Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showing art and interior views as well as an individual male
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum which includes art and interior views
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showing interior views and art
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum featuring art, a statue or sculpture and a park
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showing art and interior views


This free attraction houses a collection of 8,000 pieces of art and artifacts in no less than 20 themed galleries.

Spread over three floors and 22 galleries in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a collection of some 8,000 pieces. The valuable collection of European art, ceramics, armour, silver, natural history and sports exhibits and sculptures is diverse and truly amazing. Fans of architecture will enjoy the building itself, which is built in Spanish baroque style.In 1854, the local draftsman Archibald McLellan bestowed his private collection of 400 paintings to the City of Glasgow. The rest of the collection was built on these treasured works. The museum was opened to the public in 1901.Find temporary exhibitions on the lower ground floor. After you have checked these out, discover natural world and ancient artifacts. See Sir Roger, the statue of an Asian elephant brought from India in the late 1800s. Learn about an Egyptian coffin found near the River Nile. Look up to see a World War II aircraft suspended from the ceiling.Children will enjoy the insect and animal displays in the discovery center. While there, check out the organ, built in 1901 for the Glasgow International Exhibition, and listen to the daily 30-minute recital.

Go to the second floor to find works by European artists. Connoisseurs will appreciate galleries dedicated to Old Masters, French Impressionists and Dutch Renaissance artists. Highlights include the Christ of St. John of the Cross by Salvador Dali and The Annunciation by Sandro Botticelli. Look for an elephant’s tusk engraved with a tale of an incarnation of Buddha. Situated in Kelvingrove Park, the museum is a 10-minute drive from Glasgow’s city center. Free parking is available, but there are limited spaces. Public buses are an easier option. The museum is a 30-minute walk from central George Square.Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is open daily, except December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2. It’s run by the Glasgow City Council and entry is free. Check the museum’s website for the full details of the temporary exhibitions and the time of the organ recitals.

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Things to do near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

At the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural experience, with activities ranging from engaging theatre performances to guided art tours. Don't miss the opportunity to join a free tour, which provides insightful information about the museum's diverse collection and stunning architecture. Exploring this iconic venue promises a delightful blend of art, history, and local charm in the heart of Glasgow.

Shopping

While visiting Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, enjoy shopping at Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch Centre, and Argyll Arcade, all located 1.2km away, offering a vibrant mix of business, entertainment, and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, you can explore larger shopping centres further afield.

Recreation

Hampden Park offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while the O2 Academy Glasgow provides a lively environment for music lovers. For a tranquil retreat, Queen's Park features beautiful green spaces perfect for relaxation and leisurely strolls, only a short distance from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Adventure

Embark on the West Highland Way Trailhead, a scenic hiking trail located 3.1km from Kelvingrove, offering breathtaking landscapes. For climbing enthusiasts, the Glasgow Climbing Centre, situated 621m away, provides exhilarating outdoor sports. Alternatively, explore the Hillside Path, 1.9km distant, for a refreshing outdoor experience.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at the Kings Theatre Glasgow, just 559m away, for captivating performances in a romantic setting. Alternatively, visit the Clyde Auditorium, 373m away, for entertainment and culture. For family fun, try AMF Bowling, located 621m from the gallery, offering an adventurous atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

When visiting the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, you can explore a variety of attractions including historic colleges, lively squares, and entertainment venues. The area offers a rich cultural experience suitable for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the iconic Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, and consider nearby hotels for convenience during your stay.

  • OVO Hydro: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of OVO Hydro, an iconic entertainment arena hosting a variety of concerts and events. With its family-friendly vibes, it’s perfect for an exciting night out, just 373m from the museum.
  • University of Glasgow: A short stroll of 186m will take you to the historic University of Glasgow. This prestigious institution boasts stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into Scotland's academic legacy.
  • Buchanan Street: Located 1.2km away, Buchanan Street is a bustling shopping precinct. With its lively outdoor atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for families to enjoy street performances while exploring a range of shops and eateries.

Best time to go to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

The best time to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

To save money on your visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January or October to November, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings, particularly on Mondays, which are the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter results by budget and hotel type, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel with flights and activities in a package can lead to great rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.