Things to do in Glasgow, Scotland: The Best Museums

This gallery houses the largest collection of Whistlers in the world.

** 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.

Riverside Museum is Glasgow's award-winning transport museum. With over 3,000 objects on display there's everything from skateboards to locomotives, paintings to prams and cars to a Stormtrooper. Get hands on with our interactive displays. Walk through Glasgow streets and visit the shops, bar and subway. Climb aboard a train, tram or bus and get a real feel for old public transport. Discover Glasgow's rich shipbuilding history, explore the car and motorbike walls and help put out a fire with our interactive fire engine. There are over 90 large touch screens panels full of images, memories and films that tell the fascinating stories behind the objects. There really is something for all ages to enjoy at the Riverside Museum.

As restrictions continue to ease, we are reopening our venues in phases and look forward to welcoming you back safely! Admission remains free and by pre-booked timed ticket but we have made some changes to our opening hours. The Hunterian Museum will reopen at weekends from Saturday 1 May 2021. The Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh House remain closed for now. We will provide an update on our reopening plans as soon as possible. Hunterian Museum Sat 1 and Sun 2 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 7, Sat 8 and Sun 9 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 14, Sat 15 and Sun 16 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 21, Sat 22 and Sun 23 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 28, Sat 29 and Sun 30 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 4, Sat 5 and Sun 6 June, open 11am–5pm Admission free. Timed tickets are required for entry.

Centre for Contemporary Arts is Glasgow's hub for creative activity. The building is steeped in history and the organisation has played a key role in the cultural life of the city for decades. We are proud to contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of Scotland's exciting arts scene. Our year-round programme includes cutting-edge exhibitions, film, music, literature, spoken word, festivals, Gaelic and much more. We have an open-source approach to programming and work with a growing number of partners and individuals to whom we often offer residencies in the building and/or the space to programme their own events. At the heart of all of activities is the desire to work with artists, generate new projects and present them to the widest possible audience. CCA curates six major exhibitions a year, presenting national and international contemporary artists in our gallery space. We are also home to Intermedia Gallery, showcasing emerging artists. Entrance to exhibitions and many events is free. Saramago Cafe Bar offers a relaxed environment and a great menu during the day as well as lively place to hang out in the evenings. Free wi-fi is available throughout the building. Independent shops Aye Aye Books and Welcome Home are located in the entrance area, offering a wide range of publications, craft and design to take home.

Art gallery of international fame; hosts a series of rotating exhibits featuring modern European art.