Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Tours and Activities

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

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.

Plan a trip to see Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

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VKM Apartments

VKM Apartments

4 out of 5
Pollokshields
per person
Sep 12 - Sep 16
found 24 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Glasgow (GLA)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
The property is great! Good location very close by transportation and clean. Very spacious and good for a group of friends or family. I would strongly recommend staying there.

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Glasgow

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Glasgow

4 out of 5
Glasgow Westend
per person
Sep 12 - Sep 16
found 24 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
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9.6/10 Exceptional! (857 reviews)
A bit noisy: street, guests coming in late, thin walls

Reviewed on Aug. 2, 2025

Apex City of Glasgow Hotel

Apex City of Glasgow Hotel

4 out of 5
City Centre Glasgow
per person
Sep 6 - Sep 12
found 17 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Glasgow (GLA)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,016 reviews)
The room was exactly as shown on the website. The shower was great. I had a studio suite. It was big enough for me (solo traveller). I stayed 6 nights. I had requested a fan and they provided me with one. The one thing that was lacking in the room, was that there is no microwave oven. So i had to eat out. Couldn't reheat any food. Overall my stay was very satisfactory. I didn't try their breakfast, I ate out But they provided coffee,tea and milk.

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2025

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Things to do near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

At the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including exploring its extensive art galleries and engaging in walking tours of Glasgow. Don't miss the opportunity to experience nearby live music and theatre performances. For a budget-friendly option, consider taking a free tour to discover the museum's highlights and other attractions in the area. Be sure to check museum booking details for your visit!

Shopping

The shopping experience near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is vibrant and diverse. St. Enoch Centre, Buchanan Galleries, and Argyll Arcade are all located 3.2km away, offering family-friendly atmospheres with various shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Hampden Park, a vibrant sports stadium, offers an energizing atmosphere just 4.8km from Kelvingrove, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Barrowland Ballroom, 3.2km away, hosts lively concerts, infusing your visit with entertainment. For a tranquil outdoor experience, Cawder Golf Club, located 8.0km from Kelvingrove, invites you to enjoy nature while golfing.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the West Highland Way Trailhead, a scenic hiking trail 8.0km from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. For climbing enthusiasts, the Glasgow Climbing Centre, located 1.6km away, offers exciting challenges. Alternatively, enjoy the tranquil Hillside Path, 4.8km away, perfect for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum offers diverse experiences. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Kings Theatre Glasgow, just 1.4km away, or catch a show at the charming Cottiers Theatre, only 0.8.0km away. For a thrilling evening, visit Alea Glasgow casino, located 1.6km away.

Find the best attractions near Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or seeking a family-friendly experience, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow offers a variety of attractions. Explore nearby points of interest like historic colleges and vibrant squares, or immerse yourself in the rich art and history showcased within the gallery. With its diverse offerings, you'll find ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment during your visit.

  • OVO Hydro: Experience the vibrant atmosphere at OVO Hydro, a premier entertainment venue that hosts a variety of family-friendly events, concerts, and shows. Its modern design and excellent acoustics make it a must-visit for entertainment lovers.
  • University of Glasgow: Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning architecture of the University of Glasgow. As one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, it offers a cultural vibe that reflects Scotland's academic legacy.
  • Buchanan Street: Discover the bustling energy of Buchanan Street, a popular shopping precinct filled with a mix of high-end stores, local boutiques, and outdoor cafes. It's perfect for families looking to enjoy a vibrant urban experience.

Best time to go to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Visitor numbers around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 LowSlightly Low
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

When visiting Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, take advantage of free entry and explore nearby attractions like the University of Glasgow and George Square. For budget accommodation, consider visiting in January or October-November, booking your hotel about a month in advance for the best prices. Mondays typically offer the cheapest rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and package bookings that combine hotels, flights, and activities to save even more.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel booking for the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.