Situated at the junction of the Rivers Kelvin and Clyde is a fascinating building whose unique architecture stands out, beckoning visitors to step inside and see what it has to offer. While it is a museum that was built in the 21st century, Riverside Museum houses an amazing array of transport and technology artefacts that span the centuries. So, join our Golden Retriever tour guides, Walter and Arthur, as we head to Glasgow and explore this amazing museum!
We love to visit Glasgow as it is teeming with history, culture, and wonderful people. In fact, we’ve previously written about how the ‘people really do make Glasgow’ (where we also talk about Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis), Provand’s Lordship, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and how Scotland’s largest city celebrates Christmas. However, one of our favourite places to visit is Riverside Museum.
As mentioned above, the architecture of the Museum is exceptional. It was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), who describe it on their website accordingly, “the museum, a sectional extrusion open at both ends, its outline encapsulating a wave or pleat, flows from city to waterfront, symbolizing dynamic relationship between Glasgow and the ship-building, seafaring and the industrial legacy of the Clyde. Clear glass facades allow light to flood through the main exhibition space”. With the exception of assistance canines, dogs are not allowed inside the Museum. However, our Goldens, Walter and Arthur, still had a grand time posing around the outside of the iconic building.
Yet, it isn’t just the exterior that should be admired. Inside ZHA created an incredible space to house the transport and technology collection. Its vast open spaces are filled with an incredible array of artefacts, and it can be a bit overwhelming at first glance. Therefore, we recommend that you get the site map as you enter the Museum. Let’s do a bit of an ‘explore and discover’ around the building.
We could visit Riverside Museum for a month straight and still find something new that we missed in previous visits. There is so much to see, so we highly recommend that you at least set aside a half day, but realistically a full day to get the best experience. Speaking of multiple visits, this post has photos from two separate times which is why it is rainy and dark in some of our exterior photos and sunny in others (although those kind of weather changes are certainly common here in Scotland).
As we discussed in our article on the Jackie Stewart Classic at Thirlestane Castle, we are motorsports fans (by the way, if you haven’t already read that post, be sure to check it out as there were some amazing cars there- including Jackie in his 1969 Formula 1 World Championship-winning Matra MS80-2 Ford!). Therefore, we were happy to see a variety of cars from across the decades on display at Riverside Museum.
We’ve previously established that we’re motorcycle enthusiasts in our article about the Davidson Legacy Cottage, and there were some great motorcycles on display at the Museum.
One of our favourite parts of Riverside Museum is ‘Main Street’. Experience the Glasgow of 1890-1930 as you traverse the cobblestones and explore the shops with authentic interiors.
Here are just a few more photos from Riverside Museum:
The last exhibition we would like to highlight is a temporary one, and it takes us to a galaxy far, far away. Until the 6th of April 2025, the ‘Sci Fi Galactic Adventures’ exhibition brings the Star Wars movie franchise to life! If you visit, be sure to keep an eye out as there are amazing props, displays, and models that can be found at various places throughout the Museum.
We hope you have enjoyed this wee virtual exploration, but we have barely scratched the surface of what you can see and do. Therefore, we highly recommend that you go see it in person. Riverside Museum is run by Glasgow Life- a charity whose purpose is to benefit residents and visitors of Glasgow (as mentioned above, we’ve previously written about two of their other properties- the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Provand’s Lordship). Be sure to check out their website for more information on how to best plan your visit. Admission is free but we encourage you to donate if you possible to help keep these amazing places running.
We certainly have much more to share from Glasgow, so be sure to subscribe to this blog by clicking on the button below. You can also virtually join our adventures around Scotland by following us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube. Lastly, if you happen to be in Scotland’s capital city, join Sami (our human tour guide) and Walter (our Golden Retriever tour guide) by booking one of our award-winning, historic walking tours of Edinburgh.
Until next time- Explore & Discover!
