Museums in Glasgow
Museums in Glasgow
Glasgow is packed with world-class museums, many of which are free to visit. Explore tales of Glasgow's past or take in grand buildings in city parks.
Iconic museums
The Burrell Collection
The recently refurbished Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park is a must-visit. Visitors can explore more of the world-class collection than ever before, including one of Europe’s finest displays of Degas. Visit burrellcollection.com to plan a day out to this museum, set within one of the city’s beautiful country parks.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum was ranked in Lonely Planet's top 500 experiences in the world (2020). With one of Europe's finest civic art collections, you'll find everything from dinosaurs to Dutch masters. Find opening times at glasgowlife.org.uk.
Riverside Museum and The Tall Ship
The award-winning Riverside Museum houses the city’s vast transport collection and street scenes from a bygone era. Moored alongside the museum is the Tall Ship – an icon of Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage. Visit glasgowlife.org.uk and thetallship.com to find out more.
The People's Palace
For insights into what has shaped Glasgow's unique personality, The People's Palace explores life in Glasgow through the ages. For a view into how Glaswegians lived, worked and played over the years visit the People's Palace in the historic Glasgow Green - details on opening hours at Glasgow Life’s website.
Gallery of Modern Art
Move forward in time to the city’s thriving contemporary art scene and visit the Gallery of Modern Art, Scotland’s most popular modern art museum, which is located within a stunning neo-classical city centre building. Visit the Glasgow Museums' website to find out about current exhibitions.
History and heritage
St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
Find the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art in Glasgow’s old town, next to the medieval Glasgow Cathedral. The museum explores the importance of religion in peoples' lives and also has a beautiful Zen Garden. Head to glasgowlife.org.uk to find out more.
Mackintosh House
The Hunterian Museum
The Hunterian Museum, housed within the University of Glasgow, is Scotland’s oldest museum and one of the country’s most important cultural assets. It boasts extraordinary sights from scientific instruments to objects from Captain Cook’s Pacific voyages.
The Mackintosh House
The Mackintosh House at The Hunterian Art Gallery, recreates in beautiful detail, the home that Charles Rennie Mackintosh shared with his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. The art gallery is also home to the world’s largest permanent display of James McNeill Whistler work. Head to The Hunterian website for more information and opening hours.
House for an Art Lover
House for an Art Lover
Inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh's drawings from 1901, House for an Art Lover was built in 1996 within Bellahouston Park. Explore the grand rooms inside and take a stroll around the walled garden while admiring the stunning exterior of the building. Visit houseforanartlover.co.uk for more information.
The Tenement House
Tenements are Glasgow's iconic, sandstone buildings which are split into apartments. A true hidden gem, The Tenement House lets you discover tenement life as it was in the early 20th century. The house was lived in by Miss Agnes Toward from 1911 until 1965, who lovingly preserved many of her possessions. Find out more on the National Trust for Scotland's website.
Hidden gems
Glasgow Police Museum
In the heart of the Merchant City lies a true hidden gem. Visit the Glasgow Police Museum and discover the history of the oldest police force in the UK. For opening times visit policemuseum.org.uk.
The Glasgow Women’s Library
The Glasgow Women’s Library welcomes visitors from around the corner and across the world into their library and museum, which celebrates the lives and achievements of women, sharing fascinating stories from the past through heritage walks, exhibitions and archives. Find out more about the collection at womenslibrary.org.uk.
The Museum of Piping
The Museum of Piping
The Museum of Piping holds 300 years of piping heritage. The themed display focuses on the Scottish tradition, with bagpipes thought to date back to the 18th century. Visit The National Piping Centre's website to discover more.
Scottish Football Museum
Inside Hampden Park, the national stadium of football in Scotland, you'll find the Scottish Football Museum. Explore over 2,000 objects, learn about the history of Scottish football, and marvel at the world’s oldest national football trophy. Visit scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk for more info.
Friends of Glasgow Royal Infirmary Museum
The Glasgow Royal Infirmary changed the world of medicine forever, find out how by stepping inside this small museum.
The Museum also has a focus on sustainability, with a medicinal garden and beehives onsite, as well as 200 newly planted trees. For opening hours please visit friendsofgri.org.
Article last updated: March 2024
