Showcasing work from emerging and renowned local and international artists, Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is a must-visit for art lovers. Spread over three floors, the ever-changing exhibitions cover everything from sculpture and paintings to prints and photography. The basement houses an excellent library filled with art and design books, and the café is a great spot to grab a drink or something to eat at any time of day.
The current GoMA building started life as the private home of a wealthy tobacco merchant and eventually became a museum in 1996, after periods of ownership by the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Royal Exchange.
When you arrive, pick up a floor plan from reception to help you navigate through the collections. Although you are allowed to bring your camera inside the museum, bear in mind that you need to ask permission before taking photos, and that flash photography is not allowed in order to protect the artwork.
GoMA has an ever-changing collection of exhibits, so take a look at the museum’s website to find out more about upcoming events and exhibits during your visit.
The gallery is known for choosing thought-provoking and radical artwork as part of their displays, and has exhibited work by art legend Andy Warhol. The acclaimed Scottish sculptor Karla Black once used 17 tonnes of sawdust to construct a mattress-like sculpture. GoMA is one of the venues used during the annual Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art.
Children and youngsters are welcomed at the gallery, and at weekends GoMA invites children aged 3-12 to attend workshops during the Saturday Art Club. Both children and adults will enjoy the occasional talks given by visiting artists about their work.
The Gallery of Modern Art is located in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre, in Royal Exchange Square. The gallery is open every day and charges no admission fee. If you would like to join a guided tour, you need to book in advance.
