Skip to main content
Visit Scotland | Alba
Article published 15/11/2023

Exploring Glasgow's world-class musuems

Tour operators can now choose from 16 travel trade packages at Glasgow’s world-class museums which are home to one of the largest civic art collections in Europe. 

Glasgow Life has revealed a selection of products for the travel trade, which includes exclusive and VIP tours of The Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and Riverside Museum. 

Glasgow Life, which delivers culture and sport for the city, has developed these packages thanks to funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. 

The Burrell Collection

The Burrell Collection is the 2023 Art Fund Museum of the Year and has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors in its first year. The travel trade can now book unforgettable experiences for clients at this world-class museum.

The new packages include behind-the-scenes tours where guests will be given VIP access and can discover the secrets of The Burrell Collection. A curator will lead the tour and show some of the thousands of objects not on public display.

There is also an option to take an exclusive self-guided early-access tour. This is ideal for early risers who want to beat the crowds and enjoy unhindered views of The Burrell’s iconic collection.

Alternatively, an evening at The Burrell is the perfect mix of culture and cuisine. Guests will enjoy the “Best Of The Burrell Tour” before sitting down for dinner in the restaurant.

Visitors inside The Burrell Collection

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will also offer must-see tours and exclusive early bird access. This spectacular museum is one of Glasgow’s best-loved buildings, which boasts 22 galleries, a wide range of artefacts, and one of the finest art collections in Europe.

There is an opportunity to experience VIP curator tours and visitors will have a unique chance to explore their favourite art subject, artist, or era. Curators can provide detailed information on a range of subjects such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Glasgow Boys, and natural history.

Visitors can enjoy a magical night at the museum. This option includes a must-see tour and dinner beneath the exquisite, vaulted ceiling and ornate chandeliers of the Centre Hall or surrounded by the galleries of the East Court.

Visitors taking a photo inside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum 

Riverside Museum

There are also packages on the banks of the River Clyde at the award-winning Riverside Museum.

The museum celebrates the history of transport and travel. It also reflects the important part Glasgow has played worldwide through its contributions to heavy industries like shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering.

Tour operators can offer their clients Riverside highlights tours, hidden gems tours and exclusive early access. Riverside has also teamed up with The Clydeside Distillery and Eeek! Escape Rooms to offer two other bespoke experiences.

Visitors will learn about the dockside of the River Clyde with a curated tour before exploring The Clydeside Distillery. They will learn more about whisky, see how it is made and enjoy a few drinks.

There is also the option to have dinner among a collection of vintage motorbikes at Riverside. During this, people will be transported back to the 1920s as part of an entertaining game where they compete against other tables.

Cyclist passing Riverside Museum

Related links