Learn about acclaimed Glaswegian architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and share your own ideas with an expert at Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture.
Visit The Lighthouse to learn about the life’s work of Glasgow’s most famous architect, discover the history of the city from prehistoric times and climb a spiral staircase for panoramic city views. Local architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed this old warehouse in 1895 for the Glasgow Herald newspaper. It was his first public commission.
The Lighthouse became a cultural center in 1999. The six floors, connected by elevators, display permanent and temporary collections. Learn more about the building on a 40-minute guided tour. The small fee for the tour includes a tea or coffee in the café afterwards.
Step behind the white, curved glass screen wrapped around the central column to enter the main exhibits. The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre shows how the building changed from a warehouse into a design center. Listen to the narrative of Mackintosh’s life and work while you admire designs of some notable local Macintosh buildings, printed on the wall.
A helical staircase is suspended from the water tower, originally designed to protect the building from flames. Climb to the observation deck for an uninterrupted view of the city center. Another viewing platform, on level six, is accessible by elevator.
Don’t miss out on the Foundation exhibition. Projected on the floor is a movie about the growth of Glasgow from a prehistoric settlement to an industrial city and then to a popular tourist destination. Children will love traversing the city via the walk-on floor map. They may like to sign up for the art and design workshops on weekends; check the The Lighthouse website for details.
Architects and inventors will appreciate the MAKLab, based on an idea by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Show your design idea to an expert and share it with more than 90 technology labs around the world.
The Lighthouse is open daily and admission is free. The building is within walking distance of major Glasgow attractions, including central George Square and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Glasgow Central train station is only a one-minute walk away. There are pay parking facilities on surrounding streets.