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Dr Livingstone,

I presume?

Fri 23 November – Sun 7 April
Dr Livingstone, I Presume? Image © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.

This exhibition told the story of Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone, from humble beginnings to national hero and one of Scotland’s most famous men.

Dr Livingstone, I presume? celebrated the bicentenary of Livingstone’s birth, bringing a new focus to the man, the myth and his legacy.


  • Henry Morton Stanley meets David Livingstone

    Who was David Livingstone?

  • Look inside the exhibition

    Inside the exhibition

  • Lake Malawi

    Malawi

  • Carte de visite of Livingstone

    Carte de visite of Livingstone.

  • Antelope medicine horn from Nyasaland

    Antelope medicine horn from Nyasaland.

  • Gold sample sent to the Museum by David Livingstone from Mozambique

    Gold sample sent to the Museum by David Livingstone from Mozambique.

  • Silver medal of Livingstone cast to commemorate his death in 1873

    Silver medal of Livingstone cast to commemorate his death in 1873.

  • Box containing a cross made from the tree under which Livingstone's heart was buried

    Box containing a cross made from the tree under which Livingstone's heart was buried.

  • 'Across Africa with Livingstone' board game

    'Across Africa with Livingstone' board game.

  • Livingstone commemorative stamps from Malawi

    Livingstone commemorative stamps from Malawi.

About the exhibition

Learn of Livingstone’s early home life in Blantyre, Scotland; his studies in medicine and divinity; how he became the first European to cross the African continent; and his efforts to abolish the slave trade, share his Christian beliefs and develop legitimate trading relationships in the countries through which he travelled.

New research, the museum’s spectacular African collections, and a collection of Livingstone’s personal possessions all help tell the story of the epic adventures and achievements that led to the rise of his celebrity in Victorian Britain.

See the tools he used as an explorer, with maps, sketches, photography and paintings from his travels. His diaries, manuscripts and clothing will also be on display, including the iconic hats worn at the famous meeting between Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley.

Find out more about the exhibition here.

Livingstone 200


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National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130