As you approach the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Royal Exchange Square, take a moment to appreciate the imperious façade. This grand building was once the home of a local tobacco merchant before housing a bank, the Royal Exchange and finally becoming Glasgow’s main centre of modern art.
The gallery is situated right in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance of George Square. In the past, it has hosted exhibitions by titans of the art world such as Andy Warhol, as well as promoting the Avant-Garde of the Scottish art scene. One memorable exhibit by local sculptor Karla Black displayed a mattress made from 17 tonnes of sawdust.
There is an agenda of events throughout the year at the museum, including talks, workshops and family-friendly activities. If you have kids, check out the weekly Saturday Art Club where children aged 3 to 12 can try out new techniques. For the older amongst us, there are often talks by the exhibitors and guided tours can be booked in advance.
Stop to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee in the basement café. Snacks and light lunches are also available, with a range of soups, sandwiches and salads. Internet access here is free if you wish to connect with the outside world. There is a great little shop, with all kinds of interesting and unusual books and gifts. It is well worth a browse – you might pick up an absolute treasure!
You can find a timetable of events on the official website if you would like to know what’s on before you visit. If you’re feeling spontaneous, just drop by and see what you find. However many times you come here, GoMA’s ever-changing collections make every visit fresh and interesting.
If you want to take photos or sketch the exhibits, please ask permission as you enter the gallery. This is usually allowed, but some displays are of an extremely fragile nature and you are unlikely to be allowed to use a tripod or flash.
