Visit The Riverside Museum.

Situated majestically on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow’s Riverside Museum is not just a museum, it’s a hymn to the city’s rich industrial history and technological innovations. Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the museum is a must for anyone visiting Glasgow.

Visit the Riverside Museum

Architecture

The first thing that captivates visitors to the Riverside Museum is its breathtaking architecture. The building’s undulating, futuristic forms seem to pay homage to the waves of the River Clyde, while recalling the dynamics of speed and movement. This avant-garde design earned the museum the prestigious European Museum of the Year award in 2013.

An unrivalled collection

The Riverside Museum houses a collection of over 3,000 objects tracing the history of transport in Glasgow, from its origins to the present day. Among these treasures:

• Locomotives and Railways: Discover how Glasgow was a pioneer in the railroad age, with lavishly restored examples of locomotives and wagons.
• Street vehicles: From the streetcars of yesteryear to the classic cars of the 60s, visitors can explore the evolution of urban transport.
• Naval and Maritime: In honor of Glasgow’s maritime heritage, several ship models illustrate the city’s central role in world shipbuilding.
• Aviation: Scottish aviation pioneers have their place at Riverside, with aircraft dating back to the early days of flight.

A street from yesteryear

One of the museum’s highlights is a complete reconstruction of a Glasgow street from 1900 to 1980. Strolling along this street, visitors are transported back in time, passing old stores, cinemas and even a bar, all evoking different eras.

Interactivity first

The Riverside Museum offers an immersive experience. Touch screens, interactive zones and even the chance to climb aboard certain vehicles make the visit a memorable adventure for visitors of all ages.

The Tall Ship: the Glenlee

Just outside the museum is the Glenlee, one of the few surviving 19th-century steel sailing ships. The ship has been restored and is open to the public, offering a fascinating insight into life at sea at the time.

A window on the future

In addition to the past and present, the Riverside Museum also offers a vision of the future of transport. Dedicated exhibitions explore technological innovations in mobility, from vehicle electrification to sustainable design.