Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

One of Scotland's most beloved and visited museums. It's immersive, family-friendly, and brilliantly balances world-class art with fascinating social and natural history—all in a breathtaking building. It's Glasgow's most popular museum soo better to go as soon as it opens, especially on weekends. The first hour is the most peaceful. Important! The magnificent pipe organ gives a free, 20-minute recital daily at 1:00 PM. It's a spectacular audio-visual experience—arrive a few minutes early for a good seat in the main hall. And some extra advise for visitors -> if the main entrance (facing the park) is very busy, use the side entrance on Argyle Street—it's often quieter. Allow at least 3-4 hours for visiting

Absolutely amazing museum! There is so much to explore. As a fan of dinosaurs, I loved that this museum was full of them. We attended the 1 pm organ show and loved it; it was beautiful and the sound was fantastic. I would definitely return to explore the remaining sections and learn more.

Kelvin Grove art gallery Museum is an incredible (and free) space of curated works and a great mixture of anthropology, history, renaissance art, and modern works as well. I wasn’t prepared for how massive the museum is and because of time commitments, I had to speed walk through all of the exhibitions. I was still able to enjoy everything, but I’d highly recommend setting aside at least two hours in the museum. The highlight, however, was the organ practice. In the main hall every weekday at 1 PM, visitors can enjoy a 30 minutes organ practice. The organ itself is massive and witnessing it and the players amazing skills is a sight to behold. Definitely time your visit to watch him play and Marvel at the auditory magic.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Glasgow’s most iconic and rewarding attractions, offering an experience that suits visitors of all ages and interests. The exterior of the building is striking, with its grand red sandstone architecture and scenic setting beside Kelvingrove Park. From the moment you enter, the museum feels welcoming, especially considering that admission is completely free, which adds great value to the visit. Inside, the museum features a wide and impressive range of exhibitions, combining fine art, Scottish history, world cultures, and natural history under one roof. Famous artworks sit alongside engaging displays of wildlife, ancient artifacts, and interactive exhibits, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The layout is clear and well organised, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed. The main hall is a highlight of the museum, often filled with the sound of the historic organ, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. Staff throughout the building are friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable, always happy to assist or share interesting facts. Facilities such as the café and gift shop are clean and well maintained, providing a comfortable place to relax during your visit. Overall, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit destination in Glasgow, combining culture, history, and beauty in an exceptional setting.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow stands proudly as one of the best museums in Great Britain, and it fully deserves that reputation. From the outside, the building is simply amazing: a grand red-sandstone masterpiece with towers and arches that immediately command attention and invite curiosity. Stepping inside is just as terrific. The interior is spacious, elegant, and thoughtfully designed, allowing visitors to move comfortably through the galleries without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The layout feels ergonomic and intuitive, making it easy to explore both highlights and hidden gems at your own pace. The collection itself is remarkably wealthy and diverse. Fine art, natural history, ancient artefacts, armour, design, and Scottish heritage all sit side by side, creating a rich and engaging experience for visitors of all interests and ages. Iconic works share space with unexpected discoveries, ensuring that every visit feels fresh and rewarding. The museum also balances education and enjoyment beautifully, with clear explanations and interactive elements that never feel intrusive. Kelvingrove is more than a museum; it is a cultural landmark and a place of inspiration. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning local, it leaves a lasting impression and a strong desire to come back again and again.

The Kelvingrove is a stunningly beautiful museum, but the absolute highlight of our visit—and our entire trip to Glasgow and Scotland overall—was the volunteer guide, Paul. We hadn't planned on doing a tour, but when we walked in, Paul’s incredible warmth and enthusiasm convinced us to join his 2:00 PM session. We are so glad we did! Even though it was only his 4th time giving the tour, you would think he’d been doing it his whole life. He was energetic, passionate, and deeply knowledgeable. Paul kept the entire group engaged for over an hour with his kindness and sweetness. He shared many personal connections to the museum, including one unexpected, beautiful story that had us all tearing up (in the best way possible). You can truly see how much he loves this place. We’re normally not “museum people," but Paul made us fall in love with the Kelvingrove. If you visit, highly recommend to do the free tour and donate if you can. Paul, thank you for making our Glasgow and Scotland overall trip so special!

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is an absolute gem in Glasgow. The building itself is stunning, and the collections are beautifully varied, from famous artworks to fascinating natural history exhibits. It’s easy to explore, welcoming for all ages, and never feels overwhelming. Best of all, entry is free, making it a must-visit whether you’re local or just passing through.

What an amazing museum!! It was the last stop on my list of things to experience on our trip to Scotland!! And it didn’t disappoint!!! The main thing I wanted to see/hear was the 1 o’clock pipe organ performance…. We took the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow. We had time to explore the museum then at 1 o’clock…. We got some of the best seats and were so excited to enjoy such beautiful music!! What a talented organist!!! Loved how he expressed himself!! He played 7 or so songs!! It was AMAZING!!! And actually the GRAND FINALE to our 30th wedding anniversary trip to Scotland from the USA!! Go visit the Kelvingrove Museum!!

My favorite attraction in Glasgow. You can spend half a day here just walking around the different rooms. Very beautiful.

The Kelvingrove Museum is Glasgow is best described as "chaotic". It's not an art museum, it's not a natural history museum, it's not a science museum - it's a little bit of everything. Items are displayed in interesting ways but telling a story of why items are grouped together isn't always happening. The downstairs cafe is a good place for a lunch and the toilets are clean. Best part, it's free to enter! I would recommend allowing yourself 2 hours to explore and get a good overview.

This museum really stuck with me. So much so that I ended up giving them a small donation. From collections like the Glasgow Boys to rotating exhibits, Kelvingrove has it all! I recommend 4 hours to fully immerse yourself. If you don't have that kind of time, try to focus on the national artists.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is well worth a visit when in Glasgow. It is located near the University of Glasgow and adjacent to Kelvingrove Park. Half of the building is dedicated to art and the other half is dedicated to natural history. As our time was limited, we spent it in the art gallery. The art gallery holds impressive collections, such as Dutch art (including Rembrandt), French impressionist art (Monet, Renoir), and, of course, Scottish art. I was unfamiliar with the Glasgow Boys before coming here and appreciate their various works. A big highlight is a room dedicated solely to Salvador Dali's Christ of Saint John of the Cross, which was bought by the City of Glasgow in 1952 amid controversy. I wish we had time to visit the other side of the museum but now I have an excuse to go back. Admission is free!

This was my first time ever visiting the Kelvingrove art gallery and I had such a great experience. I really enjoyed seeing the works of Dali, the Glasgow boys, Scottish art highlight Burns, Mary Queen of Scots and Wallace. I loved the art instillations of the heads with the funny facial expressions, Motherless sculpture was a favourite too. There is a lot to see but it is all worth it. I would definitely visit again in a heartbeat!

Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, it is illegal to charge a higher price when a lower price is clearly displayed. Yet the cafe run by Encore Hospitality Services at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum have at their own admittance today been doing this for the last 2 weeks. Today I visited and purchased a coffee & 2 slices of Carrot Cake which were displayed on the menu as being £2.50 a slice. ( I was going to have the Victoria sponge, but was put off by the large fly that was happily sitting on it doing its regurgitation thing on the uncovered slice of cake). I had the exact money ready when I came to the till, but was charged £5.50 for the 2 slices of cake. I assumed I had made a mistake reading the menu and paid. However on my way to my seat I looked again at the menu and the carrot cake was indeed £2.50 per slice. I went back to the chap who served me and informed him of the fact that the menu displayed a different price to what I had been charged and with the manageress appeared and told me that prices increased 2 weeks ago , but they were waiting for a new menu card to be printed. She did not apologise and when it seemed obvious to her that I was not just going to go away she incredulously asked me if I actually wanted 25p back to which I r4plied I wanted 50p back (arithmetic is obviously not her strong point along with knowledge of customer service or consumer law) !!!

Came here on a weekend late morning, somewhat busy with people inside, lots of cars in the parking lot. Free museum, close to the Kelvingrove Park. Lots of items inside, including a lot of natural history animals, paintings and sculptures, and some other random items. Quite a big museum, lots to see.

Kelvingrove is a fun and free half art gallery, half science museum. Come to learn about natural history and science (e.g., the glacial founding of Scotland), and also enjoy paintings from Scottish artists. My favorite area was the "Glasgow Boys," a loosely connected group of Scottish painters from the late 1800's. Expect to spend around 2 hours here to see everything.

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is as beautiful from the outside as it is on the inside. It looks like a palace or a mansion from farther away and the closer I got I realized how unique the red exterior is and the pointed turrets topping the roof. The building was constructed at the turn of the 20th century and is unlike any of the architecture I noticed in all of surrounding Glasgow. The museum is free, which is a big plus. We took our time exploring the many exhibits and walking around. I thought that my favorite thing to see would be the French impressionist paintings but I actually was so taken by the Floating Heads exhibit in the East Court. It is what it sounds like, a supernational-like sighting of these white floating molds of heads. It isn't creepy but just very intriguing. I also really enjoyed an exhibit that taught me more about Scottish history and the history of the tartan. Since I was visiting from the States I really clung onto information about the country I was visiting. They really have such a varied assortment of items that there is sure to be something for everyone! Although I didn't catch an organ concert, there is a large organ in the Centre Hall which would be amazing to hear. I highly recommend this very interesting and wonderful place.

I adore this place. Favorite spot, so far, of my entire trip. Love the variety. Love the quality. Love that it's free! I took a group of US students here. They were delighted by the animal rooms, the Egyptian rooms, and the organ recital- they have an organ from 1901 and they host free concerts! It was superb. I enjoyed the Charles Rennie Macintosh exhibit- I love his work! Gorgeous to see so much here. Also loved the Glasgow Boys- and the Scottish impressionists, and then all the stuff upstairs! Lovely lovely paintings, armor, tapestries that had not seen the light of day for 100 years! What a treat. And there was so much more. (And just let me say, I'd never realized just how huge an albatross was! They're enormous. Can't imagine having one around my neck- I think I'd fall over. There is a stuffed one here for you to have a look at.) Do go to the cafe. It's lovely and delicious and the gift stores are amazing! Best one I've been in this trip. So have fun- fun for the whole family. And do enjoy the building itself, which is pretty special.

Beautiful building, lots of variety to keep all ages interested. Not too big - easy to cover in a few hours. Don't forget to make a donation so these beautiful places can stay open

*insert clapping emoji here* I LOVE free entertainment. I especially enjoy it when it's cultural in some way shape or form. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum was a great place for me to spend an afternoon in Glasgow. I hadn't planned for too many activities, so after visiting the University, I happened to stumble upon this gem as I was on my way to the subway station. Honestly, I'm glad I got lost and found it, I only wish I had actually thought of it and planned for it in advance! While smaller than many other art galleries and museums out there, this place offers a certain type of charm and is in a building that is as impressive on the inside as out. There are certainly a variety of exhibits to see from animals to Egyptian history, but my favourite part was the organ, just beautiful to look at- I only wish I'd had the chance to hear it! Definitely add this to your list if you're in Glasgow, it's worth the stop.

Very pleasant art museum! Has a couple of surprising pieces, even one by Dali. I gave this museum 4 stars because there seems to be no rhyme or reason to how they "organized" the layout of the museum and it seemed like there were so many random things kind of just thrown together. But still very lovely to visit..and interesting to learn about local artists and how they were influential. Beautiful exterior also!

This place is very high on my list of all-time favourite Glasgow buildings, as I'm sure it is for most native Glasgwegians. Built for the 1901 International Exhibition in Kelvingrove Park, it's a wonderfully baroque piece of architecture, richly ornamented with lots of sculptures on the exterior. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't built the wrong way round as it was designed to face into the park for the International Exhibition. This is one of only three buildings remaining from that (the others are the Sunlight Cottages just across the river to the west, and the An Clachan cafe at the east end of the park). I still fondly remember the old layout of the place before the 2006 refurb, when it was much more cluttered with strange and fascinating display cases that entranced me as a kid, particularly the armour and the model ship collections. Now they have consolidated things a great deal and moved out a lot of stuff to other areas, like the Riverside Museum and the new collection in the Kelvin Hall. In the process I think they've lost some of the magic that the place used to have; however there's no denying that it's a lot tidier and easier to move around these days, and having less on display gives them more scope to change things around to keep it fresh. Upstairs of course there is the art gallery, with a world-class collection of works including the famous Dali 'Christ of St. John of the Cross', which cost a huge amount of money at the time (although it quickly paid for itself) and proved quite controversial, so much so that several years ago it was slashed by some religious zealot who took offence with it. If you look really closely you can still see where the repair is. Trivia - the harbour scene at the bottom of the painting is actually the view from Dali's home in Port Lligat in Spain (which I found out a few years ago when we visited there on holiday). Another favourite part of the new layout is the Mackintosh collection, containing a reconstructed interior of Miss Cranston's Ingram Street tearooms, the highlight being the two huge gesso panels depicting the May Queen and Harvest Queen. Magnificent stuff. There's so much else to this place that I could describe, but it's best just to immerse yourself in it at any time; it's an especially good refuge on a rainy day if you can catch one of their organ recitals in the main hall. There's a small coffee bar there with free Wi-Fi, or if you feel like something more substantial, there's a cafe in the basement. Trivia - the main atrium doubled as New York's Grand Central Station in the movie 'House of Mirth'. Bits of the staircase and the front entrance also stood in for the Metropolitan Opera House in the same movie.

Kelvingrove museum was one of the places I really want to check it out in Glasgow and the museum don't disappoint me at all. I really like it. The thing is, I was here later than I was planing and the place also close one hour earlier than I was expected, somehow I thought it will close at 18 instead of 17. So at the end I could really go complete around the whole place. I did manage to check or big party of it. I like much how the museum look from inside out. The outside at night did remind me some kind old building which Dracula would living, mainly because of the red lights and the old style, I like architecture style anyway. The main hall inside the building was great as well. One of the exhibitions I remember the most was they put the mannequin head and hang them in the air, and they all have different face expression. Something really got people thinking. I think it could be even the signature thing of the museum. I also like some really Scottish culture influenced paintings. And some other interesting stuff. And there was some other exhibition inside the museum as well. It was quite interesting as well, too bad I was here late. I like this museum and would like to make a visit the museum next time when I am in town again. The museum is free admission, which made it less excures not to visit. They also got a gift shop at the basement floor.

Simply must visit if you are in Glasgow Amazing areas of traveling art Nature and history of Scotland Amazing collection of works from around the world Incredible building architecture In a great historic area of town with other amazing architecture around

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is probably Scotland's most popular attraction. Probably because it's Scotland and it's free? It has art, antiques, artifacts, recreations and much more. There's not much of a theme, but a general collection throughout the centuries. There are 2 floors and a gift shop in the basement. The layout of the museum is easy to follow and to cover everything. It's a 20 minute walk from downtown Glasgow. If you want to want to check out a museum in Scotland, this is the place for you.

The outside architecture of the building is lovely. As for the content of the museum, felt like a miniature version of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, which is not to say it was not informative - just perhaps you should not visit them back to back days like we did. There is an affordable rental bike station (by nextbike) right in front of the museum which is a great way to go to/from the museum. I can see this being a great spot for locals and families, especially since its free, but not a must-see for tourists.

Looking for a cross between an art museum and a natural history museum? Oh and a musical concert? It's all here at Kelvingrove at absolutely no charge! Yes that's true. Wonderful collections including Dali and impressionists, Scottish history artifacts, sculptures and life size elephants, dinosaurs and seals. Every day is a free pipe organ concert which was a bonus. Building itself is a gem just on its own for architecture buffs. Outside is a larger than life park grounds along the river - perfect for daytime strolls. Great gust shop and multiple cafes if you need a pastry or a hot tea/coffee. A must do - yes indeed.

Lovely building with a fantastic array of paintings and artifacts . I especially like the Egyptian hall and the animal section . While were there a nan was demonstrating the organ and the sound was amazing. A Brilliant few hours if your in Glasgow for adults and children.

The Kelvingrove is my number one choice for taking visitors to Glasgow. It's such a fantastically impressive building (and of course in the perfect setting, right on the edge of Kelvingrove Park) that people are immediately drawn to it before they even set foot inside. I have many happy memories of whiling away my afternoons here, wandering around the exhibits, enjoying the odd organ recital or a cup of tea and some cake in the cafe. I used to skip certain lectures as an undergrad and come here instead, reasoning that if I couldn't bring myself to sit through the lectures I could at least do something educational and entertaining (promise not to tell my old lecturers, ok?) There are a few favourite pieces, of course. One obvious one is the Spitfire suspended from the ceiling, apparently chasing an enormous elephant. Another is the haggis, an animal supposedly with one set of legs shorter than the others to aid it in running around the Scottish hills. A more serious but no less wonderful exhibit is Dali's Christ of Saint John on the Cross - not at all the kind of image normally conjured by the name Dali, but by far one of my favourite paintings. There are temporary exhibits as well which run throughout the year and I've yet to visit one which I didn't feel was worth paying the extra fee for. I'd recommend keeping an eye out online to see which exhibits are coming up. Recently, I was lucky enough to visit the venue for a formal dinner and ceilidh. I had no idea it could even be booked for such an event. After the dinner (which was brilliant given the group of ~300 that needed to be catered for) we were given the opportunity to explore the museum. It's a rare treat to do so after hours and if you ever get the chance I strongly recommend taking it. Of course, there are few spaces better suited to a ceilidh dance than they huge open halls on the museum's ground floor. Even without such an unusual event, though, the Kelvingrove museum is one of Glasgow's real gems. It's always worth visiting, whether you're a tourist to the city or you're Glaswegian born and bred.

I rarely write reviews for non food related places, but this is special. I did not think I will enjoy this museum, but I did! I love the exterior of the museum, so grand and classy. Inside is beautiful also, with the pipe organ mounted up high, and the moldings in the ceiling are gorgeous. This museum caters to all ages, I feel like it literally combined a children's museum, natural history museum, and fine arts museum. Somehow it all works out and everyone is able to have a fun time! It helps they have good toilets, coffee section, and a cafe (that actually serves pretty good and decently priced ) food. This museum is also special because it focuses on Scotland's wildlife, Scottish artists, and Scottish history. Did I tell you it's a free admission?? They do have a donation box so it will be a nice gesture to donate some money. The museum is a stone's throw away from the University of Glasgow, which is a beautiful campus and amazing architecture going back to the 1400's. If you are not in the mood of eating at the museum cafe you can walk less than 10 min to Dumbarton Road (and nearby roads) and you will find anything from Chinese, Italian, Indian, coffee shops, and pubs. Highly recommend this museum!

Another excellent museum in Glasgow, and once again free, thanks to the council's generous funding for culture and art. However, donation boxes are available, so please contribute if you can. Kelvingrove is packed with interesting exhibits, covering art, history, natural history, and science. The place was quite busy when we visited, with people from all different backgrounds in attendance. I particularly enjoyed the natural history section, which details several animals that once lived in Scotland but are now extinct. It was saddening to learn the damage humans have done to so many wonderful species throughout history. I also enjoyed the sections dedicated to telling the story of Glasgow, taking us through the history and the important people who helped make this city what it is today. The art collection on offer is excellent too. There are beautiful paintings and sculptures, all situated in what is an architecturally beautiful building as well. The museum of course has a café and shop, and there are enough staff members available to help with queries as well. All in all, Kelvingrove Museum is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, and there's definitely enough to keep one's interest for several hours.

Been here many times and more often over the last few month's. This is a brilliant place to visit in Glasgow if you are local or visiting. I was recommend it and it has so much too it. Art, natural and Scottish history for all ages. More recently I have enjoyed the organ performance (the Disney one was a cracker). I also love to visit the haggis on display! ;) Fun for all ages and level of knowledge and Income.

While I loved the National Museum of Scotland and if it weren't for the fact that if I didn't take a brief day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh, that museum would hands down be my favorite in the country BUT Kelvingrove takes the cake. The entire cake. It's probably my favorite museum that I've visited thus far (sorry Louvre, you're just too big and overwhelming). Kelvingrove is big but not overly massive to the point that one gets lost even with a map at their disposal. And of course I was there for Dalí's Christ portrait - just absolutely stunning. Every new exhibit left me enchanted from the Egyptian wing to the life-sized animals to the celebration of Scottish art. The organ was the first thing you see you you walk in and the massive hall is breathtaking. In love with this museum and definitely see myself coming back - I mean seriously, I need to go back to Glasgow ASAP.

Don't get me wrong, Kelvingrove is probably one of the most awe-inspiring civic buildings I've ever visited; it's an architectural gem - I was just left a bit underwhelmed by its contents. Before I'm hunted down by locals with flaming torches and pitchforks for not rating a beloved city icon, it was because I was expecting there to be more modern and contemporary art inside than there evidently was. There were a few artworks that gave me that impression (such as the Floating Heads and Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross). The other galleries, with Dutch Old Masters and French Impressionists, just didn't interest me really - I'm just not much of a fan of older artworks. I'm really glad that I went though - it was interesting to wander through the Natural History exhibits and The Life Gallery with its displays of animals, plants and geological objects; and also to witness the impressive organ being played (it was like something out of The Phantom of the Opera) - but there wasn't enough to hold my interest for more than an hour and make me want to return in a hurry, unfortunately.

It's a gorgeous building, on the edge of a beautiful park. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The 1 o'clock (free) organ concert was lovely. I shared a sandwich, scone and tea, while listening to the Blue Danube on the magnificent organ. There's a bit of something for everyone here. It's eclectic. Art (from many eras), natural history, and ancient mummies even. It's a great place to wander around on a rainy day.

This was my first trip to Scotland, and it did not disappoint! As an adult, Kelvingrove had a nostalgic feel to it that reminded me of field trips as a child in the United States. There is a wide array of Scottish History and art to discover. My favourite bit was walking through the large hall with all the "Expressions" hanging from the ceiling. You can fit this into your day easily and quickly - I managed to wander off into various other locations with ease in the same day (Glasgow Uni and the Transportation Museum).

I love the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, it's a really special place that I like to visit alone and just have some me time. I was in the area today and decided to pop in for a quick visit. The building itself is spectacular and so inviting. The grounds surrounding it are always well maintained. I arrived half way through the organ recital which was lovely. Seats are available (not too many) for those who wish to sit and listen and there's also seats in the coffee shop (which was pretty much full at this point). After listening for a while, I decided to have a little wander.. Directly to my left I walked though to the Ancient Egypt collection which is probably one of my favourites. There is plenty of different objects to see and they are all well preserved. I then walked through to the Natural History exhibition which is a big hit with children and was quite busy. There are plenty of stuffed animals (which scare me a little to be honest!) and a collection of dinosaurs/prehistoric animals. I didn't spend too long in the museum (or visit my favourite painting which is Van Gogh's portrait of Alexander Reid) because it was so busy and I really just came for the organ recital. I do love this museum though; my gran worked here for many years. There is always a lot of different events running and I strongly recommend going on one of the museum tours - it lasts about an hour but you learn so much about individual pieces that you may normally just glance over (they are free of charge too) I think this museum holds a special place in most Glaswegians hearts because the Glasgow Boys gallery is fantastic and not to be missed! Whether you live in Glasgow or are just visiting, there is always something new going on at the Kelvingrove. The staff are really helpful and approachable. There are donation boxes near the entrance/exit and the recommended donation is £3.00 which the museum definitely deserves (and more!).

Kelivngrove is my favourite museum in Scotland, there I said it. I've spent many a day in the museum, hiding away within its walls, searching for some new, undiscovered secret. As a Wendie, I often find myself walking in as I pass by on Argyle St, there's just something about this place! Kelvingrove Museum has been a hugely rewarding legacy of Glasgow's International Exhibit of 1901, entertaining Weegies & tourists for 114 years (today is it's birthday aww!) Despite living through the city's sooty, industrial past & even sustaining bomb damage during world war 2, it's hard to say that it's showing its age. Thanks to a good amount of TLC over the years, Kelvingrove still stands on Argyle St as a monument to the city's past riches. The museum famously houses Dali's Christ of St John of the cross, but it also home to Scotland's only fossilised Haggis (although it has mysteriously disappeared from view). As well as housing a good number of important Scottish (& Glaswegian) art, there are Dutch & French art exhibits upstairs. On the ground floor are a range of exhibits on zoology and prehistoric animals, including a cool, leaping dinosaur. There's also an Egypt exhibit housing items lent by the Egyptian collection at the Burrell. The museum houses a good deal of information on cultural identity (including a good number of items from the Commonwealth Games 2014) & Glasgow's history. In the main hall you'll see a rather grand, carved wood organ, recitals are given daily in the main hall, they're highly recommended as this is the only time they're played. Sadly, outside of the recitals, the organ feels somewhat redundant, sat mute while the hall reverberates with the sound of visitors. I love Kelvingrove both as a building and as a museum. The marble floors, vaulted ceilings, carved pillars are all testament to the importance of art & culture in the city's heritage. I love the ramshackle feel of the exhibits in the main hall, with a spitfire hanging above animals in one wing, while at the other side, float a number of white oversized heads, frozen in various emotional states. To anyone visiting the city, please do not miss this brilliant museum, it may not be as big and brash as many other large museums, but there is some kind of soul about it, which seems to sum up Glasgow. We're not the biggest, won't claim to be the best, but we have a certain charm which seems to draw people back.

Kelvingrove Museum is kind of a go to place for my wee family. My little one loves the animal displays and it's a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. Our latest visit's main purpose was to visit the new Object Cinema: Life In The Rainforest event. It had been described as an immersive experience with sounds and surroundings of the rainforest. What we actually experienced was quite disappointing. The "exhibit" was a small dark box room with a few artefacts. There was a rather impressive anaconda shed laid across one of the walls but other than that this new exhibit didn't hit the mark. If my review was based on this alone then it wouldn't be a high rating but with so much to offer at the museum we still had a lovely family day out. It remains a must see for anyone looking for an educational experience in Glasgow and also boasts the impressive KG Cafe if you're feeling a little peckish. Try and catch the organ recital next time you're there too (daily at 1pm. 3pm on Sundays).

Wow! What a gem of a place this is-both inside and out. First the out-it is situated in a beautiful part of Glasgow which, unusually for such a flat city, is on an elevation. The Kelvingrove is like a sandstone palace and on our visit glinted in the sun like a giant pink marzipan cake. Across from it sits Glasgow University with its lovely lace work spire. Inside is equally impressive. The entrance is grand in a solid Victorian way, with an inlaid ceiling and massive hanging lights. Opposite the entrance is a huge elevated organ which was briefly played on our arrival (though not for our arrival). The Kelvingrove is both a museum and art gallery, so is like putting the Natural history museum with the national gallery. Stuffed animals jossle for space in the main lobby with modern art installations-somehow it seems to work. We concentrated on the gallery rather than museum (can't do everything!). It has some world class paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Cezanne and alll the other usual suspects. However, for me it was the exhibition of "the Glasgow Boys" which I really enjoyed. Here is one teeny moan-the galleries are not well signed and sit off two corridors between the main entrance area. It made it seem a little disconnected, but that is only a small moan. Overall the Kelvingrove is an amazing asset to Glasgow. Currently there is an wonderful installation of human faces in various expressions which hangs over the entrance. Oh and did I mention it is free!

This is a place you visit and will never forget. It is so awesome (in the true meaning of the word). The masonry, the structure itself and the architecture. The collection, I found, to be ok, nothing out of the ordinary - it is the structure itself which is just breathtaking. It is amazing how beautiful buildings have such a positive impact on one's frame of mind. Just gorgeous.

Things I love about so many of the museums in the UK is the fact they are largely free of charge apart from the occasional exhibition. It's great for parents who want a day out with the kids that won't break the bank. But equally for when you have visitors. Like you can spend as much or as little time in the museum as you want without feeling guilty. I popped in here with a friend who studied fine art largely to see the dinosaurs. . Kelvingrove currently has an exhibition on called Hatching the past: dinosaurs and the eggs. When we asked where it was, a staff member honestly said it was more aimed at kids than adults. On finding the place we choose not to go in as it was definitely swarmed with kids due to it being school holidays! I appreciated the staff being honest. I love love love that they have a spitfire in all its glory. Having studied aeronautical engineering as my degree, I am fascinated by planes. I hope that one or two children get inspired by looking at it to do engineering. The organ has daily recitals which I want to hear. I can imagine the sound just fills the whole hall area. The downstairs hall had plenty of seating and cafe areas. Although you can bring in your own food. Some of the signs and exhibits looked slightly dated with some wear and tear but given the age of the place to be expected. I was in here for just over an hour and was really impressed.

Great museum (free entrance) with a nice standard historic collection and several smaller exposition. A very nice building, mostly targeted to a younger audience but some times they also have something interesting for adults. One of the best museums in the city!

Kelvingrove reminds me of a mixture of Tate Modern, Victoria & Albert, & the Smithsonian Rooms dedicated to themes or periods in time, holding such antiquities as furniture, clothing, Scottish history, paintings & sculptures alike..... maybe a bagpipe or 2 And let's not forget the modern section - housing such instillations like an entire room filled w/ faces of different expressions, hanging from the ceiling Lots of dead animals & pelts. Some, the kiddies can even "pet". Educational blurbs about the animal & its habits & habitat. I appreciated how the museums we visited in Scotland not only were educational but also hands on, to keep the kiddies entertained Props for the Impressionists work they have on display & extra props for learning about The Glasgow Boys / The Colourists. Who are The Glasgow Boys? Sir John Lavery, Sir James Guthrie and Edward Atkinson Hornel rebelled against the Edinburgh-dominated art scene of the late-19th Century because they thought it was oppressive. Instead, they painted pictures of real people, in real places around their own city of Glasgow.....Impressionists in their own right & absolutely beautiful works of art for the eye to behold So add up all these great museums & you've got a taste of Kelvingrove. For dessert.....throw in a little San Francisco Legion of Honor - there was also an organist who we had the good fortune to hear play in the afternoon - parents loved it Oh, and PS they have a KILLER gift shop! FREE ADMISSION w/ the special exhibits costing a minimal entry fee

Now here is one of my favourite places to hang out. But I've put off writing a review of this spectacular place for fear of not being able to do it justice. Being brought up in Glasgow, this is by far one of our best visitor attractions for both tourists and local alike. One of my earliest memories is being a small kid and coming in here with my Grandad. I remember standing in awe at the size and scale of the place, something that I still do now. When it reopened a few years ago I was so please to see that Sir Rodger (giant stuffed elephant) had been given pride of place as you walk into this expansive museum. From the outside, this is one of Glasgow's finest buildings. To take it in, pop across the road to Brewdog and have a been and sit in the window - after the beer, this view is the second best thing about Brewdog Glasgow. I have spent many hours - possibly even days - wandering the galleries and exhibits in Kelvingrove Museum. Never to be missed is Dali's St John on the Cross. There's quite literally something for everyone inside. There are galleries dedicated to armour, history of the Scottish peoples, ancient Egypt, modern Scottish art as well as a large exhibition space that changes every few months; everything from Kylie's costumes and Dr to Jack Vettriano and the Glasgow Boys - at the moment it's a history of Glasgow from 1714-1837. Organ recitals are held every dat at 13.00 - and at 15.00 on Sundays - this is a truly spectacular sound that echoes throughout the galleries. Try to catch this if you can. So, if Glasgow summertime is dropping from the sky, head here - you won't be disappointed!

You know, sometimes the only reason to write an update is not to say something new about a place, or call out an excellent bit of customer service (not that there's anything wrong with that of course). No, sometimes a wee review is due for an establishment that's just awesome. Just think about how awesome this place is. First off the bat, it's entirely free. This is something that should not be overlooked. Free stuff is awesome. A fact that you consider much more when you have an afternoon of child entertaining to do and hee haw money. Second, just look at the building it's in. I've been in this place sometimes and not even looked at the displays. It's just stunning. When of course you tire of this, or are fed up getting weird looks from people, then the displays are ready and awaiting. Ok, so some folks might complain that they've been dumbed down since the last refurb. That the computer displays are a tad gimmicy, blah, blah, other moans. For me though, anything that draws the child's attention, whilst i grab a breath, is good in my books. So yeah. For me this place is a must. It's what Glasgow is all about. Oh and there's a kick as pub across the road for afters

This is a review of Kelvingrove, not as a museum but as a great place to get some work done if you're lucky enough to be able to work remotely or even a student. I popped in yesterday afternoon and took a seat in the cafe on the ground floor. I really wanted to sit in the cafe downstairs but they seem to be more strict on eating when you're down there. It was peaceful yet still lots going on, and I didn't get disturbed the whole time I was there (a good few hours). They have great free wifi that is super quick to connect to, and didn't drop out once the whole time I was there. It was fast and reliable which was a huge bonus meaning I could focus on what I was doing and get on with it. It's obviously a very creative environment and I was sitting within view of the John Lavery painting of Anna Pavlova which is really spectacular in real life, and made for a lovely backdrop to my afternoon. When the chat from the next table got too loud I simply popped in my headphones. The only downside is that despite the advertised closing time being 5pm they seem to start packing up and ushering people out around 4pm. Efficient perhaps, but this can be a little distracting if you'd planned to stay until 5pm. Thankfully there's pubs nearby to decant to (e.g. Dukes, BrewDog, Firebird).

I've always been fascinated by sharp metal implements. Not in a Dexter-y sort of way. In a geeky used-to-roll-up-D&D-characters-but-never-played sort of way. So when I stumbled upon a room at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery filled with claymores, longswords, rapiers, halberds, bills, partizans, and dirks... well, I could barely tear myself away. Here were the subjects of my fascination for years - dozens of them - and all placarded with tidy descriptions, splayed out for ogling. Beyond that, there's a bit of everything here: French paintings, local Glaswegian wildlife, Scottish history, dead vikings, and more. More being inclusive, but not limited to, a live organist recital on a brilliantly sunny afternoon. The only thing I could want for might be a more robust gift shop. With such a wide variety of exhibits in the floors above, it's a shame that the basement store felt so... uninspired and cliché. Oh. All of the above (sans gift shop purchases) is free! Does it get any better than that for cultural tourism in Glasgow?

From the second floor we spied the sign reading 'organ recital at 13.00' and were encouraged. I can't even begin to describe the size and grandeur of the organ. We gladly took a seat on a neighbouring bench and waited for the music to begin. It was truly awesome. Anyone interested in Arts and Crafts design should see the exhibit showing Makintosh and his contemporaries' work. -truly lovely. Then one could follow up the museum visit with a trip to Willow Tea Rooms and sit on lovely A and C furniture while dining on a tea time repast. There was an especially interesting exhibit on the non-native species brought into Scotland and how said species have (mostly) detrimentally effected native flora and fauna. The only bit that I didn't enjoy was the informational signs being written in a way that is supposed to target small children. It's off-putting. *Old fart alert* I didn't need a cartoon-rendered badger in a baseball cap conveying information to me about the habits and habitat of the badger at my local natural history museum when I was a kid, and, dad-gummit, I don't think that kids today need that sort of pandering to either. Kids will either engage with the information, or they won't, so don't dress it up in loud colours and big fonts in attempts to attract them. Bleh.

Free. Beautiful inside and out. Coffee shop on main floor, restaurant downstairs. Organ recital at 1pm, everyday I think? The restaurant downstairs gives out free baby food when you buy a normal meal. Toddler time on Fridays maybe Tuesdays too. Loads of interactive exhibits. Visiting any other museum I almost always get bored, lose interest and feel disappointed in myself for my lack of attention span. Not here though! Neither myself or my small person have never gotten bored in Kelvingrove and we are often still here - getting ridiculously excited at some other bit we have discovered- at chucking out time: 5pm. I think my favourite bit is the beehive, but I also quite like the touchscreen games. My daughter loves the elephant, also the tunnels with glass screens. I think they are meant for kids (I've been through them too, I couldn't resist) they can view the displays from a new angle; play "peek-a-boo"; and generally just enjoy the awesomeness that is tunnels (why are tunnels so awesome?). Despite many visits I am aware that there is far more in here than I have had the chance to explore, which is pretty cool :)

As well as housing some of Scotland's most important historic artifacts and paintings; priceless works by world renowned artists; unique and engaging exhibitions; Kelvingrove has a giant replica of a giraffe in its foyer. And an elephant. In fact you can find replica's of most animals are here. Try to resist the urge to climb one!

A real gem in the west end of Glasgow, Kelvingrove's exhibited works are broad and well presented. The collections include Scottish and European paintings, Dali's Christ on the cross, natural history, local history, armour, and floating heads! The building itself is magnificent and there are often organ recitals from the massive pipe organ. The large downstairs cafe is surprisingly good and well worth a visit after walking the corridors and exhibitions upstairs. A great place to spend an hour or whole day - if you live in Glasgow and have never visited (or not since the refurbishment) get there pronto! And for visitors to the city, this should be top of your to-do list!

This is such an iconic building in Glasgow, and I had never actually been inside. Sat on the stone benches out front and had a drink, yeah, but never explored the gallery. We timed this very well, as just as we got to the first floor the organ struck up and filled the space with haunting music. A beautiful addition to the experience of the gallery as a whole. I'd like to go back with more time to really discover all they had to offer, plus I didn't have time to sample their cafe. The only exhibition I was disappointed with was the bees. Yes, it was mostly interactive children activities. But we wanted to see a Bee Hive as advertised and instead it was a very old glass boxed cross section of a hive...and the bees were all pretty dormant. However, if you are into armour then you should most definitely pay it a visit!

Kelvingrove should be the top of your list to visit in Glasgow. I had the chance to visit Kelvingrove a few years back, but it was with a friend who wasn't all that much into art. Our visit, however enjoyable, was relatively short. I hadn't had the chance to fully take it in. Just earlier this week I returned with the wife and my mother-in-law, both art lovers. Something I read last week whilst looking up info on the museum said that it is the most visited museum in the UK outside of London... it's easy to see why. I planned on the 3 of us spending maybe two hours; after spending 3 hours getting though most of the first floor's art, we walked to The 78 for a wonderful veggie burger, chips and a pint (I guess I can leave that for another review), and came back for another hour. By the time we finished looking at the art, it was half an hour before closing time, so we didn't even get to check out the history and natural history exhibits... no worries, leaves more to see later. When I had been to Kelvingrove in the past I seem to remember there being more Renaissance art, in particular religious art, which I really enjoy. They didn't have much if any of this during this visit, or I could've missed that room, which is very possible. The place is huge. They had a good selection of French Impressionism. One exhibit that I found particularly interesting was Scottish Painters of Colour (or called something like that). And as before I thoroughly enjoyed the Glasgow Boys paintings. Some fascinating stuff. If you only have a day to visit Glasgow, do your best to spend at least 1-2 hours there if you're going to see anything in the city. If you have more than a day, then try to make a morning or afternoon of it. Oh yeah, and the parking is only £1 for 4 hours. And it's pretty easy to get to from the subway.

This place reminds me of a scaled down Natural History Museum in London, and that's a good thing. Free, as per all the museums in Glasgow, this is a cracking place to stroll around that is always changing its exhibits. There is alot going on here, and in a really nice building that's lovely on the outside and on the inside. Quite a few highlights on the go, including, the staff. There are usually learning assistants kicking around with raw enthusiasm spraying out of their mouths adding another level to just reading displays and walking around nodding as if to say 'hmm, yes'. Probably my favourite museum in Glasgow.

The most important thing about Kelvingrove Art Gallery... ...it's free entry. No that makes me sound really cheap and horrible. This place is absolutely spectacular! I'll have to make a return visit soon, I've not been in a while! Of course, the fact it's free is absolutely splendid, as close to nothing is free in this day and age! The building is one of the most beautiful in Glasgow; I could go here and spend all day there and not look at a single exhibition, and just look at the architecture. Of course, it is an absolutely amazing museum and art gallery, with a plethora of things to see; from life sized dinosaur reconstructions, to a case full of different types of butterflies, there's plenty to see. And it's a pretty great place to take people who are visiting Glasgow if you're stuck for things to do. Go see it for yourself!

This place is absolutely fantastic. If you have any spare time at all in Glasgow, go visit this museum & art gallery. And just like the Burrell Collection, it's free! It is in a beautiful old structure and contains an eclectic collection of natural history displays, including animal and birds of the region, as well as quite a variety of artwork, artifacts, etc. This is suitable for all ages, including children, and has a gift shop and restaurant. Go for it!

Superior art gallery recommended for lovers of 19th century paintings and sculptures. This architecturally appealing municipal art gallery (that means: it's free of charge) is located a little outside of Glasgow city centre (about a 12 minute bus ride or a 40 minute walk from the station, albeit through not terribly appealing parts of Glasgow) and certainly worth a visit. The building itself is slightly more impressive than the collections it holds, although there are minor international masterpieces and many important Scottish paintings and busts. Directly adjacent to the back of Kelvingrove Art Gallery you will find a large and beautiful park that invites a relaxing stroll before (or better) after a visit. See the images I provided for some samples of the kind of paintings and other art objects at this gallery. There is a also a large and stylish café, and concerts are given in the ground floor area. All in all a pleasing visit, be it for a solitary traveler such as myself, or as a day out with the kiddos. The buses stop just outside.