Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow: Hours, Address, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Free Entry. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is Scotland's most visited free attraction. With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally-significant.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,697 within 3 miles
MacTassos
507
0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mediterranean • Greek
The Gannet
1,721
0.3 mi$$$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
Soul Food Kitchen
99
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Mora Bar and Kitchen
337
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Mother India's Cafe
1,349
428 ft$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Pakistani
Ox and Finch
2,383
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • European • Contemporary • Scottish
Tantrum Doughnuts
279
0.1 mi$ • Bakeries • Cafe • Fast Food
The Little Cafe
207
360 ft$ • Italian • Pizza • Cafe
BrewDog Glasgow
590
260 ft$$ - $$$ • Brew Pub • Bar • British
Ashoka Finnieston
1,271
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Balti
Attractions
440 within 6 miles
Elfingrove
133
149 ftMusic Festivals • Food & Drink Festivals
Kelvin Hall
54
0.1 miCivic Centres
Cameronians War Memorial
4
254 ftMonuments & Statues
Kelvingrove Park
1,086
0.2 miParks
Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls and Tennis Centre
2
0.1 miSports Complexes
National Library of Scotland
3
0.1 miLibraries
Tigress and Cubs Statue
3
0.1 miMonuments & Statues
Statue of Lord Kelvin
1
0.1 miMonuments & Statues
Lord Lister Monument
1
0.1 miMonuments & Statues
Hunterian Museum
1,002
0.2 miHistory Museums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
15,452 reviews
Excellent
11,249
Very good
3,504
Average
602
Poor
75
Terrible
23
GRAHAM C
Dunton Green, UK772 contributions
May 2021
Before you even enter this imposing building, you will marvel at its location within Kelvingrove Park, adjacent to the University of Glasgow and opposite the Kelvin Hall, the site of G.B. Davis Cup glory. Just over 10 mins from the city centre, this masterpiece of architecture is definitely worth a visit. Its chandelier-decked entrance hall housing a beautiful organ is worth the entrance fee alone which with astonishment is FREE.
As for the exhibits, they range from world -renown artists like Dali, the Dutch, Italian and French masters, Lowry and the Impressionists to Ancient Egyptian artefacts to furniture through the Ages, stuffed animals ( Roger the Elephant is magnificent) and even a Spitfire !!!! Look out for Elvis as he is the building as well !!! An excellent place to visit for quick looksee or a day's in depth culture. In Covid times, pre booking is essential. Thoroughly recommended. Enjoy.
As for the exhibits, they range from world -renown artists like Dali, the Dutch, Italian and French masters, Lowry and the Impressionists to Ancient Egyptian artefacts to furniture through the Ages, stuffed animals ( Roger the Elephant is magnificent) and even a Spitfire !!!! Look out for Elvis as he is the building as well !!! An excellent place to visit for quick looksee or a day's in depth culture. In Covid times, pre booking is essential. Thoroughly recommended. Enjoy.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David W
10 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
This is a great day out for all the family, with many varied exhibitions. It is a uniquely Victorian era building with a giant entrance hall that has daily organ music recitals. The museum has a small cafe that is very cheap and a great place to grab a coke and a sandwich if your wanting something quick and easy with small children. Alternatively there's a bright large basement restaurant that has a quieter atmosphere, the food they serve up is very good quality and well priced. The museum additionally has regular exhibitions in another basement area that charge a small fee for entry but the displays here are well worth the money. Entry to the normal museum is free.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ally
York, UK41 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
The Kelvingrove is an exceptional gallery. First of all the building itself is worth a visit as it is quite magnificent and there is some interesting information about its history dotted around.
A very helpful member of staff explained that broadly one side of the collection is focused on art where the other is more of a museum and is particularly loved by children as it has a lot of stuffed animal exhibits.
I focused on the gallery side of things and was very impressed about how well thought out the collections were. They provided a lot of information about the background of paintings and told a story through that specific collection, rather than viewing paintings in isolation. This allowed so much more connection with and appreciation of the art than I am generally used to. The Glasgow Boys collection was amazing and so interesting to see how painting styles changed over time. I also enjoyed that some parts encouraged children to be engaged in the same art as adults and these prompts are certainly useful for adults too!
A very helpful member of staff explained that broadly one side of the collection is focused on art where the other is more of a museum and is particularly loved by children as it has a lot of stuffed animal exhibits.
I focused on the gallery side of things and was very impressed about how well thought out the collections were. They provided a lot of information about the background of paintings and told a story through that specific collection, rather than viewing paintings in isolation. This allowed so much more connection with and appreciation of the art than I am generally used to. The Glasgow Boys collection was amazing and so interesting to see how painting styles changed over time. I also enjoyed that some parts encouraged children to be engaged in the same art as adults and these prompts are certainly useful for adults too!
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OrchardFlowers
4 contributions
Jan 2020
Fabulous building with great architectural features inside and out. There was plenty of variety in the museum. Loved the preserved animal exhibits. Didn't have time to get around it all but also went to the restaurant for a late lunch which was very good. If you just want a snack or cakes and refreshments the cafe on the entrance level has a lovely selection of cakes. We didn't have children with us, but there seemed to be plenty of interactive exhibits. We stopped off here on the bus tour and I would recommend you allow at least 2 hoiurs for a visit particularly if you want to take a comfort break for coffee
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BigMerk
Glasgow, UK1,821 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
The. Museum is located on Kelvin Way overlooked by the impressive Glasgow University and just off Sauchiehall St. Recent traffic amendments have closed Kelvin Way from University Avenue so your GPS may try to take you the wrong way.
There is a good amount of parking (£1.60 per hour) on site. During these Covid times some of the hands-on exhibits are closed (understandably) but I was delighted to see that there has also been a good amount of newer exhibits (ie exhibits I don’t remember seeing before).
I was there with my youngest son and my 3 year old granddaughter. It was great to see her reaction to the stuffed wild animal display, the dinosaurs and the Spitfire. Obviously a great deal of the museum is beyond her grasp at 3 but I would say that there is definitely something there for all ages.
The museum was clean and well maintained with plenty of staff onsite. There is also a restaurant (with limited options) and museum shop. The small cafe is currently closed. Well worth a visit.
There is a good amount of parking (£1.60 per hour) on site. During these Covid times some of the hands-on exhibits are closed (understandably) but I was delighted to see that there has also been a good amount of newer exhibits (ie exhibits I don’t remember seeing before).
I was there with my youngest son and my 3 year old granddaughter. It was great to see her reaction to the stuffed wild animal display, the dinosaurs and the Spitfire. Obviously a great deal of the museum is beyond her grasp at 3 but I would say that there is definitely something there for all ages.
The museum was clean and well maintained with plenty of staff onsite. There is also a restaurant (with limited options) and museum shop. The small cafe is currently closed. Well worth a visit.
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RUUDBOY09
West Midlands, England364 contributions
Oct 2021
This is one of the top attractions in Glasgow so when we noticed it was one of the stops on the City Sightseeing Bus we had booked to go on we made sure we visited especially as it was free entry. There are numerous interesting and varied exhibits to see and enjoy and you can easily spend 2-3 hours here or even longer. Being located in Glasgow, the Museum focuses extensively on Scottish Identity both with some of the exhibits and the paintings but other exhibits include Rain Forests, Egypt and Natural History. I just wish I had had more time to visit the park next to it especially as it was such a lovely sunny Autumns day.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ewencrichton
Dundee, UK358 contributions
Aug 2021
Whist we enjoyed the visit we did feel the experience was somewhat lessened by the lack of interactive exhibits, the cafe being closed and having to queue for some 30 minutes to gain entry. I guess the pandemic has much to answer for!!!The museum exhibits really are a very eclectic mix. The natural history collection was our favourite and we felt the most informative and educational section.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Foodielive
Glasgow36 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
First time here in a while. The new booking system for tickets is great, there’s staff everywhere to make sure not too many people were in one room and even though it is for safety being in a quieter museum was more relaxing and easier to see everything (if a bit spooky in some rooms!) also the disabled spaces now have individual ramps at each space which is a great help! Only thing is that for safety all the benches and seats are not at use but we were not aware of this. So if you have limited mobility like myself it’s not easy to get around
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cplatten
Surrey22 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Kelvingrove is one of those places you must really want to visit to go through the hoops needed to visit at the moment.
First, you need to book a lot in advance and slots fill up quickly. Then you have to find your way in through poor signage and a road that says No Entry. It is not signposted from the way of the Subway station that now the entry is around the back. But once you figure it out you will encounter all number of unfriendly Jobsworths feeling important on high-vis tabards who do nothing but direct a few people and cars around the background and of the building. I wish I could have that job!
At the entrance I was told by one lady I could use the lift. Then at the lift entrance I was shooed out by a Jobsworth till I explained I wanted the lift. Then a conversation ensued that involved me being treated like I was 9 years old in answer to my questions. It went like this:
NO Maps
NO Shop ("nothing to do with us, it's outsourced")
NO Café (people congregate for 4 1/2 hours)
NO turning back from one-way system
NO Seats
NO Mingling
Which really = NO Fun
Add to that the fact I have a health problem which means I need to sit down frequently and we decided to leave.
I also got the feeling if it took 7 Jobsworths doing nothing at the entrances, I didn't want to encounter anymore of them as they were all so rude.
So we crossed the street to a fantastic Italian cafe where we had refreshments, sat down and mingled and then just pottered around this interesting area where noone was wearing a tabard.
As a note, other museums and historic houses are making it work in these difficult times. Visitor experience should be better considered particularly for those with disabilities.
First, you need to book a lot in advance and slots fill up quickly. Then you have to find your way in through poor signage and a road that says No Entry. It is not signposted from the way of the Subway station that now the entry is around the back. But once you figure it out you will encounter all number of unfriendly Jobsworths feeling important on high-vis tabards who do nothing but direct a few people and cars around the background and of the building. I wish I could have that job!
At the entrance I was told by one lady I could use the lift. Then at the lift entrance I was shooed out by a Jobsworth till I explained I wanted the lift. Then a conversation ensued that involved me being treated like I was 9 years old in answer to my questions. It went like this:
NO Maps
NO Shop ("nothing to do with us, it's outsourced")
NO Café (people congregate for 4 1/2 hours)
NO turning back from one-way system
NO Seats
NO Mingling
Which really = NO Fun
Add to that the fact I have a health problem which means I need to sit down frequently and we decided to leave.
I also got the feeling if it took 7 Jobsworths doing nothing at the entrances, I didn't want to encounter anymore of them as they were all so rude.
So we crossed the street to a fantastic Italian cafe where we had refreshments, sat down and mingled and then just pottered around this interesting area where noone was wearing a tabard.
As a note, other museums and historic houses are making it work in these difficult times. Visitor experience should be better considered particularly for those with disabilities.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Suzanne B
Barrow-in-Furness, UK2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Pre-bookedtickets ensured timely free admission into the Art Gallery and museum.
Entry and oneway system was well signposted and easy to follow.
Handsanitiser stations available.
Some exhibits closed but it does not detract from the experience.
Not too many people curculating as there is an upper limit.
Masksto be wirn throughout and generally it felt safe.
A great place to visit with young curious children. All exhibits labelled so easy to explain.
A fantastic little trip out in a fantastic old buildibg full of life from various time frames.
Entry and oneway system was well signposted and easy to follow.
Handsanitiser stations available.
Some exhibits closed but it does not detract from the experience.
Not too many people curculating as there is an upper limit.
Masksto be wirn throughout and generally it felt safe.
A great place to visit with young curious children. All exhibits labelled so easy to explain.
A fantastic little trip out in a fantastic old buildibg full of life from various time frames.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OfficerSausages
Glasgow, UK40 contributions
Is there much a 2 year old would find interesting here? He loved the Transport/Riverside museum.
Chris D
Prenton, UK78 contributions
Maybe some things are a bit old for a 2 yr old. There are plenty of animal specimens / dinosaur skeletons etc to see though.
Lw55
16 contributions
How is the parking? And also how long would you say it takes to go round everything? Just trying to plan our day
Sarah b
Lytham St Anne's, UK1,510 contributions
Parking is fine, there is plenty behind the museum (pay and display). We have been there quite a few times so for us 2 or three hours then going for a coffee and cake was ideal.
Do we have to book a slot with the arrival time? How can we do that, because I checked on the website and I couldn't do it....anyone can help me with advices? Thanks
Lorna
Glasgow, UK25 contributions
Hi! I did have to book a slot, and I did it via glasgowlife. org. uk - then they had all our details on the day. X
Σας παρακαλω, πειτε μου, ποιος ειναι ο καλλιτεχνης που ειχε τα λευκα κεφαλια , στην οροφη της εισοδου τον Νοεμβρη του 2018.
Σας ευχαριστω.
Jane Hinken
10 contributions
Is there a luggage storage facility at this museum please?
Liza G
North Yorkshire, UK54 contributions
There was a place to leave coats and bags costing £1 per item so I would say yes
RenateBelle
Carnoustie, UK390 contributions
Hotels nearby
Cid196
Isle of Man, UK17 contributions
My hotel was in Queen Street in the city centre and I don't know what hotels are near by. I used the underground (there are two Kelvingrove stations) and a short walk to the museum. You could use a bus / taxi as an alternative.
WendyWombat73
Laurencekirk, UK81 contributions
Hi, is there much here for younger pre school children around 4 years? Thanks
Scott8446
Glasgow, UK911 contributions
The short answer is no but the museums nearby are better. If you are passing just pop in and decide as it is free.
Teeth addict
London, UK450 contributions
Hi everyone! Me and my friend have a full one and half days to spend in Glasgow next week and wanted to do some of the main things that we MUST do.
So far we have planned the botanic garden, kelvingrove art gallery, river kelvin. We wanted to visit one of the parks perhaps strathclyde country park or pollock country park. We really want to go Loch Lomond.
Does anyone have any suggestions if we could make it more worthwhile and if we’ve picked some of the main attractions? Any suggestions are welcome :)
We’ve also read you have fried mars bars?!!!!!
Thank you for your help
Robert A
14 contributions
Visit Mackintosh house at the Glasgow University also the University has a good science museum. The Transport museum an Tallship behind it are very good to. Glasgow has some Great places to eat Browns in the City centre or if yo like Sea food the Mussel Inn.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 17 Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum:
- Private Glasgow West End Tour: Arts and Culture (From $277.05)
- Glasgow Afternoon Tea Experience (From $47.44)
- Bespoke 5 day Tour - your personal itinerary (From $3,339.79)
- Your Bespoke 3 Day Tour (From $2,003.87)
- Discover Glasgow. Full day private tour in Mercedes Benz people carrier. (From $569.28)
- Hotels near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum:
- (0.22 mi) Alamo Guest House
- (0.27 mi) Kelvingrove Hotel
- (0.24 mi) Argyll Hotel
- (0.23 mi) Argyll Guest House
- (0.36 mi) Sandyford Lodge
- Restaurants near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum:
- (0.00 mi) The Cafe
- (0.12 mi) MacTassos
- (0.08 mi) Mother India's Cafe
- (0.07 mi) The Little Cafe
- (0.05 mi) BrewDog Glasgow
- Attractions near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum:
- (0.10 mi) Kelvin Hall
- (0.05 mi) Cameronians War Memorial
- (0.12 mi) Dukes Bar Glasgow
- (0.19 mi) Kelvingrove Park
- (0.12 mi) Grunting Growler