It may lack Edinburgh’s jaw dropping beauty, but Glasgow has a rugged cool and buzzing vibe that Edinburgh lacks. It’s also architecturally magnificent (from long rows of sandstones terraces to the Art Nouveau delights of Charles Rennie Mackintosh). Glasgow’s museums easily rival Edinburgh.
These are our must sees:
The Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection – where else can you combine a visit to a remarkable collection of world class art with a herd of ubiquitous Highland cows? Set in the glorious pastures of Pollok Park, the glass walled gallery houses an eclectic mix of medieval treasures, Chinese ceramics and French Impressionists. It’s one of our all time favourite museums. Free entry.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
North of the Clyde in Kelvingrove Park, The Kelvingrove is much more of a traditional museum. It’s a mammoth Victorian masterpiece with a collection ranging from Egyptian mummies to Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Don’t miss gems by Van Gogh and Dali, the suspended Spitfire or Sir Roger the Elephant. Entry is free.
The Mackintosh Tea Rooms
For fans of Charles Rennie Charles Rennie Mackintosh the tea rooms at 217 Sauciehall St are a delight. Not to be confused with the Willow Tea Rooms that also celebrate Mackintosh, these are the original. Book lunch or tea and step into one of the most beautifully designed spaces in the UK.
The Mackintosh House
For Mackintosh fans, this immaculate recreation of the main room in the great designer’s house in the Hunterian Art Gallery is a bucket list item. The gallery is also home to important works by Rembrandt, Whistler, Rubens and the Glasgow Boys. The Hunterian is in the university complex 3 miles from Glasgow city centre.
The Riverside Museum
The award winning Riverside Museum concentrates on transport and science. Set in a spectacular modern building designed by Zaha Hadid the collection includes a wall of 31 cars, a historic recreation of Main St, a South African locomotive and a wall of 21 motor bikes. Entry is free.