Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail
Visit Glasgow to experience the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928), the pioneering Glaswegian architect, designer and artist. Glasgow is the only city in the world where you can view a concentration of his renowned work.
Mackintosh attractions in Glasgow
Mackintosh at the Willow
Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1903, Miss Cranston’s original Willow Tea Rooms in their Sauchiehall Street location underwent a meticulous restoration in 2018. Visitors can now enjoy afternoon tea in the stunning Salon de Luxe or drinks on the roof terrace as well as a wander through the fascinating interactive exhibition and gift shop. Visit the Mackintosh at the Willow website to find out more.
The Mackintosh House
To see how Mackintosh and his wife, artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh lived then head to The Hunterian Art Gallery, located at the University of Glasgow. Here you will find The Mackintosh House, a beautiful re-assembly of the interiors of their home, with each room an outstanding work of art. Visit The Mackintosh House website for opening times and admission prices.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Another place to view a fantastic collection of Mackintosh objects and furniture is the Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style Gallery at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. As the largest permanent display of work in the world by the key names in the Glasgow Style movement, you will find stained glass, metalwork and even reconstructed rooms from this internationally important period of design. Visit glasgowlife.org.uk to find out more.
Mackintosh Queen's Cross
For a vision of gothic beauty, check out Mackintosh Queen's Cross, a church in the north of the city. Infused with the flourishes of a master architect within each brick, windowpane and floral motif; it is no wonder that it has become a popular venue for concerts and weddings. The church is currently hosting the Gaia 'Earth' installation and a series of events, including music, films and talks. Visit the Mackintosh Queen’s Cross Church website for opening hours and events.
House for an Art Lover
House for an Art Lover is a unique visitor attraction located in the tranquil surrounds of Bellahouston Park. The House was built in 1996 taking inspiration from a portfolio of Mackintosh drawings which he had submitted as a competition entry to a German design magazine in 1901. Visit the House for an Art Lover website for information on taking a tour and visiting the gift shop and Art Lover's Café.
Mackintosh walking tour
Head on a Mackintosh tour and take a deeper look at Mackintosh’s life and influences, visiting some of his most famous works and lesser known treasures along the way. Running throughout the summer months, the tour ends at Mackintosh at the Willow where you can explore their exhibition. Visit the Walking Tours in Glasgow website to book tickets.
Self-guided tours
If you’d rather take things at your own place, visit the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society’s website to download tour leaflets for three self-guided tours. Or visit Glasgow City Council’s website to find out about the free Mackintosh Go Glasgow app which you can use as you walk around the city. The use of Bluetooth technology allows the app to reveal the story of each Mackintosh building as you arrive or pass by.
Mackintosh attractions beyond Glasgow
The Hill House, Helensburgh
Located in the town of Helensburgh, less than an hour from Glasgow, The Hill House was built as Mackintosh’s vision of a home for the future between 1902 and 1904. Due to a 10-year conservation programme, the house is surrounded by a protective box offering visitors a new perspective of the property. Visit the National Trust for Scotland’s website to find out more.
Oak Room, V&A Dundee
Originally located on Ingram Street in Glasgow, the Oak Room is another of Miss Cranston’s Mackintosh-designed tea rooms. The interior was salvaged by Glasgow Museums in the 1970s and was painstakingly restored between 2015 to 2018. It’s now a part of the Scottish Design Galleries at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in Dundee and is a fantastic example of Mackintosh’s all-encompassing design style. Head to the V&A's website to find out more.
Mackintosh hidden gems
- Gaia Installation at Mackintosh Queen's Cross is an impressive globe (7metres in diameter) in the centre of the church. A series of events are currently running under Gaia, until June 24.
- See the Mackintosh mural outside the Clutha Bar. Commissioned by the Radisson RED Hotel in 2018 to mark the 150th anniversary of Mackintosh’s birth.
- Created by renowned sculptor Andy Scott, a bronze statue of Mackintosh sitting proudly on the Argyle Chair can be found in the Anderston area of the city.
- View the exterior of Ruchill Church Hall, considered to be a well-planned minor work by Mackintosh.
- The Daily Record Building on Renfield Lane was designed by Mackintosh in 1901 and shows how he skilfully uses colour on the façade to maximise light in the narrow lane.
- The Glasgow Art Club's Grade-A listed clubhouse includes a Mackintosh frieze as the centrepiece of their main gallery space and was his first public commission.
- The doorway of 5 Blythswood Square was designed by Mackintosh for The Glasgow Lady Artists' Society.
- Glasgow School of Art's archives and collections at The Whisky Bond include one of the largest Mackintosh collections held in public ownership.
Article last updated: March 2023
