The Mackintosh House, Glasgow
Step inside the meticulously reconstructed Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design and creative legacy.
The Mackintosh House is a meticulously reconstructed domestic interior of the renowned Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald. Located within The Hunterian Art Gallery at the University of Glasgow, it showcases the original furniture and distinctive Art Nouveau style from their Glasgow home, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into their creative life between 1906 and 1914.
A brief summary to The Mackintosh House
- 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book tickets in advance to secure your preferred tour time, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Allow time to visit the adjacent Hunterian Art Gallery for a broader collection of Mackintosh works.
- Note that access beyond the ground floor involves stairs; mobility-impaired visitors can access limited areas.
- Use provided lockers for bags, as no bags are allowed inside the house.
- Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter, more contemplative experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By Subway
Take the Glasgow Subway to Hillhead Station, approximately a 10-minute walk from the station to The Mackintosh House. Subway tickets cost around £1.50-£2.00 each way.
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By Bus
Catch First Bus numbers 44 or 44A from Glasgow city centre to University Avenue, with a 5-10 minute walk to the venue. Bus fares are approximately £2.00 per single journey.
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By Car
Drive to the University of Glasgow Gilmorehill Campus; pay-and-display parking is available on University Avenue and nearby streets, with typical charges of £1.50-£3.00 per hour. Free parking is available on campus during weekends.
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Walking
From Glasgow city centre, walking to The Mackintosh House takes about 30-40 minutes via mostly flat urban terrain, suitable for most visitors.
The Mackintosh House 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 The Mackintosh House
A Living Legacy of Mackintosh’s Vision
The Mackintosh House is a unique cultural treasure in Glasgow, representing the only surviving domestic interiors designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife, artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Originally their home at 78 Southpark Avenue, the house was demolished in the 1960s, but its principal rooms, fixtures, and furnishings were painstakingly dismantled and reassembled within the Hunterian Art Gallery. This relocation preserves the authentic atmosphere and artistic integrity of the original interiors, allowing visitors to experience the environment that inspired one of Scotland’s most influential design partnerships.Distinctive Art Nouveau Interiors
The interiors reflect Mackintosh’s signature style, blending disciplined austerity with elegant decorative elements. Visitors encounter a sequence of rooms across three floors, including a hall, dining room, drawing room, and bedroom, all furnished with original Mackintosh-designed furniture. The drawing room, with its white beaten silver panels, long-backed chairs, and Celtic-inspired surface decorations, stands out as a visual highlight. The house’s south-facing orientation and careful attention to natural lighting contribute to the serene yet striking aesthetic that Mackintosh and Macdonald crafted.Immersive Visitor Experience
Visitors explore the house on self-guided tours, supported by an introduction gallery that contextualizes the Mackintoshes’ life, work, and the painstaking reconstruction process. The absence of intrusive interpretation within the house itself allows for an intimate encounter with the space as a lived home. The experience is enriched by exhibits, archival photographs, and architectural drawings available in multiple languages. The house’s layout and lighting replicate the original conditions, enhancing the authenticity of the visit.Architectural and Artistic Significance
The Mackintosh House exemplifies the Glasgow Style, a distinctive branch of Art Nouveau, and highlights Mackintosh’s philosophy of integrating architecture, interior design, and decorative arts into a cohesive whole. The house’s design balances functionality with artistic expression, showcasing innovative lighting, metalwork, embroidery, and wood carving. It is a testament to the couple’s creative partnership and their lasting impact on modern design, making it an essential destination for art and architecture enthusiasts.Preservation and Accessibility
The house is part of a broader conservation effort by the University of Glasgow and The Hunterian, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Due to the historic nature and layout, access is limited for visitors with mobility impairments beyond the ground floor. Lockers are provided for bags, and a visitor shop is located at the entrance. The Mackintosh House is open Tuesday to Sunday, with an admission fee supporting its upkeep and programming.Context within Glasgow’s Cultural Landscape
Situated in the West End’s vibrant university area, the Mackintosh House complements other Mackintosh-related sites in Glasgow, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Mackintosh at the Willow tearooms, and the House for an Art Lover. Together, these venues offer a comprehensive insight into Mackintosh’s legacy and Glasgow’s rich artistic heritage, making the city a key destination for lovers of early 20th-century design and Scottish culture.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Finnieston Crane
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The Govan Stones
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The Glasgow School of Art
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The Clyde Arc
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McLellan Galleries
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Box Hub
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Riddle Rooms Glasgow
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Statue of Light and Life
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St George's Tron Church of Scotland
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Wonder World Soft Play Glasgow
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hunterian Art Gallery
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Scotland’s oldest museum art gallery showcasing iconic works by Whistler, Mackintosh, and more in a modern university setting.
University of Glasgow
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Explore centuries of history, stunning Gothic architecture, and vibrant culture at the University of Glasgow’s iconic West End campus.
The Lion and Unicorn Staircase
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A dramatic Gothic Revival staircase guarded by stone lions and unicorns in the heart of the University of Glasgow’s West Quadrangle.
Hunterian Zoology Museum
0.3 km
Discover the fascinating diversity of the animal kingdom at the University of Glasgow's historic Hunterian Zoology Museum.
The Suffragette Oak
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A powerful living symbol in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park honoring the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for voting rights.
Tennents Byres Rd Glasgow
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Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Tennent's Byres Road, a quintessential Glasgow pub offering local brews and authentic Scottish hospitality.
Statue of Lord Kelvin
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A distinguished bronze tribute in Kelvingrove Park honoring Lord Kelvin’s groundbreaking scientific legacy and Glasgow’s rich academic heritage.
Kelvin Way
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Kelvin Way connects Glasgow’s West End cultural landmarks, blending historic architecture with leafy parks and vibrant local life.
Kelvingrove Bandstand
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Glasgow's restored Art Deco bandstand hosting vibrant open-air performances in a Victorian park setting.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
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Explore Glasgow’s iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to world-class art, historic artifacts, and captivating exhibits in a stunning historic setting.
Kelvin Hall Open Collections
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Historic Glasgow landmark blending rich cultural collections with modern amenities in a vibrant West End setting.
Kelvingrove Park
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Explore Glasgow’s historic Kelvingrove Park — a vibrant Victorian green space with iconic art, serene river walks, and lively community spirit.
Visit West End
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Park Terrace
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Kibble Palace
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Essential places to dine
Ubiquitous Chip
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Experience Glasgow’s iconic Scottish dining landmark blending tradition, innovation, and lush ambiance in Ashton Lane’s historic heart.
Cafe Andaluz
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Experience vibrant Spanish tapas and lively Mediterranean ambiance in the heart of Glasgow’s West End at Cafe Andaluz.
Bothy Glasgow
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Stravaigin
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Discover Stravaigin, Glasgow’s vibrant West End gastro pub blending bold global flavors with local Scottish ingredients in a lively, bohemian setting.
Cail Bruich
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Michelin-starred fine dining in Glasgow’s West End, blending Scottish tradition with innovative culinary artistry.
Paesano Pizza West End
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Authentic Neapolitan pizza crafted with Italian passion in Glasgow’s lively West End, where tradition meets vibrant flavor and great value.
La Lanterna West End
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Experience authentic Italian cuisine in a bright, welcoming setting at La Lanterna West End, a beloved family-run gem in Glasgow’s vibrant West End.
Eighty Eight
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Discover Eighty Eight, Glasgow’s cozy small plates restaurant blending Mediterranean flair with seasonal, locally sourced delights in a vibrant West End setting.
Number 16 Restaurant
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Intimate West End restaurant serving inventive modern Scottish cuisine with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy, award-winning setting.
Goat in the Tree
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Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in Glasgow’s West End with cozy ambiance and expertly crafted tagines at Goat in the Tree.
The Bay Tree
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Authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors served in a cozy West End café with abundant vegan and vegetarian options.
Ox and Finch
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Michelin-recognised sharing plates in Glasgow's most vibrant foodie neighbourhood, where seasonal simplicity meets culinary craft.
Celino's
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A lively Italian restaurant and deli in Partick offering authentic flavors and a bustling atmosphere with moderate prices.
UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers
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Michelin-starred fine dining in Glasgow’s vibrant Finnieston, blending seasonal Scottish seafood with warm, elegant service in a relaxed setting.
Big Slope
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Cozy Finnieston basement bar serving top-tier pub grub, craft cocktails, and dog-friendly vibes in a shabby-chic haven with summer beer garden bliss.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
University of Glasgow Gift Shop
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Discover official University of Glasgow merchandise and authentic Scottish gifts in a lively, accessible shop nestled beneath the Hunterian Museum.
Oliver Bonas
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Discover joyful style at Oliver Bonas on Byres Road: eclectic fashion, sparkling jewellery, chic homewares, and gifts that brighten everyday life in Glasgow's creative West End.
West Vintage
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A compact West End boutique specialising in well‑curated vintage clothing and sustainable style on Great Western Road.
Amaryllis Westend
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Discover unique lifestyle products at Amaryllis Westend, a charming boutique in Glasgow's artistic West End, perfect for finding memorable souvenirs.
Papyrus
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Quirky gifts, cookware delights, and sustainable finds in Glasgow's vibrant West End – Papyrus sparks joy on every shelf.
The Glasgow Vintage Co
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Discover curated vintage fashion treasures at The Glasgow Vintage Co, a stylish hub for timeless apparel in Glasgow’s West End.
Downstair Design Co.
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Compact West End gift shop showcasing curated cards, jewellery and design-led presents in a cosy, maker-focused setting.
Decadent Riot
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VELVET MOON
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Ae Fond Kiss
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Cassiopeia Gift Ltd
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Gallus Alice
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Cut Price Gift Shop
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Found
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McLay's Gift Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vodka Wodka
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Innis & Gunn Glasgow West End Brewery Taproom
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Curlers Rest Glasgow
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The Aragon Bar
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Hillhead Bookclub
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beGIN
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Kitty O'Shea's West End
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EightySix
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The Record Factory
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Dukes Bar
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The Islay Inn
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The Park Bar
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The Ben Nevis
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Smiddy Bar
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The Dirty Duchess
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Berkeley Suite
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Firewater
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Saint Judes After Dark
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Buff Club
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The Plug Glasgow
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The Savoy
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142B Lounge
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Bamboo
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Kokomo Glasgow
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Popworld Glasgow
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Club Tropicana & Venga
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Platinum Lace Glasgow
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Cathouse Rock Club
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Classic Grand
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Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Art Deco Styles
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
