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Riverside Museum: Glasgow’s Transport Heritage Unveiled

Explore Glasgow’s award-winning transport museum with immersive exhibits and a recreated 1930s street scene on the scenic River Clyde.

4.7

The Riverside Museum in Glasgow is a captivating transport museum showcasing over 3,000 objects, from vintage cars and bicycles to trams and locomotives. Located on the scenic banks of the River Clyde, it features an award-winning design by Dame Zaha Hadid and an immersive recreated 1930s Glasgow street scene. With interactive exhibits and free entry, it offers a fascinating journey through the city’s industrial and transport history for visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to Riverside Museum

  • 100 Pointhouse Rd, Glasgow, Govan, G3 8RS, GB
  • +441412872720
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 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 recreated 1930s Glasgow street scene to experience an authentic glimpse of the city’s past.
  • Go upstairs for a panoramic view over the main hall to see exhibits from a unique perspective.
  • Entry to the museum is free, but parking requires payment; consider public transport to save on parking fees.
  • Check out the interactive exhibits and simulators for an engaging experience, especially fun for children.
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Getting There

  • Subway

    Take the Glasgow Subway to Govan station, then enjoy a 5-minute walk across the Govan-Partick Bridge to the museum. Subway services run frequently, and the walk is flat and accessible.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes serve the Govan area with stops near the Riverside Museum. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes from central Glasgow. Check local timetables for schedules; buses are wheelchair accessible.

  • Car

    Driving to the museum is convenient with onsite parking available for a fee (£3.00 for up to 1 hour, £7.50 for 3 hours). Note parking machines accept coins only. Disabled parking and drop-off access are provided at the front entrance.

Riverside Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Riverside Museum

Architectural Marvel by the River Clyde

The Riverside Museum is housed in a striking contemporary building designed by the renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid. Its dynamic, angular form echoes the movement and innovation of transport itself, making the museum a landmark on Glasgow’s waterfront. The structure’s flowing lines and expansive glass walls allow natural light to flood the interior, creating an inviting atmosphere that blends modern design with the historical narratives inside.

A Journey Through Glasgow’s Transport Legacy

Inside, the museum presents an extensive collection of over 3,000 transport-related artifacts, including vintage cars, bicycles, trams, motorbikes, and steam locomotives. These exhibits tell the story of Glasgow’s evolution as an industrial powerhouse and its pivotal role in transport innovation. The displays range from early maritime vessels to modern public transit, illustrating how transportation shaped the city’s growth and daily life.

The Immersive Glasgow Street Experience

One of the museum’s standout features is the meticulously recreated Glasgow street scene from the 1930s. Visitors can stroll along a cobbled street lined with authentic period shops, houses, and even a subway station, all designed to transport you back in time. This immersive environment vividly brings to life the sights, sounds, and stories of Glasgow’s past, offering a unique, hands-on way to engage with history.

Interactive Exhibits and Family-Friendly Fun

The museum is designed to engage visitors of all ages, with numerous interactive displays and hands-on activities. Children and adults alike can explore transport technology, try simulators such as the Clive Sinclair C5 pedal car, and discover fascinating stories behind the exhibits. The museum’s layout encourages exploration and curiosity, making it an ideal destination for families and transport enthusiasts.

Connection to Maritime Heritage

Adjacent to the museum lies the Glenlee, the UK's only floating Clyde-built sailing ship, which complements the museum’s transport narrative. Although currently under renovation, the ship remains visible from the museum’s café windows, linking Glasgow’s maritime past with its land-based transport history.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

The Riverside Museum is fully wheelchair accessible and offers facilities including accessible toilets, a café, a gift shop, and onsite parking. Entry is free, making it an inclusive and budget-friendly cultural attraction. Its location on the north bank of the River Clyde provides scenic views and a peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy.

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