Overview

An iconic Glasgow building - worth visiting for that alone - 'Kelvingrove Art Galleries & Museum' stands proudly in the cities west end. There are a wide range of galleries as well as both temporary and permanent exhibits. During my visit, ’Dippy' the Dinosaur was taking all the attention in the central hall, where he/she is staying for a few months as part of its national tour. An expanse of space, with smooth floors throughout.

Transport & Parking

In the city centre, there are various transport options. The nearest underground is Kelvin subway station (on Byres Road), about a 5 minute walk away. The nearest train station is Patrick, about a 15 minute walk away. There are lots of buses in Glasgow,and even the tourist hop-on hop-on bus stops around here. Kelvingrove Museum has its own car-park with a number of marked disabled bays. If you don't have a blue-badge, the rest of the parking is pay-and-display. The disabled bays are directly in front of the rear entrance to the museum, which has a flat entrance and a push-button automatic door. The front/main entrance to the Museum has a flight of stairs. The stairs do not have marked edges, and not an easy to reach handrail - don't be put off by this, use the rear entrance.

Access

There is an expanse of space in the museum, with wide passageways and smooth flooring throughout - making it ideal if moving around in a wheelchair. There are staff at desks near the entrances as well as around the museum, who are happy to help answer any questions. You can also pick up a free map of the museum when you arrive. There is a hearing loop. As there is a lot of information written beside each of the exhibits, it would perhaps be a useful feature if they had a recording/headset of this you could use as you went round - I am not aware of this being available. This is what I would describe as a 'traditional' museum - with lots of very interesting things to see. However, the majority cannot be touched. For some people, particularly with sensory impairments, or who have a more energetic nature, they may prefer a more interactive style. I liked that at various points around the place there are stacks of folding chairs. Visitors are welcome to use these whenever they want, whether they want a rest, or to sit and enjoy watching/listening to something.

Toilets

I am giving this a high rating as I was impressed that there are accessible toilets on every floor. I only saw standard accessible toilets, but I believe there is one with a changing plinth. Sometimes the toilets were tucked off the main corridors slightly, nearer to the rooms of exhibits, so some extra signs would have made them easier to find.

Staff

I did not have reason to speak with staff, but they are easily seen around the place and I felt I could have asked for their help if I needed it. There are staffed desks at each of the entrances. The museum was quite busy, with a mixture of visitors including families and school groups, everyone seemed to be welcomed.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

It's a Glasgow Museum = It's Free to Visit!! Be there for 1pm (most days - check online) and hear the magnificent organ being played! It echoes round the whole building, a bonus free concert to enjoy. Has a good cafe as well as museum shop, but they don't mind you bringing a packed lunch either. Visit other places on the area too - Kelvingrove Park is just next door

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