Riverside Museum

The collection

The museum holds a world-leading collection of Scottish-built cars and trucks, including early Argylls, Arrol-Johnstons and Albions, along with the oldest surviving pedal cycle, Glasgow trams and a South African Railways steam locomotive. The Clyde Room shows around 250 ship models, and a 1980 subway car was added in 2024. The building's zigzag roof and glass ends are as much a draw as the exhibits, especially seen from the river.

Highlights for families

The recreated Glasgow street, complete with shops, houses and a subway station, is a favourite with all ages. Outside, the Glenlee tall ship can berth beside the museum. The Riverside Café serves breakfast and lunch with views of the river. Allow at least two hours to see it properly; children tend to linger longest in the old street.

Getting there

Govan subway is about a five-minute walk across the Govan to Partick bridge, and Partick station is around 0.6 miles away. City Sightseeing buses stop outside. Combine it with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the Glasgow Science Centre, each about a kilometre away. The museum replaced the old Museum of Transport, which closed at Kelvin Hall in 2010.

Highlights

• Free entry, no booking needed
• Building by Zaha Hadid Architects
• European Museum of the Year 2013
• Recreated historic Glasgow street
• Tall ship Glenlee alongside

Good to know

• Free entry; donations welcome.
• Car park of about 100 spaces fills quickly at weekends; charges apply.
• Lifts to all public areas and a Changing Places facility.
• Govan subway is about a five-minute walk via the bridge.

Frequently asked questions