Marischal College

Marischal College is a Gothic Revival building on Broad Street, its pale granite facade rising five floors with carved arches, narrow windows, and delicate tracery throughout. The outer walls form a large inner courtyard entered through an elaborately worked main portal.

Founded in 1593 as the city's second university, it opened decades after the older sister institution at the opposite end of Aberdeen. Between 1837 and 1906, builders working under Archibald Simpson replaced earlier structures with the current granite complex that has shaped the skyline ever since.

The name Marischal comes from a medieval noble title held by the founder, and the spires remind visitors of the academic traditions that once shaped daily routines here. Today citizens walk through former study rooms to handle city matters, while the halls reflect their earlier purpose only through archival pieces.

The entrance stands right on the main street and is reachable on foot from the city center in a few minutes. Visitors can view the outer facade at any time, while access to interior spaces remains restricted to office hours.

The Mitchell Hall inside preserves stained glass windows showing scenes from centuries of university life, even though no lectures take place anymore. Visitors also find collection pieces from the former Marischal Museum displayed occasionally along the office corridors.

Location: Aberdeen City

Location: Aberdeen

Inception: 1593

Architects: Archibald Simpson

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Floors above the ground: 5

Elevators: 6

GPS coordinates: 57.14966,-2.09683

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:32