The Glasgow School of Art
The Glasgow School of Art
4.5
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
The Glasgow School of Art is currently closed to visitors following a fire on 15th June 2018, with all tours cancelled until further notice. This includes access to the visitor centre, GSA Shop and exhibitions in the Reid Building, Mackintosh at the GSA Tours and Mackintosh's Glasgow Walking Tours.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,850 reviews
Excellent
1,341
Very good
372
Average
86
Poor
28
Terrible
23
Curiosity35564
pittsburgh, PA1 contribution
God i have never inmy pittsburgh life have i been to such a culturally rich gem in the heart of a small diamond, in the sunny climbs of Scotland. Simply breath taking the atmosphere engulfs you with its history and architecture and the students are so individual and alive with enthusiam. For an art lover it was a rare treat, i can tell you.
Written 2 June 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David R
Inverness, CA54 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
This was a wonderful 2 1/4 hour walking tour from the School of Art to downtown stopping at historical architectural buildings especially those designed by Macintosh. Our tour guides, Raheela and Laura were very knowledgable and engaging.
Written 23 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pauloK5277QI
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
My wife and I took the GSA tour on Monday, August 3, 2015. Though it was of course disappointing that the building is presently closed while reconstruction after the 2014 fire takes place, we still got much enjoyment from the tour. Our guide was a very knowledgeable printmaking student who explained well the many subtle features that Mackintosh had designed into the building. We enjoyed the exterior tour and were helped to realize how revolutionary (and controversial) the building's design was in its day. The visit to a room in the new art building across the street to see CRM furniture was a treat. Our guide also helped us to appreciate how the new Steven Holl-designed building complements the older building. All in all, this was an excellent tour, and we intend to return when the building has been restored to its former glory.
Written 23 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip M
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Jun 2022
Twice incinerated this Architectural Gem, like Notre Dame, remains sunk in a sea of scaffolding. However unlike the latter there’s no visual evidence of progress.
The extended section of the Art School opposite is an eyesore & totally destroys the context which informed MacIntosh’s original design. Like the adjacent rapidly deteriorating’70’s architecture building, it should never have been built, much less extended. Hopefully in the not to distant future these buildings will be demolished & context, as well as function will inform their replacement & compliment, if not rival McIntosh’s masterpiece.
The extended section of the Art School opposite is an eyesore & totally destroys the context which informed MacIntosh’s original design. Like the adjacent rapidly deteriorating’70’s architecture building, it should never have been built, much less extended. Hopefully in the not to distant future these buildings will be demolished & context, as well as function will inform their replacement & compliment, if not rival McIntosh’s masterpiece.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary M
Exeter, UK63 contributions
May 2023
Don't waste your time trying to see what is left of the burnt out skeleton of this once great building. When I visited Glasgow recently, I saw that it was being covered in plastic mesh so even the scaffolding is no longer visible. Probably a good move to protect the remains and the staff working inside, but it is a very sad sight.
Written 19 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
extrabag
Paris, France50 contributions
Based on our experience, we agree with the reviews that cite problems with the tours.
Our tour guide couldn't have been sweeter or more enthusiastic. But this is not what is called for here.
The art school is a significant building for modern architecture, and one needs a guide who can say more than "This is one of my favorite rooms" or, when pointing out a room suspended over a void: "I'd be afraid to go there!" She needs to be able to comment knowledgeably on features such as the use of steel beam construction, of highly polished concrete, of central heating and air conditioning, of electric lighting.
Similarly for the aesthetics: it's not enough to know that this is a bird and that is a bug, this is a flower and that is a tree. There was a revolution in decorative art taking place at the time: what were the trends, what influenced Mackintosh, what was the impact of his work?
The guide mentioned several times that we were touring a working art school, but we got little sense of the intellectual life of the school, either as it was intended by Mackintosh or as it is lived today. Furthermore, the tour did not bring us into any of the studios or into the lecture hall -- the principal spaces built for the students in which to learn. This might be understandable in term time, but during the summer?
Our recommendation to the Glasgow School of Art is to model their tours on those of the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California: have retired architects conduct the tours (or at least give visitors the option of different types of tours, including architect-guided tours), and at least provide a glimpse into the principal working areas of the building. If the school continues student-guided tours, then it should at least make sure that the tours give the impression that the students have learned the important skill of critical thinking about art and architecture while at the school.
Our tour guide couldn't have been sweeter or more enthusiastic. But this is not what is called for here.
The art school is a significant building for modern architecture, and one needs a guide who can say more than "This is one of my favorite rooms" or, when pointing out a room suspended over a void: "I'd be afraid to go there!" She needs to be able to comment knowledgeably on features such as the use of steel beam construction, of highly polished concrete, of central heating and air conditioning, of electric lighting.
Similarly for the aesthetics: it's not enough to know that this is a bird and that is a bug, this is a flower and that is a tree. There was a revolution in decorative art taking place at the time: what were the trends, what influenced Mackintosh, what was the impact of his work?
The guide mentioned several times that we were touring a working art school, but we got little sense of the intellectual life of the school, either as it was intended by Mackintosh or as it is lived today. Furthermore, the tour did not bring us into any of the studios or into the lecture hall -- the principal spaces built for the students in which to learn. This might be understandable in term time, but during the summer?
Our recommendation to the Glasgow School of Art is to model their tours on those of the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California: have retired architects conduct the tours (or at least give visitors the option of different types of tours, including architect-guided tours), and at least provide a glimpse into the principal working areas of the building. If the school continues student-guided tours, then it should at least make sure that the tours give the impression that the students have learned the important skill of critical thinking about art and architecture while at the school.
Written 27 August 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mjhuntLancs
wigan26 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Thanks to Laura, our very knowledgable and amusing guide on our tour around the new School, including the Mackintosh furniture display and her vivid description of the original building, which is of course currently undergoing a massively expensive reconstruction.
The fee for your tour contributes directly to the building work.
The fee for your tour contributes directly to the building work.
Written 25 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trineet1
Oxford, UK39 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
On a very rainy and windy Glasgow day, this tour was the highlight of our day. Laura L was an excellent and very knowledgeable tour guide.. Despite the devastating fire which means the original building cannot be seen inside, she presented us with a wealth of information and with a lovely quiet sense of humour. I can't recommend this tour highly enough and we look forward to returning when the old building has been restored. That our fee contributes to the school and especially now the restoration made us very glad to make a very small contribution to this amazing school.
Written 24 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mathewpathew
Manchester, UK21 contributions
May 2013
Turns out it was the guide's first group. Lia - hope the spelling's correct - took us on an interesting and informative trip around the accessible parts of the school. Gorgeous Lleyn accent. If I could remember enough Welsh it'd be lovely to hear the tour in what sounded like it might be her first language. But I'm biased. If you're lucky enough to get her as a guide, the voice'll be as much an attraction as the building. Pob lwc am y tro nesa!
Written 3 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy R
Okehampton, UK31 contributions
It is highly likely we would not have considered visiting this wonderful building if we had relied solely on the guide books - they just don't do this lovely building justice. Thanks to all the Tripadvisor contributors for influencing us.
Acknowledging the presence of a few, less than enthusiastic reports amongst the contributions, I think it likely that these folk are simply not the sort of visitor for whom the tour is intended. If you are a lover either of Mackintoshs style or simply a fan of unusual buildings then this will be right up your street. Whilst there may be an element of luck concerning the quality of guide providing your tour I have to say we were very pleased with the efforts of Catherine, a second year student.
Firstly taking us around the exterior of the building, which despite having viewed before we started the tour, found the information provided by Catherine ensured we opened our eyes a little wider!
On entering the building you will experience much surprise; surprise in that the relatively cold, albeit attractive exterior (admittedly complemented by some quirky metal work) contains such an unusual variety of rooms. From the Japenese influenced janitors room to the light infused 'hen run' and corridors through to the board room and some truly fascinating staircases the building provides one surprise after another.
Yes, it is a shame you cannot take some photo's but this is a minor complaint. The building is very touchable and this more than makes up for not being able to take a few pics.
Is it good value for the £7.75? I would say yes, it isn't cheap but I didn't feel I'd been excessively overcharged either. You really can't begrudge the fee when the money goes to such a good cause.
Go enjoy, and above all - open your eyes and ears to get the most from this fantastic building.
Acknowledging the presence of a few, less than enthusiastic reports amongst the contributions, I think it likely that these folk are simply not the sort of visitor for whom the tour is intended. If you are a lover either of Mackintoshs style or simply a fan of unusual buildings then this will be right up your street. Whilst there may be an element of luck concerning the quality of guide providing your tour I have to say we were very pleased with the efforts of Catherine, a second year student.
Firstly taking us around the exterior of the building, which despite having viewed before we started the tour, found the information provided by Catherine ensured we opened our eyes a little wider!
On entering the building you will experience much surprise; surprise in that the relatively cold, albeit attractive exterior (admittedly complemented by some quirky metal work) contains such an unusual variety of rooms. From the Japenese influenced janitors room to the light infused 'hen run' and corridors through to the board room and some truly fascinating staircases the building provides one surprise after another.
Yes, it is a shame you cannot take some photo's but this is a minor complaint. The building is very touchable and this more than makes up for not being able to take a few pics.
Is it good value for the £7.75? I would say yes, it isn't cheap but I didn't feel I'd been excessively overcharged either. You really can't begrudge the fee when the money goes to such a good cause.
Go enjoy, and above all - open your eyes and ears to get the most from this fantastic building.
Written 15 March 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am going to Glasgow at the end of May. Seems as if the school is still not rebuilt and I cannot seem to find Mackintosh related City Walking tours by GSA students. Can someone point me in the right direction?
Written 11 April 2024
Hi, My name is Bethany and I am currently studying Product Design at Glasgow School of Art. I am currently doing a project on the soundscape which takes place in GSA and the GSAtour. This will be created into a concept for a sound exhibition which immerses an individual into the "gsa" environment. If you have been to GSA, the GSAtours or anyone who has been in the vicinity of GSA and are interested in helping me out on my project, can you answer the few questions below:
What specific sounds stuck out to you?
What specific smells and textures?
Did the environment and sounds change depending on the location?
Please include as much information, even if it is off topic as i'm sure this will be a massive help!
Thank you very much! This would be a massive help in progressing my project
Written 25 February 2020
Hi!
I am so sorry but the day I went along there were staffing issues and stocktaking so the tours were cancelled that afternoon. I was very disappointed- all the more now as I cannot turn the clock back.
Good luck with your project and sorry I am unable to help.
Itchyfeet
Written 25 February 2020
Why does the duke of Wellington have a witches hat on his head?
Written 4 May 2018
Some students in the late 90’s early 00’s put the traffic cone on his head as a joke, it kept being taken down I think the council has given in and it has become a feature. :)
Written 8 May 2018
Do you have to book a tour of the college or can you just go into visitors centre.
Written 11 March 2017
Visitors can book a Mackintosh at the GSA Tour online in advance, or purchase one on the day in the visitor centre, subject to availability. There are 20 places on each tour, so we do recommend booking to avoid disappointment. The Mackintosh at the GSA Tour runs daily at 11am & 3pm in March, and at 10.30am, 11am, 11.30am (with lift access), 12pm, 2pm & 3pm from April - September. These tours last 45 minutes, are conducted by GSA's student guides who tell the story of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the history of the School. These popular tours take place in the recently completed Reid building opposite the Mackintosh Building at GSA and provide exclusive access to GSA's unique collection of original Mackintosh furniture. Please note there is no access to the Mackintosh Building following a serious fire in 2014.
Written 15 March 2017
Do you actually land visitors on the isle?
If so what do you charge for the trip and how long roughly would you get on the isle?
How often do you sail and what timers?
Written 18 August 2015
..there shall be a mistake! No Isle at the Glasgow School of Art
Written 19 August 2015
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