Location: City Centre
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8 Specialty Museums in City Centre That You Shouldn't Miss
As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is famed for its culture, shopping and people. Spend your day exploring a wide range of fascinating free museums and galleries, enjoying the UK’s best shopping outside of London, and taking advantage of tips from friendly local people on the city’s hidden gems — then choose from 130+ weekly musical events for a special night out. Glasgow is also the perfect base for exploring more of Scotland, with great connections to the Highlands and the islands.
Restaurants in Glasgow
1. The Tenement House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
** Currently closed due to Covid 19 crisis ** The Tenement House is a National Trust for Scotland property in Glasgow's City Centre. With 1892 original features it provides a rare glimpse into life in Glasgow in the early 20th century. The house, lived in by Miss Agnes Toward for over half a century is a unique opportunity to experience collections in their unchanged environment. See what it meant to be an 'independent woman' in the first half of the 20th century; experience how ordinary folk lived, and appreciate how many of the household amenities we now take for granted were considered luxuries less than a century ago. Authentic gas lighting has been installed to recreate the atmosphere of the house, which didn't have electric lighting until 1960. An exhibition on the ground floor makes the most of Miss Toward's extensive personal archive, providing a valuable time capsule for visitors today. Toilet facilities and a gift shop are available on the exhibition floor.
Reviewed By Medievalhistorylover
Looked after by the NTS, the House gives an insight into tenement dwellings in the early 1900's. Photos (without flash) can be taken; the guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. If walking to the property, the easiest (and quickest) route is from Sauchiehall Street and following the brown tourist attraction signs.
2. Provand's Lordship
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 406 reviews
Reviewed By P4339WFanthonyp - Brighton, United Kingdom
This was on our to do list, its full of real history, all the display give a real insight to people´s lives and hardships, the video displays are also very good. A nice cafe and gift shop finish off a very interesting visit
3. Glasgow Police Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
The Glasgow Police Museum illustrates the history of the Glasgow Police 1779 - 1975, through artifacts, stories and images. Its International Room has uniforms and insignia from EVERY country in the World. MUSEUM HAS REOPENED AND READY TO WELCOME VISITORS -FREE ADMISSION - NO BOOKING REQUIRED.
Reviewed By 2Bundp74 - Southampton, United Kingdom
Wonderful little museum, really interesting exhibits on the history of the police in Glasgow plus there's a room full of world police uniforms , badges and little details that make the experience very unique. Also the 2 guys running it were really helpful and friendly, they were lovely to chat chat too and explaind in detail some of the storys in the Museum. It's a shame this one's over looked by alot of tourists but I would really recommend a visit plus it's still open during the covid restrictions so a good stop in Merchant City part of Glasgow.
4. The Museum of Piping
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
See and Hear the Heritage of the Great Highland Bagpipe at the National Piping Centre. The Museum of Piping at The National Piping Centre holds three hundred years of piping heritage. Consisting of artefacts from the rich collections of National Museums of Scotland, this is the most authoritative display of its kind anywhere in the world. An outstanding item is the chanter of Iain Dall (Blind John) MacKay, the oldest surviving chanter of the Highland bagpipe anywhere in the world. The exhibition also shows bagpipes from Lowland Scotland and other parts of the British Isles, as well as from mainland Europe. The exhibition also features displays on bagpipe manufacture and the printing of pipe music. A fascinating film on the history, culture and music of the bagpipe completes the exhibition.
Reviewed By dramom - River Edge, United States
Listen to the bagpipes playing as you enter the building - see the display cases that offer insights into the history of bagpiping - listen to the piper talk about what it takes to become a world-class piper - and try the bagpipes yourself! A thoroughly enjoyable visit.
5. The Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 963 reviews
The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture, is a visitor centre, exhibition space and events venue situated in the heart of Glasgow, just off the Style Mile. The Lighthouse acts as a beacon for the creative industries in Scotland and promotes design and architecture through a vibrant programme of exhibitions and events. Formerly housing The Glasgow Herald, The Lighthouse was the first public commission completed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and is the perfect place to begin a Mackintosh tour of Glasgow. The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre on Level Three is home to a permanent Mackintosh exhibition where visitors can learn more about his life and work. Climb the Mackintosh Tower or take the lift to the Viewing Platform for stunning views across the city, indulge yourself in the latest designer products at The Lighthouse Shop, or simply relax in the Doocot, our cafe/bar.
Reviewed By lornas997 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Brought my daughter to Glasgow for her first overnight stay. She wasnt disappointed Googled this wee gem of a find and spent a good hour or so learning more of what is around us The spiral staircase is so worth the climb and the views are amazing both of the staircase and the city.
6. Regimental Museum of the Royal Highland Fusiliers
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By robertp698 - Airdrie, United Kingdom
A great Museum ,I had to be dragged out ,I recommend it to any one interested in Military history .Worth a detour in your trip .
7. St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 436 reviews
The award-winning St Mungo Museum is a haven of tranquility in a bustling city. This museum is named after Glasgow's patron saint, who brought the Christian faith to Scotland in the 6th century. The building was built in 1989 in Scottish baronial style by Ian Begg. It was designed to reflect the architecture of the Bishops' Castle, the site of which is occupied by the museum. Its galleries are full of displays, artifacts and stunning works of art. They explore the importance of religion in peoples' lives across the world and across time. The venue aims to promote understanding and respect between people of different faiths and of none, and offers something for everyone. You can find out more about some of the world's major religions, and the story of religion in the west of Scotland. Or you can relax in the museum cafe, which opens out into the first Zen garden in Britain. St Mungo Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and a variety of events, from family-friendly activities to talks relating to religion in Scotland today. This museum sits across from Provand's Lordship, which is the oldest house in Glasgow, and alongside the medieval Glasgow Cathedral. Why not take a trip to visit all three?
Reviewed By profjoypc - Alnwick, United Kingdom
We really liked and appreciated this museum which is right next to the Cathedral. There are excellent displays explaining the nature, beliefs, history and so on of all of the world major religions. It is extremely informative and the displays are very well organised and labelled. The building has a cafe and zen garden which can be enjoyed from inside the cafe or from outside seats. we would definitely come back here.
