Royal Exchange Square

From tobacco mansion to gallery

The site began with a mansion built in 1778 for the tobacco merchant William Cunninghame. The Royal Bank bought it in 1817 and sold it to the city, and David Hamilton then remodelled it into the columned Royal Exchange from 1829, a trading hall for merchants. Later home to Stirling's Library, it now houses the Gallery of Modern Art.

The Duke and his cone

Carlo Marochetti's bronze equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington has stood in front of the portico since 1844. For years it has usually worn a traffic cone on its head, and it has become one of the most photographed sights in the city. Behind it, at the western end of the square, is the Royal Bank building of 1834 by Archibald Elliot II, with archways through to Buchanan Street.

Using the square

The terraces around the square date from around 1830 and now hold restaurants and bars, many with outdoor tables in fine weather. It makes a natural pause between shopping on Buchanan Street and the Merchant City, and GoMA is worth a look if you have half an hour. George Square and Queen Street Station are a couple of minutes' walk away.

Highlights

• Gallery of Modern Art in the former Royal Exchange
• Duke of Wellington statue, usually wearing a traffic cone
• Georgian terraces from around 1830
• Archways through to Buchanan Street

Good to know

• Queen Street Station and George Square are a short walk north-east.
• The archways at Royal Bank Place link the square to Buchanan Street.

Frequently asked questions