Kelvin Hall Open Collections, Glasgow
Historic Glasgow landmark blending rich cultural collections with modern amenities in a vibrant West End setting.
Kelvin Hall in Glasgow is a historic cultural hub offering access to vast museum and library collections, including Scotland’s national moving image archive. Housed in a grand 1927 red sandstone building, it blends heritage with modern facilities like a health and fitness centre, café, and digital research resources. Visitors explore exhibitions, archives, and enjoy family-friendly amenities in this vibrant West End landmark.
A brief summary to Kelvin Hall Open Collections
- 1445 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AW, GB
- +441412761450
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 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 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Moving Image Archive to explore over 100 years of Scottish film history with curated screenings and public viewing booths.
- Enjoy a break at the on-site café offering light meals, snacks, and a range of dietary options including vegan and gluten-free.
- Take advantage of free lockers and accessible facilities to comfortably explore the extensive digital and physical collections.
- Check the Kelvin Hall website for up-to-date information on tours, exhibitions, and special events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Glasgow Subway to Kelvinhall station, approximately a 10-minute walk from Kelvin Hall. Subway services run frequently with tickets costing around £1.50–£2.50. Several bus routes also serve Argyle Street with stops near the venue.
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Taxi
Local taxi services provide direct access to Kelvin Hall from anywhere in Glasgow, with typical fares ranging from £5 to £15 depending on distance. Taxi ranks are available nearby for convenience.
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Car Parking
Paid parking is available at the nearby Burnhouse Road car park, which also offers electric vehicle charging. Blue Badge holders have designated parking on Bunhouse Road and on-street parking with standard charges.
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Cycling
Bike racks are located at the front of Kelvin Hall, making cycling a convenient and eco-friendly option. Glasgow’s cycle network connects the venue to various parts of the city.
Kelvin Hall Open Collections 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 Kelvin Hall Open Collections
A Storied Landmark of Glasgow’s West End
Kelvin Hall stands prominently on Argyle Street, overlooking the River Kelvin and facing the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Originally opened in 1918 and rebuilt after a fire in 1925, the current steel-framed red sandstone structure dates from 1927. Designed by Robert James Walker, it was conceived as a grand exhibition space to complement Glasgow’s cultural offerings, hosting everything from industry fairs and carnivals to concerts and sporting events throughout the 20th century.Transformation into a Cultural and Research Centre
Today, Kelvin Hall has been revitalized as a dynamic centre of cultural excellence through a partnership between Glasgow Life, the University of Glasgow, and the National Library of Scotland. It now houses extensive museum and library collections, including access to Scotland’s national Moving Image Archive. Visitors can explore digitised books, manuscripts, maps, and films spanning centuries, with expert staff available to assist and engage.Collections and Exhibitions to Explore
The collections on display include thousands of digitised books and manuscripts, some only accessible on-site, alongside over 140,000 high-resolution maps covering Glasgow, Scotland, and beyond. The Moving Image Archive offers a unique glimpse into Scottish history through films, videos, and cinema memorabilia, with public viewing booths and curated exhibitions showcasing the country’s rich audiovisual heritage.Modern Amenities and Visitor Facilities
Kelvin Hall blends its historic character with modern conveniences, featuring a café serving light meals and drinks, free lockers, accessible toilets, and facilities for visitors with limited mobility. The building also includes a state-of-the-art Glasgow Club health and fitness centre, making it a multifaceted venue for both cultural exploration and wellbeing.Accessibility and Family-Friendly Environment
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, equipped with hearing loops, ramps, and lifts. Families are welcomed with baby-changing facilities, highchairs, and children’s menus available in the café. The location is well served by public transport and offers nearby parking, including spaces for Blue Badge holders and electric vehicle charging.Enduring Cultural Significance and Community Role
Kelvin Hall remains a vital part of Glasgow’s cultural landscape, linking the city’s industrial past with contemporary arts, education, and community engagement. Its rich history of exhibitions, performances, and public events continues to evolve, making it a living monument to Glasgow’s heritage and creativity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Caledonian Mansions
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The Sixty Steps
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Finnieston Crane
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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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Glasgow’s Squinty Bridge: A modern architectural icon spanning the River Clyde with stunning views and vibrant urban energy.
The Glasgow School of Art
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Mackintosh's revolutionary masterpiece where Scottish baronial tradition meets modernist vision.
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.
McLellan Galleries
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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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Experience the thrill of escape rooms in Glasgow, where adventure awaits around every corner with engaging puzzles and immersive themes.
St George's Tron Church of Scotland
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Nelson Mandela Pl
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Explore Nelson Mandela Place in Glasgow, a vibrant square honoring the legacy of human rights with stunning architecture, art, and local culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
0.2 km
Explore Glasgow’s iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to world-class art, historic artifacts, and captivating exhibits in a stunning historic setting.
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 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.
Visit West End
0.4 km
Discover Glasgow West End’s blend of historic charm, vibrant arts, independent shops, and lush green spaces in a lively cultural hotspot.
Statue of Lord Kelvin
0.4 km
A distinguished bronze tribute in Kelvingrove Park honoring Lord Kelvin’s groundbreaking scientific legacy and Glasgow’s rich academic heritage.
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.
Kelvin Way
0.5 km
Kelvin Way connects Glasgow’s West End cultural landmarks, blending historic architecture with leafy parks and vibrant local life.
Kelvingrove Bandstand
0.5 km
Glasgow's restored Art Deco bandstand hosting vibrant open-air performances in a Victorian park setting.
The Mackintosh House
0.5 km
Step inside the meticulously reconstructed Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design and creative legacy.
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.
Tennents Byres Rd Glasgow
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Tennent's Byres Road, a quintessential Glasgow pub offering local brews and authentic Scottish hospitality.
The Suffragette Oak
0.6 km
A powerful living symbol in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park honoring the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for voting rights.
Stewart Memorial Fountain
0.6 km
A Victorian Gothic masterpiece in Kelvingrove Park honoring Glasgow’s water pioneer, Robert Stewart, and the gift of clean water.
Kelvingrove Park
0.6 km
Explore Glasgow’s historic Kelvingrove Park — a vibrant Victorian green space with iconic art, serene river walks, and lively community spirit.
Railway Arches Murals
0.7 km
Discover Glasgow’s vibrant culture and history expressed through ever-changing murals beneath the iconic railway arches on Pointhouse Road.
Essential places to dine
Eighty Eight
0.3 km
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
0.4 km
Intimate West End restaurant serving inventive modern Scottish cuisine with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy, award-winning setting.
Celino's
0.6 km
A lively Italian restaurant and deli in Partick offering authentic flavors and a bustling atmosphere with moderate prices.
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.
Fallachan Kitchen
0.7 km
Experience Scotland’s finest seasonal tasting menu at Fallachan Kitchen’s intimate 12-seat chef’s table in a unique Glasgow railway arch.
Ox and Finch
0.7 km
Michelin-recognised sharing plates in Glasgow's most vibrant foodie neighbourhood, where seasonal simplicity meets culinary craft.
Bothy Glasgow
0.7 km
Experience creative Scottish cuisine with a modern twist in Glasgow’s vibrant West End at Bothy Glasgow.
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.
Porter & Rye
0.8 km
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.
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.
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.
Fanny Trollopes
0.8 km
Seasonal Scottish bistro in Glasgow’s Finnieston, blending rustic charm with fine dining and crafted cocktails in an intimate setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
University of Glasgow Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover official University of Glasgow merchandise and authentic Scottish gifts in a lively, accessible shop nestled beneath the Hunterian Museum.
VELVET MOON
0.6 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and local treasures in the charming and characterful Velvet Moon gift shop in Glasgow’s Finnieston.
Oliver Bonas
0.7 km
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.
Papyrus
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Quirky gifts, cookware delights, and sustainable finds in Glasgow's vibrant West End – Papyrus sparks joy on every shelf.
West Vintage
0.9 km
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.
Gallus Alice
1.0 km
A stylish boutique in Glasgow’s vibrant Finnieston offering unique fashion with a bold local flair and a curated shopping experience.
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.
Cassiopeia Gift Ltd
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Decadent Riot
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Cut Price Gift Shop
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Ae Fond Kiss
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Found
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Dead Famous Cities Ltd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dukes Bar
0.3 km
A cozy and welcoming West End pub in Glasgow, blending relaxed vibes with quality drinks and friendly service.
EightySix
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The Record Factory
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The Islay Inn
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The Aragon Bar
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The Park Bar
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Innis & Gunn Glasgow West End Brewery Taproom
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Vodka Wodka
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Quirky West End cocktail bar with an all-weather, multi-level beer garden and a colossal vodka list — casual, lively and unpretentious.
Curlers Rest Glasgow
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The Ben Nevis
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Smiddy Bar
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The Dirty Duchess
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Hillhead Bookclub
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Retro cinema vibes meet quirky cocktails and ping pong in Glasgow's West End— a multi-level playground for drinks, bites, and unbeatable energy.
beGIN
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Glasgow's premier gin bar on Byres Road, boasting over 100 global gins with Scottish flair—perfect for cosy starts to vibrant West End nights.
Kitty O'Shea's West End
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Authentic Irish pub in Glasgow's West End: frothy Guinness, live tunes, and hearty grub fuel lively nights until 2am.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Berkeley Suite
1.4 km
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Firewater
1.8 km
Dive into Glasgow's indie nightlife at Firewater, where two rooms blast alternative anthems, cheap entry fuels the fun, and Sauchiehall Street's energy ignites until 2:30am Thu-Sat.
Saint Judes After Dark
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Glasgow's electrifying after-dark escape: pulsating DJ beats, craft cocktails, and retro club vibes fuel nights until 3am on Bath Street.
Buff Club
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Dive into Glasgow's funky basement beats at The Buff Club, where soul, disco, and 80s grooves light up the night under disco ball magic.
The Plug Glasgow
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The Savoy
2.3 km
Experience Glasgow’s vibrant weekend nightlife at The Savoy, a lively nightclub on Sauchiehall Street pulsing with music and energy until dawn.
142B Lounge
2.3 km
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Bamboo
2.4 km
Glasgow’s energetic three-room basement nightclub offering affordable drinks and diverse music for a lively student crowd.
Kokomo Glasgow
2.4 km
Kokomo Glasgow was a late-night nightclub and bar known for its energetic vibe and central city location on West Regent Street.
Popworld Glasgow
2.5 km
Dive into a whirlwind of 80s-00s pop anthems, retro props, and cocktail-fueled dance marathons at Glasgow's ultimate cheesy nightclub escape.
Club Tropicana & Venga
2.5 km
Two-room retro nightclub in central Glasgow with themed ’80s/’90s nights, booth bookings and a high-energy weekend atmosphere.
Platinum Lace Glasgow
2.5 km
Glasgow’s premier gentlemen’s club with stunning dancers, VIP luxury, and an electric nightlife atmosphere in the city centre.
Cathouse Rock Club
2.6 km
Glasgow's unrelenting rock fortress since 1990—metal riffs, live gigs, and alternative fury across three pounding rooms.
Classic Grand
2.6 km
Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
Sub Club
2.6 km
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
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
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
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly