Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Located in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum stands as a true monument to Scottish culture and history. Since its opening in 1901, it has attracted millions of visitors every year, eager to discover its vast and varied collections. Its majestic Victorian architecture, combined with numerous exhibitions, makes it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Glasgow.

Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Architecture: A Victorian masterpiece

The building itself is an ode to the Victorian era. The majestic red sandstone façade and sumptuous interiors pay tribute to Glasgow’s period of artistic and cultural renewal. The museum is crowned by a series of turrets and pinnacles that give the building a castle-like appearance.

The Collections : A Journey through the Ages

The museum’s collections

The Kelvingrove Museum houses an impressive art collection, with over 8,000 objects displayed in 22 themed galleries. These collections are not only vast, but also of international importance, covering a variety of fields, from natural history to modern and contemporary art.

Dutch and Flemish art of the 17th century

One of the museum’s most valuable collections is that devoted to 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art, considered to be one of the most important of its kind in the UK.

Scottish art

The museum also boasts an important collection of Scottish art, with galleries dedicated to the “Scottish Colourists” and the “Glasgow Boys”. You’ll also find works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, an iconic son of Glasgow and a major contributor to Art Nouveau.

Weapons and armor

The museum’s collection of arms and armor is of international importance. It includes the legacy of R.L. Scott, one of the finest private collections of European arms and armor in the world.

Thematic galleries

In addition to these impressive collections, the Kelvingrove Museum also houses several thematic galleries. These spaces are dedicated to various fields, such as ancient Egypt, Glasgow’s history and architecture, modern and contemporary art, the natural sciences and ancient means of transport.

Ancient Egypt

The Kelvingrove Museum boasts a remarkable collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. These historical objects offer a fascinating insight into this ancient civilization.

Glasgow: history and architecture

A section of the museum is dedicated to Glasgow’s history and architecture, allowing visitors to discover how the city has evolved over the centuries.

Modern and contemporary art

The Kelvingrove Museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works of art. Here you’ll find paintings and sculptures by Monet, Van Gogh and Mackintosh, as well as a room devoted entirely to Salvador Dali.

Natural sciences

For fans of the natural sciences, the museum offers a dedicated exhibition, with naturalized animals and a collection on dinosaurs.

Ancient means of transport

The museum also houses a collection of early means of transport, including several internal combustion engines.

Medieval weapons

The Kelvingrove Museum boasts an important collection of medieval weapons, offering a fascinating insight into military history.

The Kelvingrove Organ

One of the highlights of any visit is undoubtedly the daily demonstration of the Kelvingrove organ. This instrument, installed at the 1901 International Exhibition, fills the large central hall with melodies, offering a moment of reflection and serenity.