Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), Glasgow
Explore Scotland’s most visited modern art gallery in Glasgow’s iconic neoclassical Royal Exchange Building, featuring dynamic exhibitions and a vibrant cultural scene.
Located in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre at Royal Exchange Square, the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is Scotland’s most visited modern and contemporary art museum. Housed in a striking neoclassical building with Corinthian columns and a domed tower, GoMA showcases a diverse collection of artworks from local and international artists. The gallery offers free entry, rotating exhibitions across four galleries, a library, a café, and a gift shop, making it a vibrant cultural hub for art lovers and the community alike.
A brief summary to Gallery of Modern Art
- 111 Queen St, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, G1 3AH, GB
- +441412873050
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Thursday evenings when the gallery stays open until 8pm for a quieter, less crowded experience.
- Check out the Saturday Art Club if visiting with children aged 3-12 for creative workshops.
- Enjoy a break at the basement café, which offers a selection of hot and cold drinks and light snacks.
- Photography is usually allowed without flash or tripods—ask at reception for permission.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like George Square and Buchanan Street for a full Glasgow city centre experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From Glasgow Queen Street or Glasgow Central stations, it is a 5-10 minute walk to GoMA through city centre streets. Both stations are well connected to regional and national rail services.
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Bus
Numerous bus routes serve Buchanan Bus Station, less than a 10-minute walk from GoMA. Services run frequently throughout the day with fares typically between £1.80 and £3.50 depending on distance.
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Subway
The nearest subway station is Buchanan Street, approximately a 7-minute walk to the gallery. Subway tickets cost around £1.50 for a single journey.
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Walking
If staying in Glasgow city centre, GoMA is easily accessible on foot via flat, paved streets. Walking times range from 5 to 15 minutes depending on your location, suitable for all mobility levels.
Gallery of Modern Art location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gallery of Modern Art
A Historic Landmark Transformed into a Modern Art Hub
The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is housed in the grand Royal Exchange Building, an 18th-century neoclassical mansion originally built for a wealthy Scottish tobacco merchant. Its iconic Corinthian pillars, mosaic facade, and domed tower make it a prominent architectural feature in Glasgow’s Royal Exchange Square. The building’s rich history includes periods as a bank and exchange before its transformation into an art gallery in 1996, blending heritage with contemporary culture.A Dynamic Collection of Contemporary Art
GoMA is home to Glasgow’s extensive modern and contemporary art collection, focusing on works from post-1945 artists. The museum features four galleries displaying a wide range of art forms including paintings, sculptures, installations, photography, and digital art. The collection highlights both established international artists and emerging Scottish talents, with rotating exhibitions that keep the displays fresh and thought-provoking.Engaging Community and Educational Programs
Beyond its exhibitions, GoMA acts as a vibrant cultural hub offering workshops, artist talks, and events designed for all ages. The Saturday Art Club invites children aged 3-12 to explore creative techniques, while adult visitors can attend lectures and presentations by exhibiting artists. The gallery fosters dialogue and learning, making contemporary art accessible and engaging for the local community and visitors alike.Facilities for a Comfortable Visit
Visitors can enjoy the gallery’s amenities including a well-stocked library in the basement with free internet access and art books, a café serving hot and cold drinks plus light snacks, and a gift shop offering art-inspired merchandise. The gallery is fully wheelchair accessible and provides facilities such as baby changing and hearing loops to ensure inclusivity.Location and Surroundings
Situated centrally in Glasgow, GoMA is surrounded by other key city landmarks like George Square and Buchanan Street, making it easy to combine with other city explorations. Outside the gallery stands the famous Duke of Wellington statue, often humorously topped with a traffic cone, a quirky local tradition. The gallery’s central location places it within walking distance of major train and bus stations.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at GoMA is lively yet contemplative, offering visitors a place to gather, reflect, and be inspired by contemporary art. The combination of the historic building and cutting-edge exhibitions creates a unique contrast that enriches the visitor experience. Admission is free, encouraging wide accessibility and making it a welcoming destination for both casual visitors and serious art enthusiasts.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Walter Scott Monument
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Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
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Glasgow Police Museum
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Glasgow City Heritage Trust
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Strath Wonderwall Mural - Land Ship
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Tolbooth Steeple
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St Andrew's in the Square - Glasgow
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Barrowland Park
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McLennan Arch
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McLellan Galleries
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The Glenlee Propellers
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The Glasgow School of Art
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Provand's Lordship
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Unmissable attractions to see
Royal Exchange Square
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A majestic Victorian square in Glasgow featuring grand architecture, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the iconic Duke of Wellington statue.
Equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, Glasgow
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A historic Glasgow landmark where imperial legacy meets playful rebellion, crowned by its famous traffic cone hat.
The Social
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Good as Gold Street Art
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Bronze 3D Map of City Centre
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Explore Glasgow’s city centre through a unique, tactile bronze 3D map blending art, accessibility, and urban history at Buchanan Street.
James Watt Statue
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Discover the iconic James Watt Statue in Glasgow’s George Square, honoring the engineer who powered the Industrial Revolution with his steam engine innovation.
Buchanan St
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Glasgow’s vibrant pedestrian shopping street blending historic charm, diverse retail, lively entertainment, and cultural landmarks.
Princes Square Shopping Centre
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A stunning blend of Victorian elegance, luxury shopping, and fine dining beneath Glasgow’s iconic glass roof.
55 Argyll Arcade
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Merchants House of Glasgow
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The Lighthouse
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George Square
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George Square – Glasgow’s iconic civic heart, where history, architecture, and vibrant public life converge in the city centre.
Argyll Arcade
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Scotland's diamond epicenter: Victorian arcade brimming with luxury jewelry, watches, and bespoke sparkle in Glasgow's heart.
Tobacco Merchant's House
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Glasgow’s last 18th-century tobacco merchant villa, a preserved Georgian gem and vivid reminder of the city’s mercantile and colonial past.
All Bar One Glasgow
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Essential places to dine
Glaschu Restaurant & Bar
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Elegant modern Scottish dining in the heart of Glasgow’s historic Royal Exchange Square with a stylish atmosphere and locally inspired cuisine.
Ralph & Finns
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Elegant modern Scottish dining and creative cocktails in a historic Glasgow Merchant City setting.
La Vita
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Authentic stone-baked Italian pizzas and classic dishes served in Glasgow’s vibrant city centre, open daily from early morning to late night.
The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow
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The Citizen Glasgow
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Historic charm meets modern Scottish cuisine in a stylish city-center restaurant with a warm, lively atmosphere.
The Anchor Line
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Historic grill and cocktail bar in a 1906 Edwardian shipping company headquarters with nautical charm.
The Spanish Butcher Glasgow
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Savor premium Galician beef and Spanish flavors in a chic, industrial-style steakhouse at Glasgow’s vibrant city centre.
Las Iguanas - Glasgow
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Experience the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of Latin America in the heart of Glasgow with bold dishes and irresistible cocktails.
Browns Glasgow
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Historic charm meets contemporary British cuisine in the heart of Glasgow’s George Square at Browns Brasserie & Bar.
Sugo Pasta
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Fresh, handmade regional Italian pasta in a lively, modern Glasgow setting – no bookings, just great pasta and a buzzing atmosphere.
Windows Restaurant
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Glasgow’s only rooftop restaurant offering modern European cuisine with panoramic city views atop the Carlton George Hotel.
Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos
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Discover vibrant Mediterranean tapas and inventive cocktails in Glasgow’s charming Merchant City hotspot, Brutti Compadres Platos Pequenos.
Amarone
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Chaophraya
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Mediterraneo Italian Restaurant & Champagne Bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fat Buddha Store
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Glasgow's ultimate streetwear haven: premium menswear, spray paints, vinyl toys, and urban essentials across three vibrant floors since 2006.
Geek-aboo
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Eurasia Crafts
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Discover handcrafted wonders from Eurasia in a cozy Glasgow gem—unique gifts, artisan stories, and cultural treasures await on elegant Queen Street.
Osiris - Alternative Fashion Store
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A compact, characterful alternative-fashion and curios shop on Queen Street specialising in goth, emo and eclectic accessories.
Primark
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Vast budget fashion haven on Glasgow's Argyle Street: trendy clothes, beauty, home goods, and more in a wheelchair-accessible city-center mega-store.
Tartan Tastic Gift & Souvenirs
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Discover authentic Scottish tartan treasures and traditional gifts in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Queen Street.
The Shop Network
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A diverse urban retail destination in Glasgow’s city centre offering gifts, accessories, clothing, and tech essentials all under one roof.
House Of Cashmere Glasgow
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Wee scottish shop
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House of Fraser
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Tartan House of Scotland
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Authentic Scottish tartans and souvenirs in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Buchanan Street shopping district.
The Glasgow Souvenir Outlet
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Taste of Scotland
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Pride of Glasgow
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The Clydeside Collective
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wunderbar
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TABAC
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The Spiritualist Glasgow
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Ross's Original Bar
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The Piper Whisky Bar
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Cairns Bar
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Sloans
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Horseshoe Bar Glasgow
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The Alchemist Glasgow
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Bacchus Bar
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Drum & Monkey Glasgow
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Steps Bar
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BrewDog Glasgow Merchant City
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Speakeasy
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
La Cheetah Club
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Delmonicas
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Club X
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Riding Room
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Polo Lounge
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Platinum Lace Glasgow
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AXM Glasgow
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Club Tropicana & Venga
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Cathouse Rock Club
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Popworld Glasgow
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Classic Grand
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Sub Club
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Glasgow’s legendary underground nightclub, Sub Club, pulses with cutting-edge sound and authentic dance culture in an intimate basement setting.
Kokomo Glasgow
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Bamboo
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Glasgow’s energetic three-room basement nightclub offering affordable drinks and diverse music for a lively student crowd.
142B Lounge
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Glasgow's premier spot for Afrobeats, Amapiano, and African flavors—dance, dine, and vibe in luxury VIP style until dawn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
