McLellan Galleries
Victorian art gallery turned creative workspace, preserving Glasgow's 19th-century cultural ambitions.
A historic Victorian exhibition space in Glasgow's city centre, the McLellan Galleries stand as a testament to 19th-century artistic patronage and architectural ambition. Built in 1855–1856 to house the art collection of coach builder and philanthropist Archibald McLellan, this category B listed building features elegant marble staircases and climate-controlled exhibition rooms. Once home to the Glasgow School of Art and Scotland's largest temporary exhibition gallery, the building now serves as a creative workspace while maintaining its cultural significance on Sauchiehall Street.
A brief summary to McLellan Galleries
- 149 Renfrew St, Glasgow, G3 6RF, GB
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during exhibitions hosted by the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts or Glasgow School of Art to experience the galleries' primary cultural function and see the marble staircases in their intended context.
- The building is situated behind shop frontages on Sauchiehall Street; look for the entrance between retail units to access the historic interior spaces.
- Combine a visit with exploration of nearby cultural venues including the Glasgow School of Art campus and other Sauchiehall Street attractions within walking distance.
- Check ahead for current exhibitions and events, as the space now operates as a mixed-use venue with varying public access depending on tenant activities and scheduled shows.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground (Subway)
Cowcaddens Station on the Subway is approximately 350 metres away, requiring a 4–5 minute walk. Exit towards Sauchiehall Street and head east; the galleries are accessed from street level. Service runs Monday to Sunday with trains every 4–8 minutes during peak hours and every 8–10 minutes off-peak. Single journey tickets cost approximately £1.75.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Sauchiehall Street directly outside the galleries, including services 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 16, and 57. Journey times from Glasgow city centre are typically 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Single fares cost approximately £1.75 for city centre journeys; day tickets offer better value for multiple trips.
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Walking
From Glasgow Central Station, the galleries are approximately 800 metres away via a 10–12 minute walk through the city centre. From George Square, the walk takes approximately 6–8 minutes heading northwest along Sauchiehall Street. The route is entirely flat with paved pavements and clear street signage.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services can drop passengers directly on Sauchiehall Street outside the galleries. Journey times from Glasgow Central Station are typically 5–8 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated fares range from £6–£12 depending on time of day and service type.
McLellan Galleries location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about McLellan Galleries
A Victorian Vision for Glasgow's Cultural Future
The McLellan Galleries emerged from the ambitions of Archibald McLellan, a prosperous coach builder whose passion for the arts transformed Glasgow's cultural landscape. Built between 1855 and 1856 to designs by architect James Smith, the galleries represented a bold investment in the city's artistic development. McLellan's vision was to create a dedicated space for exhibiting fine art, reflecting the growing sophistication of Glasgow's merchant class and their commitment to elevating the city's cultural standing. The building cost £40,000 to construct—a substantial sum for the era—and was situated strategically on Sauchiehall Street, positioning it at the heart of Glasgow's expanding commercial and cultural district.From Private Patronage to Municipal Treasure
When Archibald McLellan died in 1854, his intentions to bequeath his extensive art collection and the galleries to Glasgow could not be fulfilled due to financial complications. However, this circumstance created an unexpected opportunity for the city. Glasgow Corporation acquired both the building and McLellan's collection of paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts for £44,500—a transaction that proved invaluable to Glasgow's cultural heritage. The collection, which included works by Dutch and Flemish masters, Italian Renaissance paintings, and contemporary Scottish artists, formed the nucleus of what would eventually become part of Glasgow's world-class art holdings. For a period, the building was known as the Corporation Halls before reverting to its founder's name, cementing McLellan's legacy in the city's institutional memory.Evolving Roles in Glasgow's Artistic Community
Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, the McLellan Galleries served multiple roles in Glasgow's cultural ecosystem. From 1869 to 1899, the building housed the Glasgow School of Art, providing studio and exhibition space for emerging artists during a formative period in the institution's history. The galleries became a venue for significant exhibitions, including displays by the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts and contemporary art shows. When Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum underwent major refurbishment between 2003 and 2006, the McLellan Galleries stepped in to showcase Kelvingrove's most beloved masterpieces, demonstrating the building's continued importance as an exhibition venue. Following a devastating fire in October 1986 that damaged the shop frontage, the galleries were meticulously restored and reopened in 1990 as Scotland's largest quality, climate-controlled temporary exhibition gallery.Architectural Character and Heritage Status
The building's architectural merit has been formally recognized through its designation as a category B listed building since 1970, protecting its distinctive Victorian features. Visitors ascending the galleries' celebrated marble staircases encounter elegant exhibition spaces designed to showcase artworks in natural light and controlled conditions. The building's sandstone construction and period detailing reflect the craftsmanship of mid-Victorian Glasgow, while its interior layout demonstrates thoughtful planning for the display and appreciation of fine art. The architectural integrity of these spaces has been carefully maintained through successive renovations, preserving the experience that 19th-century visitors would have encountered.Contemporary Transformation and Future Prospects
In 2018, the McLellan Galleries underwent redevelopment into a workspace for entrepreneurs and small businesses, reflecting changing patterns in Glasgow's cultural and commercial landscape. The building was redesigned as McLellan Works, a collaborative environment combining fixed office spaces, coworking areas, and shared facilities while maintaining connections to the adjacent Glasgow School of Art studios. This adaptive reuse acknowledges the building's heritage while positioning it as a living, working space relevant to contemporary Glasgow. The redesign incorporated improved shop frontages and enhanced the building's presence on Sauchiehall Street, contributing to broader regeneration efforts in the area. Despite these changes, the McLellan Galleries retain their historical significance and continue to host exhibitions and cultural events, ensuring that Archibald McLellan's original vision of fostering artistic culture in Glasgow endures.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Victorian art gallery turned creative workspace, preserving Glasgow's 19th-century cultural ambitions.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
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