1: Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
This museum is one of Glasgow’s most popular attractions, and it’s free to enter. The exhibits here mix natural history with points of interest from Scotland’s history, making it a mustsee for visitors and locals alike. It is in possession of an extensive collection of armor, and features a huge pipe organ upon which a recital is given every day. Paintings by Old Masters, Scottish Colourists, French Impressionists and Dutch Renaissance are all on display here, as well as Christ Of St. John Of The Cross by Salvador Dalí.
Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk
2: Glasgow Botanic Gardens
This arboretum and public park features various glasshouses with the most famous being the Kibble Palace. Kibble Palace contains the fine collection of marble statues and various varieties of tropical plants and flowers. The park is also home to different themed gardens including World Rose garden, Herb garden, Vegatable garden, and the Children’s garden.
Website: www.glasgowbotanicgardens.com
3: The Burrell Collection
Named for shipping magnate and art enthusiast Sir William Burrell, this collection was given to the city of Glasgow in 1944. In terms of sheer quantity, art from periods throughout the history of China comprise the largest exhibit. There is also art from Islamic nations, as well as medieval and Gothic pieces. Burrell was enamored of artifacts involving royalty, including Prince Charles Edward Stewart’s christening apron and the headboard that belonged to Henry VIII.
Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk
4: Gallery of Modern Art
This contemporary art museum sits in Royal Exchange Square. You’ll likely recognize it by the statue of the Duke of Wellington on a horse with a traffic cone on his head. Authorities used to remove the traffic cone on a regular basis, only to have another traffic cone put in its place a few days later. Eventually it became a tradition that continues to this day. Inside the museum you’ll see works by Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Sebastiao Salgado. Scottish modern artists like Ken Currie and John Bellany are also represented.
Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk
5: The University of Glasgow: The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
This museum actually encompasses many widely varied collections. William Hunter was a scientist and anatomy specialist who traveled the world collecting specimens and artifacts. By the time he died in 1783, he had amassed an enormous catalogue that he bequeathed to the University of Glasgow for the benefit of all future students. Roman Scotland and ancient Egypt, geology and enthnography, coins and medals, are all on display in the museum. The gallery has an extensive art collection, as well as an outdoor sculpture garden.
Website: www.gla.ac.uk
6: Glasgow Science Centre
Comprised of the Science Mall, the Glasgow Tower, and an IMAX theatre, visitors flock here to learn and have fun. The Science Mall is three stories of interactive displays and exhibits, including BodyWorks, where you can run on a giant hamster wheel and dance on a disco floor, all while learning about the processes that keep your body working. Amuse yourself with the chaos pendulum or the whispering dishes. The Science Centre also contains a planetarium with over 9,000 “stars”.
Website: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org
7: Riverside Museum: Scotland’s Museum of Transport and Travel
As the name suggests, this museum features an evolution of transportation in Scotland, going back to horsedrawn carriages and bicycles. Fire engines, motorcycles and caravans are also on display, as well as a host of Scottishmade automobiles. Road transport is just one mode; the museum also features trains and boats. Visitors are encouraged to interact, whether using the site’s many touch screens or stopping into the“shops” that line the replicated streets of old Glasgow. Each exhibit provides a valuable glimpse into the history of this country and the rest of the world.
Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk
8: Glasgow Cathedral
The story goes that St. Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow, built his church on the site where this cathedral now stands. The style is classic Scottish Gothic, with a rood screen on the interior that is an unlikely survivor of the battles of Glasgow in the late 16th century. It is only because the Glasgow town council, with money provided by King James VI, voted to restore and maintain the cathedral that it still stands today. It still hosts congregations for worship and music performances.
Website: www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk
9: People’s Palace and Winter Gardens
This unique structure was built in 1898 as a cultural center for what was, at the time, a dirty and overpopulated section of the city. Originally outfitted with reading and recreation rooms, it is now a museum of the social history of Glasgow, detailing the work and leisure habits of the city’s people as those have evolved over time. The ornate and gorgeous glasshouse is where you’ll find the Winter Gardens, replete with palm trees and other exotic flora.
Website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk
10: Pollok House and Country Park
This country park has the esteem of being named the Best Park in Britain in 2006 and the Best Park in Europe in 2008. The property belonged to one family for nearly 700 years before being given over to the city in 2006. The house features a private collection of Spanish paintings, silverware, porcelain, and antique furniture. After a turn through the house, enjoy the tranquil scenery of the park. The White Cart River flows through the property, adding to the verdant idyll.
Website: www.nts.org.uk
