Location: City Centre
Top Things to do in City Centre
What to do and see in City Centre, Scotland: The Best Art Galleries
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. RGI Kelly Gallery
2. Scotland Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
ScotlandArt.com is a dynamic art gallery based in the centre of Glasgow, boasting a diverse and well-respected collection of works by some of the most accomplished contemporary artists based in or inspired by Scotland. We hold a huge collection of original art work including; painting; jewellery; sculpture; ceramics; and gift vouchers. Friendly staff and art to fit any budget.
3. The Glasgow Art Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Glasgow Art Club founded in 1867 and recently restored has occupied two handsome Georgian terrace houses since 1893. They were converted into a 19thC Gentlemen’s club. The jewel is the iconic art Gallery largely designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Reviewed By vessi80 - North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom
Bit of a Goya 'Gloom and Doom' girl myself so on Glasgow Open Doors Sunday , straight up to the top of Bath Street to 185 expecting a rather 'stuffy' reception. Wrong. Almost 2 hours later, having seriously reviewed my' brushwork' and awash in pastels, watercolours, oils and the wonders of Keppie and Mackintosh, I was so so reluctant to leave. The townhouse itself is an architectural masterpiece . The gallery has been restored to the original Keppie and Rennie Mackintosh vision and the Mackintosh frieze superbly re-created. The doors; furniture; fireplaces; bell plates; door plates and check out the plates in the lavish dining rooms as well. Lovely for a function. Wandered up through luxurious rooms enjoying the Autumn Exhibition (loved the Scott Walker ) and the more permanent works on display from icons like Emilio Coia. Staff were so welcoming. knowledgeable and some so snappily dressed for the occasion that the Goyesque Glasgow sky was temporarily sunny. Well, it is the Art Club in Glasgow so a degree of flamboyance is expected. If you are a tourist, this should be on your 'must see' list. A quite exclusive Mackintosh and Keppie treasure still under the 'tourist' radar. You'll be the envy of other Mackintosh fans. See it all before the secret gets out ! The street is so easy to find! If you are local like me, then a 'wee' step out of the usual' Glasgow Comfort Zone' is well worth it. Guided tours are on Tuesday mornings and I think are a reasonable £5 including tea/coffee. Otherwise the exhibitions are open to the public from 11am to 5pm except Sundays. Probably wise to check the website. The wonderful Autumn exhibition can still be viewed until the 20th of October and there's a new exhibition of Joe Hargan's works starting on the 15th October. Can't wait !
4. Scottish Design Exchange
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
The Scottish Design Exchange is a social enterprise business that provides space for over 300 artists and designers from all over Scotland to display their products for sale. We have many original designs from jewellery, prints, pottery, glassware and original art.
Reviewed By Slim10000
Beautiful products and friendly staff So many different arts with unique designs and quality I love this place
5. The Glasgow School of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,849 reviews
The Glasgow School of Art is currently closed to visitors following a fire on 15th June 2018, with all tours cancelled until further notice. This includes access to the visitor centre, GSA Shop and exhibitions in the Reid Building, Mackintosh at the GSA Tours and Mackintosh's Glasgow Walking Tours.
6. Mackintosh Building
7. Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Hundreds of carved figures and pieces of old scrap perform an incredible choreography to haunting music and synchronised light, telling the funny and tragic stories of the human spirit as it struggles against the relentless circles of life and death. Audiences in many countries have been fascinated by its magic. In Glasgow it has gained a reputation as one of the city’s hidden treasures. Very gripping theatre. - The Times Unforgettable experience. - The Herald An icon-painter for our times. - Scotsman For SEASONAL TIMETABLE OF SHOWS please visit our website. Special / group shows out-with the opening hours can also be booked via the website. For ticket prices and TO BOOK TICKETS please visit our website. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Reviewed By sofiasW5271KN
A truly unforgettable cultural experience: the pieces are rich with symbolism and the accompaniment of music, lights and movement turned it into a performance that was both touching and entertaining. The gallery manager was enthusiastic and informative in his explanations on the art pieces; and he was attentive and professional in regards to all the measures put in place for Covid-19 safety. I would definitely recommend Sharmanka to anyone looking for a cultural experience in Glasgow!
8. Street Level Photoworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By hairdy - Preston, United Kingdom
Came here for the opening night of the Oscar Marzaroli, was left to stroll around the exhibition at my own pace, lots of people but that added to the buzz about the exhibition, was able to take photos of the photos and nobody batted an eyelid, a little bar open with Drygate cans, was able to sit by the window and just watch people enjoying looking at the exhibition. Accessibility good, and disabled toilets nearby and clean. A great arts building, housing a unique Russian dining experience, well priced shop too where postcards and prints of the ivonic photos were available. I will definitely visit again to see other exhibitions. Thoroughly recommend visiting the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre in the same building, unlike anything you will have ever seen or experienced!
9. Leiper Fine Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
The Leiper Gallery is one of Scotland's newest, most distinguished art galleries. Recently reopened and beautifully restored, this purpose-built Victorian gallery showcases the very best of contemporary Scottish art, offering a wide selection of original artworks and beautifully framed limited edition prints.
10. 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.
