects that the University has acquired since its foundation in 1905.
Two students standing over archival document and reading

Special collections and archives

The special collections and archives provide primary source materials to support teaching and research.

Related information

What’s on

Exhibitions

We offer an exciting programme of collection-led exhibitions, talks and events at Western Bank Library and other venues.

Explore the exhibitions 

Museums

Explore and witness extraordinary exhibits at the Alfred Denny Museum and Turner Glass Museum. 

Visit the museums 

Heritage open days

Visit some of the University’s most iconic buildings and museums and hear about the history of these Sheffield landmarks.

Save the date for the 2026 tours