Cultural Day Out
Looking for a bit of culture? How much time do you have?
If architecture and design's your thing, Glasgow's a stunning mix of Victorian and Georgian splendour interpersed with contemporary building design. If the weather's kind, a wander round the city centre is a fascinating experience - just remember to look up!
For a glimpse into the city's past, head for Glasgow School of Art and revel in the beauty of the Mackintosh building. Charles Rennie Mackintosh's legacy is all over Glasgow, but the School of Art building is the best known example of his work. For other Mackintosh gems, head to House for an Art Lover, or take a trip down the Clyde coast to Helensburgh to visit Hill House.
If you're still in the mood for a bit of Mackintosh, pop into the Willow Tea Rooms on Buchanan Street or Sauchiehall Street for high tea in lush Mackintosh influenced surroundings.
The City Chambers building on George Square is another gem, and was built in the glory days of Glasgow's shipping, trading and industrial past. The lush interior with marble, mosiacs and stained glass screams money, and celebrated Glasgow's status as the second city of the Empire. If you're lucky enough to be in town during Doors Open Day (usually September) take advantage of the opportunity to peep into buildings like this which aren't usually open to the public.
For a more contemporary view on the city, head down Buchanan Street to the Lighthouse, the city’s centre for design and architecture. They host regular exhibitions, and have a fab design-focused gift shop. But best of all, go up to their viewing platform for a fantastic view over the city.
Glasgow's museums are all free, which makes for a great and a cheap day out. Kelvingrove Museum and Art Galleries (mentioned above) has a series of permanent exhibits including dinosaurs, Egyptian artifacts and a famous elephant, as well as a full programme of temporary displays including the current Dr Who exhibition (until January 2010). The Museum of Transport is another favourite, featuring cars, trams and buses from a bygone era. The Transport Museum is currently located in the Kelvin Hall, opposite Kelvingrove Galleries, but is due to be transferred to a Zaha Hadid-designed building on the Clyde waterfront once work is completed.
If art's your thing, you've plenty of options. For a classic approach, head to the Kelvingrove Art Galleries for works by the Glasgow Boys and Scottish Colourists as well as the world famous Christ of St John of the Cross by Dali. The Burrell Collection in the south of the city's also worth a visit for the eclectic art collection of the late shipping magnate Sir William Burrell.
For a more modern take on the city’s artistic legacy, head for CCA or GOMA. Or head into the Merchant City for a multitude of small contemporary galleries and the Glasgow Print Studio.
If you've a macabre side, visit the Necropolis, the fascinating and beautiful Victorian garden cemetery adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral. Tours are available.
For later in the day, how about a trip to the theatre? Choose from the Kings, The Theatre Royal or The Tron for a variety of pantomine and shows to contemporary theatre.
The Royal Concert Hall adjacent to Buchanan Galleries and the Old Fruitmarket in the Merchant city run a series of concerts throughout the year, from classical and dance to jazz and folk. Two of the city's largest music festivals include Celtic Connections (Scottish, folk and world music - in January) and the Jazz Festival (June). For big pop and rock concerts, the SECC or the Clyde Auditorium (the Norman Foster-designed building nown locally as 'the Armadillo'), both down at the River Clyde, are your best bet. Smaller music venues include the Carling Academy and King Tut's.
For more information on museums and galleries in Glasgow, see the See Glasgow website
For listings on shows, events and exhibitions, see the See Glasgow website or The LIst magazine
For music, see the Glasgow Concert Halls or the SECC
For information on tours of the Necropolis see here
Find out about the Willow Tearooms here