Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Explore Glasgow’s iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to diverse collections and masterpieces in a stunning historic building.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a renowned cultural landmark in Glasgow’s West End, housing over 8,000 diverse objects across 22 themed galleries. Set adjacent to Kelvingrove Park and near the University of Glasgow, it features fine art masterpieces, natural history exhibits, arms and armour, and iconic displays like Salvador Dalí’s ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ and the Spitfire plane. The museum offers free entry, family-friendly spaces, and amenities including a café and gift shop.
A brief summary to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AG, GB
- +441412769599
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 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 the museum’s CREATE Space for interactive activities designed especially for children.
- Don’t miss the Salvador Dalí masterpiece ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ and the suspended Spitfire plane.
- Plan your visit on weekdays or Saturday mornings to avoid larger weekend crowds.
- Check for special exhibitions and free daily organ recitals to enrich your experience.
- Use nearby Kelvinhall or Kelvinbridge subway stations for convenient access and consider parking options if driving.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Subway
Take the Glasgow Subway to Kelvinhall station, a 5-minute walk from the museum. Subway trains run every 4 to 8 minutes from early morning until late evening. This is the most convenient public transport option.
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Bus
Bus services 2, 3, and 77 stop directly outside Kelvingrove on Argyle Street. Buses run frequently throughout the day with journey times from the city centre around 15 to 25 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £1.80–£3.00.
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Train and Walk
From Partick or Charing Cross train stations, it is a 10 to 15-minute walk to Kelvingrove. This option suits those combining rail travel with a short scenic walk through Glasgow’s West End.
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Car Parking
Limited pay-and-display parking is available near the museum with a maximum stay of 10 hours, costing up to £10.00 per day. Blue badge holders have free, unrestricted parking in designated spaces. Nearby Kelvin Hall also offers additional parking.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum 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 Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Roots
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, opened in 1901, is an architectural gem designed by Sir John William Simpson and EJ Milner Allen. Its grand baroque-style façade and impressive interiors reflect Glasgow’s rich cultural heritage and civic pride at the turn of the 20th century. Situated on Argyle Street next to Kelvingrove Park, the building itself is a landmark, blending historic elegance with modern conservation efforts that have preserved its grandeur for over a century.Diverse and Internationally Significant Collections
Inside, Kelvingrove houses an extraordinary collection of more than 8,000 objects spanning art, natural history, arms and armour, and design. The museum’s holdings are eclectic, born from the amalgamation of the McLellan Galleries and Kelvingrove House Museum collections. Highlights include masterpieces by Sandro Botticelli, Titian, and Salvador Dalí’s iconic religious painting ‘Christ of St John of the Cross.’ The museum also showcases Scottish, Italian, French, and Dutch art, alongside fascinating natural history specimens and historic weaponry.Engaging Visitor Experience and Family Appeal
Kelvingrove is designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages, with interactive displays and family-friendly spaces such as the CREATE Space for children. The museum hosts regular events, tours, and themed trails to deepen visitor engagement. Its popular Saturday Art Club encourages creative learning, making it a vibrant cultural hub. The presence of a café and gift shop enhances the visitor experience, providing comfortable spots to relax and reflect.Iconic Exhibits and Unique Features
Among the museum’s standout attractions is the suspended Spitfire plane in the west court, a dramatic centerpiece that draws attention to Glasgow’s wartime history. Sir Roger, the Asian elephant specimen, is another beloved exhibit. The museum’s thematic galleries cover a wide range of subjects, from fine art to natural sciences, offering a comprehensive cultural journey through time and disciplines.Location and Accessibility
Located in Glasgow’s West End, Kelvingrove is easily accessible by public transport, including nearby subway stations Kelvinhall and Kelvinbridge, and bus routes stopping directly outside. The museum provides accessible facilities such as hearing loops, level access, accessible toilets, and parking spaces reserved for blue badge holders. It operates daily with opening hours from 10am to 5pm on most days, with slightly later openings on Fridays and Sundays.Ongoing Conservation and Community Role
Kelvingrove continues to evolve with ongoing restoration and conservation projects funded by Glasgow City Council. It remains a vital cultural institution, reflecting Glasgow’s history, creativity, and community spirit. The museum’s commitment to inclusivity and education ensures it remains a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike, celebrating Scotland’s artistic and natural heritage in a dynamic urban setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Caledonian Mansions
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Finnieston Crane
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The Sixty Steps
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Savings Bank of Glasgow building
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A Victorian banking landmark symbolizing Glasgow's rise to financial prominence in 19th-century Britain.
The Clyde Arc
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Govan Old Church
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The Govan Stones
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The Glasgow School of Art
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McLellan Galleries
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Box Hub
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Discover Box Hub: Glasgow's dynamic events venue, where live music, celebrations, and vibrant nightlife come together in a unique atmosphere.
Wonder World Soft Play Glasgow
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Explore endless fun and adventure at Wonder World Soft Play Glasgow, the ultimate indoor amusement center for children and families.
Statue of Light and Life
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ToursByLocals - Glasgow
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glasgow south side
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Riddle Rooms Glasgow
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kelvin Hall Open Collections
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Historic Glasgow landmark blending rich cultural collections with modern amenities in a vibrant West End setting.
Statue of Lord Kelvin
0.3 km
A distinguished bronze tribute in Kelvingrove Park honoring Lord Kelvin’s groundbreaking scientific legacy and Glasgow’s rich academic heritage.
Kelvin Way
0.3 km
Kelvin Way connects Glasgow’s West End cultural landmarks, blending historic architecture with leafy parks and vibrant local life.
The Lion and Unicorn Staircase
0.3 km
A dramatic Gothic Revival staircase guarded by stone lions and unicorns in the heart of the University of Glasgow’s West Quadrangle.
Kelvingrove Bandstand
0.3 km
Glasgow's restored Art Deco bandstand hosting vibrant open-air performances in a Victorian park setting.
Hunterian Zoology Museum
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Discover the fascinating diversity of the animal kingdom at the University of Glasgow's historic Hunterian Zoology Museum.
University of Glasgow
0.4 km
Explore centuries of history, stunning Gothic architecture, and vibrant culture at the University of Glasgow’s iconic West End campus.
Stewart Memorial Fountain
0.4 km
A Victorian Gothic masterpiece in Kelvingrove Park honoring Glasgow’s water pioneer, Robert Stewart, and the gift of clean water.
The Suffragette Oak
0.5 km
A powerful living symbol in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park honoring the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for voting rights.
Kelvingrove Park
0.5 km
Explore Glasgow’s historic Kelvingrove Park — a vibrant Victorian green space with iconic art, serene river walks, and lively community spirit.
Hunterian Art Gallery
0.5 km
Scotland’s oldest museum art gallery showcasing iconic works by Whistler, Mackintosh, and more in a modern university setting.
The Mackintosh House
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Step inside the meticulously reconstructed Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design and creative legacy.
Visit West End
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Park Terrace
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The wild pork statue
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Essential places to dine
Ox and Finch
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Eighty Eight
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The Gannet
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A stylish Finnieston restaurant blending modern Scottish flavors with sustainable sourcing and refined fine dining elegance.
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.
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.
Porter & Rye
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Discover Glasgow’s premier steakhouse in Finnieston, where expertly dry-aged Scottish beef meets rustic charm and impeccable service.
The Finnieston
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A stylish seafood haven paired with an award-winning gin bar in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant Finnieston district.
Fanny Trollopes
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Seasonal Scottish bistro in Glasgow’s Finnieston, blending rustic charm with fine dining and crafted cocktails in an intimate setting.
Stravaigin
0.7 km
Discover Stravaigin, Glasgow’s vibrant West End gastro pub blending bold global flavors with local Scottish ingredients in a lively, bohemian setting.
Ubiquitous Chip
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Fallachan Kitchen
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Bothy Glasgow
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Celino's
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Cafe Andaluz
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
University of Glasgow Gift Shop
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VELVET MOON
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Gallus Alice
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Oliver Bonas
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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.
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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Papyrus
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Downstair Design Co.
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Decadent Riot
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Cassiopeia Gift Ltd
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Cut Price Gift Shop
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Ae Fond Kiss
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McLay's Gift Shop
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Found
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dukes Bar
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The Islay Inn
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The Park Bar
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EightySix
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The Ben Nevis
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The Record Factory
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The Aragon Bar
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Innis & Gunn Glasgow West End Brewery Taproom
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The Dirty Duchess
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Vodka Wodka
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Curlers Rest Glasgow
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Hillhead Bookclub
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Kitty O'Shea's West End
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Smiddy Bar
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beGIN
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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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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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
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
- Family Friendly
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly