Riverside Museum

Experience Glasgow's industrial past come to life at the Riverside Museum - where history meets innovation.

Visitor Information: Riverside Museum

• Riverside Museum

  Description

  The Riverside Museum is a world-class museum located in Glasgow, Scotland, that celebrates the rich maritime history of the city. The museum, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is home to an extensive collection of vintage vehicles, including cars, trams, locomotives, and ships. A visit to the Riverside Museum is a fascinating and educational experience that is perfect for both locals and tourists alike.

  The museum is located on the banks of the River Clyde, which was once one of the most important shipping hubs in the world. The Riverside Museum celebrates the river’s legacy by showcasing a collection of over 3,000 objects that tell the story of Glasgow’s industrial past. Visitors can explore the museum’s vast collection of vintage vehicles, from the world’s oldest surviving pedal bike to a fully restored locomotive from the 19th century.

  One of the most popular exhibits at the Riverside Museum is the Tall Ship, which is docked on the riverbank outside the museum. The Glenlee, a three-masted sailing ship built-in 1896, has been fully restored and is open to visitors to explore. The ship is a beautiful example of maritime history, and visitors can learn about what life was like for sailors in the 19th century.

  The museum also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get hands-on with history. The Power and Propulsion exhibit features a variety of engines, including a Rolls-Royce aircraft engine, that visitors can see up close and learn how they work. The Steam Power exhibit demonstrates how steam engines were used to power locomotives, boats, and even cars.

  In addition to its impressive collection of vintage vehicles and interactive exhibits, the Riverside Museum is also home to a range of cafes and restaurants. The museum’s cafe, located on the top floor, offers panoramic views of the river and serves up delicious food and drinks.

• Highlights

  Not to be missed when visiting

  Tall Ship at Riverside: The Glenlee, one of the last Clyde-built sailing ships, is berthed alongside the museum. You can explore its decks and learn about life on the high seas.

  Street Scene: Step back in time and stroll down a recreated 1900s cobbled street with shops, a subway station, and a bar where you can learn about Glasgow’s history.

  The Car Wall: This incredible display features a variety of cars from different decades mounted on a wall. It’s a visual representation of the evolution of automobile design and technology.

  Steam Locomotives: See some iconic examples of Scottish engineering with full-size locomotives on display.

  Vintage Buses and Trams: Explore a range of historic buses, trams, and trolley buses from Glasgow’s past.

  Cycling Exhibition: Discover the history of the bicycle and see a variety of bikes from different periods.

  Interactive Displays: The museum is filled with interactive displays that are fun and educational for children and adults alike.

  Model Ships: The museum houses an impressive collection of model ships, showcasing Scotland’s maritime history.

  Motorcycle Display: The museum hosts an array of vintage and modern motorcycles, detailing the evolution of these two-wheeled vehicles.

  Hang Glider: Suspended from the ceiling, the hang glider is one of the most dramatic exhibits in the museum.