Best Art Galleries in Glasgow

There’s nothing more fulfilling than spending a Saturday or Sunday wandering around an art gallery. The echoes of footsteps on marble, the scribbling of sketching students, the nutty aroma of roasting coffee. Whatever your favourite art style, Glasgow offers many beautiful spaces where you can gain insight into the oeuvres of history's most influential artists. Join CrossCountry as we explore the best art galleries in Glasgow, Scotland. 

Gallery of Modern Art

The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) can be found right in the centre of Glasgow, on Royal Exchange Square – an eleven-minute walk from Glasgow Central. You’ll know it by the domineering statue of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, wearing a traffic cone as a hat. The collection is housed in a 1778 neoclassical townhouse and includes works by winners of the prestigious Turner Prize, as well as new and exciting artists. During a trip to GoMA, you’ll get to see a range of beautiful paintings and sculptures, as well as innovative digital art and thought-provoking installations. 

The gallery is free to enter and features a mix of temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent collections. Since 2019, one exhibition, Domestic Bliss, has reflected on the history of the building as a former house. The art explores how our understanding of the perfect home is influenced by feminism, history, and politics. 

GoMA aims to go beyond exhibiting art and is active within the local community. They often host workshops and educational programmes with the goal of getting people talking about modern art. In addition, the whole museum is designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. For example, there is level access throughout the building, as well as public lifts. The gallery is also Autism friendly, with quiet openings, family workshops, and tailored events taking place throughout the year. 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum 

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has been open since 1901 and boasts a collection of over 8,000 pieces. The gallery is one of the most magnetising aspects of Kelvingrove Park and to walk past the stunning Baroque mansion without floating over to see more is almost impossible. 

Like GoMA, Kelvingrove Art Gallery is free to enter and prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can explore more than twenty exhibitions with a range of works from artists such as Salvador Dali, Auguste Rodin, and Vincent van Gogh. There are two cafés, one on the lower ground floor and one in the main hall, both offering a range of delicious food and drink options.  

The gallery prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere and there’s plenty for little ones to get involved in. Throughout the year, there are activities and events geared towards teaching children about art in an engaging and practical way, this involves plenty of crafting, playing, exploring nature, and, of course, getting very messy. 

To reach Kelvingrove Gallery from Glasgow Central, hop on a bus from the station or from Argyle Street and you’ll reach your destination in under twenty minutes. 

The Modern Institute

The Modern Institute is the place to go for thought-provoking and ground-breaking contemporary art. The space was founded in 1997 and curates both public and private shows across its two locations: Osborne Street and Airds Lane. The exhibitions here are dynamic with art pieces generally presented for about two months at a time.  

In the past, the gallery has exhibited the likes of Keith Haring, Jeremy Deller, and Jim Dambie, as well as plenty of Scottish talent. Additionally, the space publishes stylish artists' books and monographs for enthusiasts to purchase and pour over.  

Small but mighty, The Modern Institute is a must-visit to appreciate both emerging and established artists creating subversive and inspiring art.  

The Burrell Collection

Located within Pollok Country Park, the award-winning Burrell Collection awaits with over nine thousand curiosities. This world-class gallery houses a range of intriguing artwork, from medieval tapestries and ancient artefacts to Impressionist paintings and modern sculptures. The collection was gifted to the city by Sir William Burrell in 1944 and reopened in 2022 after a major renovation, which prioritised accessibility and sustainability. 

Visitors can enjoy stunning exhibition spaces, interactive displays, and serene views of the surrounding park through the energy-efficient glass walls. Highlights of the collection include The Thinker by Auguste Rodin, The Red Ballet Skirts by Edgar Degas, and The Chateau of Medan by Paul Cézanne, as well as a remarkable collection of Chinese ceramics and stained glass. Entry is free, and the museum features a café and gift shop for a well-rounded experience. 

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

The architecture of St Mungo Museum pays homage to the medieval castle that once stood in its place, evident from its towering turrets, stone construction, and narrow windows that were used for defence purposes hundreds of years ago. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of art and artefacts related to all major religions, exploring what faith has meant to people over time.  

As the only museum in the world devoted solely to this subject, St Mungo Museum has the unique honour of showcasing meaningful, delicate, and priceless art - from Islamic calligraphy to technicolour stained-glass windows to alabaster sculptures of angels and saints. The building is wheelchair and pram accessible, with lifts throughout. Additionally, visitors can benefit from free Wi-Fi and a souvenir shop. 

If you’re visiting St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art from Glasgow Central, it’s twenty-five minutes walking distance or just over fifteen minutes by bus. 

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is unlike any other gallery in Glasgow, perhaps the world. Offering a truly mind-boggling fusion of art and electro-mechanics, this small but captivating venue showcases a collection of charming yet hauntingly uncanny kinetic sculptures. During shows, they move in sync with music and lighting to tell enchanting tales. The sculptures, crafted by artist Eduard Bersudsky, are made from scrap, old furniture, and carved wood.  

Performances last around an hour and offer a deeply immersive experience, often exploring themes of history, culture, and the human condition. Sharmanka is located on Trongate and is suitable for all ages. Advanced booking is recommended due to the theatre’s intimate size. 

Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is about fifteen minutes walking distance from Glasgow Central. Alternatively, you can catch a train (operated by a different provider) to Argyl Street and it’s a six-minute walk from there. 

Hunterian Art Gallery

Part of the University of Glasgow and located on campus, the Hunterian Art Gallery is a must-visit for lovers of fine art. The gallery features works by James McNeill Whistler, Rembrandt, and the Glasgow Boys, among others. It also houses a stunning collection of Mackintosh furniture and designs. You can join a student-led tour of the gallery at various times throughout the year and BSL (British Sign Language) tours are available on select dates each month. For the most up to date schedule and detailed information, be sure to check the gallery's website. 

The Hunterian Art Gallery’s intimate size makes it perfect for a focused visit, and its proximity to the university means it’s surrounded by other attractions, including the Hunterian Museum and the gorgeous architecture of the main campus. Admission is free, and the gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and events. 

To reach the gallery from Glasgow Central, there are bus and subway options that will help you reach your destination in under twenty-five minutes. If you fancy exploring Glasgow on foot, the walk is around forty-five minutes and will take you through Kelvingrove Park.  

If you’re planning a visit to an art gallery in Glasgow city centre or beyond, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.