Marvel at the vast array of locomotives, boats, cars and bicycles on display in Glasgow’s award-winning Riverside Museum. The building itself is astonishing, a curvy, modernist masterpiece designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Inside, it contains a wealth of transport treasures that make for an engaging and exciting day out with the whole family.
The collections here were originally housed in the Transport Museum. Witness the result of Zaha Hadid’s distinctive blend of metal, glass and curves in the new building, which was commissioned in 2004. The design is intended to reflect the connection between the city and the River Clyde.
Allow plenty of time to experience everything on display in the museum. The history of transport is chronicled across nine different display themes such as Crossing the World, Made in Scotland and Transport and Leisure. The collection of over 3,000 items includes early car models, a South African steam locomotive and an old train carriage with an interior you can explore.
The Riverside Museum prides itself on the breadth of interactive displays across its exhibits. Get interactive with the touch screens that are spread throughout the galleries, each containing a wealth of information on the museum’s collections.
Walk down a street from late 19th-century Glasgow. This is one of the museum’s three impressive street replicas. Old-world trams pass traditional store fronts, giving visitors an authentic look at the city between 1895 and 1930. Discover other immersive exhibits, including an Edwardian photography studio and a car garage from the 1960s.
Head to the riverfront outside the main entrance to visit the Tall Ship, which is berthed next to the museum. This three-masted steel ship was built in the late 19th century and is open for guided tours.
The Riverside Museum is open daily and guided tours are available with advance booking. Walk to the museum along the banks of the Clyde. Partick train and subway station is 10 minutes away by foot. Metered parking is available for those driving to the museum.
