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
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 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
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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
15,547 reviews
Excellent
11,329
Very good
3,516
Average
604
Poor
75
Terrible
23
Marie D
Cinderford, UK28 contributions
Family
There is something a bit magical about both the building itself and the exhibits inside. You could literally lose yourself for hours in the plethora of art, culture and exhibitions. There is such a wide variety of things to see that there really is something for everyone. My daughter and I spent a very happy few hours in here and there’s no way we came close to seeing it all.
Parking is plentiful and easy (pay and display)
The cafe serves really decent food and is reasonably priced. It’s staffed by an efficient and friendly team.
If you only visit one place on a visit to Glasgow then this really should be it!!
Parking is plentiful and easy (pay and display)
The cafe serves really decent food and is reasonably priced. It’s staffed by an efficient and friendly team.
If you only visit one place on a visit to Glasgow then this really should be it!!
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
newengland50
Franklin, MA461 contributions
We went to the Kelvingrove expecting it to be fully an art museum. It is, however, more than that. Yes, it does provide many examples of fine art from many countries, but also prehistoric exhibits.
They regularly offer a new exhibit to tell the story of life in Glasgow and Scotland. One such exhibit when we were there was the Glasgow Boys. It was interesting to see how they portrayed life in their city many decades ago.
The museum has 22 galleries and it is open seven days a week. Admission is free, but you should leave a donation. Special exhibits, however, charge a small fee.
The museum is about a 10 minute walk from the nearest subway station.
They regularly offer a new exhibit to tell the story of life in Glasgow and Scotland. One such exhibit when we were there was the Glasgow Boys. It was interesting to see how they portrayed life in their city many decades ago.
The museum has 22 galleries and it is open seven days a week. Admission is free, but you should leave a donation. Special exhibits, however, charge a small fee.
The museum is about a 10 minute walk from the nearest subway station.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael C
London, UK1 contribution
Friends
There are many reasons to give this place a 5 star review. I came down to Glasgow as part of a small weekend trip to visit the city and a friend cited that the Kelvingrove museum was not to be missed .
The building itself is a work of art, making me believe I was at a cathedral and not my intended destination. Its marvelous design and layout was a joy to explore.
The various exhibitions were well detailed and had a large range of exhibits from taxidermy to statues to wonderful Glaswegian based art.
The cafe on the ground floor was a surprising treat, the cakes were a delight and coffee/teas warmed myself and my friends on a cold rainy day.
The unexpectedly good timing on the free tour guide at 11am on a Saturday was a treat. The guide, Artie was a wonderfully entertaining guide, walking us through major historical pieces on our hour long whirlwind tour of the museum. After taking note of the locations the other tour group members were from he made a special note to point out any country or region as a nice cadence to everyone that took part. His humour was on point and the hour tour ended up being one of the highlights of the weekend break.
Overall it
The building itself is a work of art, making me believe I was at a cathedral and not my intended destination. Its marvelous design and layout was a joy to explore.
The various exhibitions were well detailed and had a large range of exhibits from taxidermy to statues to wonderful Glaswegian based art.
The cafe on the ground floor was a surprising treat, the cakes were a delight and coffee/teas warmed myself and my friends on a cold rainy day.
The unexpectedly good timing on the free tour guide at 11am on a Saturday was a treat. The guide, Artie was a wonderfully entertaining guide, walking us through major historical pieces on our hour long whirlwind tour of the museum. After taking note of the locations the other tour group members were from he made a special note to point out any country or region as a nice cadence to everyone that took part. His humour was on point and the hour tour ended up being one of the highlights of the weekend break.
Overall it
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GRAHAM C
Dunton Green, UK814 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ang G
Scottish Highlands, UK146 contributions
Couples
Walked here from the city centre (about 30 minutes walk from St Enoch Centre) to check out the museum.
Glad we did, for free entry it was definitely worth it. Beautiful building, lots of beautiful art to look at and also a variety of sections including wildlife, ancient Egypt, Charles Rennie Macintosh and more. We especially enjoyed the ancient Egypt section as a couple of the narratives on the exhibits gave us a giggle. Thank you to whoever wrote them!
Something for everyone, there was a mix of ages there when we visited from school children to adults. There was an organ recital at 1pm if you like that sort of thing too.
Glad we did, for free entry it was definitely worth it. Beautiful building, lots of beautiful art to look at and also a variety of sections including wildlife, ancient Egypt, Charles Rennie Macintosh and more. We especially enjoyed the ancient Egypt section as a couple of the narratives on the exhibits gave us a giggle. Thank you to whoever wrote them!
Something for everyone, there was a mix of ages there when we visited from school children to adults. There was an organ recital at 1pm if you like that sort of thing too.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lacholitarubia
Richmond, Virginia37 contributions
It's free and amazing! The building is stunning an the exhibits are so unique that it keeps you interested a long time. And they do a lot to make sure the kids are interested as well. For example, along side the medieval amour are animal skulls with an explanation of how they both protect us. So unexpected and probably my favorite museum now.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David W
10 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ally
York, UK41 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OrchardFlowers
4 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LoveTravel305146
Ventura, CA41 contributions
Truthfully, I wasn't so sure if my kids would enjoy the Kelvingrove Museum. But, they loved it! We gave them the choice of whether or not we stopped at the museum on the way to our next adventure. Both of my young children enthusiastically opted to stop and go to the museum. Since it is free, I thought why not. The people working the museum were so incredibly nice and helpful. At the time the great organ was being played and we all enjoyed listening and watching the gentleman play as a family. The kids were actively engaged in all of the exhibits and asked a lot of questions. It was a great activity. The only trouble we had was parking, which really isn't the museum's fault. We ended up parking in a lot and walked a few blocks. There was parking right in front of the museum, but it we noticed it was full as we walked toward the entrance. We also could not figure out how to get there. But, our legs work and it all ended up working out in the end. Our family had a great time.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yufei
Nottingham, UK
Hi, is there still need book a ticket, self-led visit via or something like that to enter the museum? I can’t find the website to book
Winedrinker9
Poulton Le Fylde96 contributions
No need to book.
OfficerSausages
Glasgow, UK40 contributions
Is there much a 2 year old would find interesting here? He loved the Transport/Riverside museum.
Chris D
Prenton, UK84 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
17 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, UK1,528 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, UK56 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Mon - Thu 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 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 $269.38)
- Glasgow Afternoon Tea Experience (From $46.13)
- Bespoke 5 day Tour - your personal itinerary (From $3,542.55)
- Your Bespoke 3 Day Tour (From $2,091.09)
- Discover Glasgow. Full day private tour in Mercedes Benz people carrier. (From $553.52)
- Restaurants near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum:
- (0.00 mi) The Cafe
- (0.12 mi) MacTassos
- (0.08 mi) Mother India's Cafe
- (0.05 mi) BrewDog Glasgow
- (0.07 mi) The Little Cafe
- 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