Charles Rennie Mackintosh is one of Scotland’s most celebrated architects. Born in Glasgow in the mid-nineteenth century, it is only fitting that his first public commission was the design of this city-centre warehouse for the local newspaper.
The Glasgow Herald Building – now known as the Lighthouse – has been a national centre for design and architecture since 1999. Housing a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions over six floors, the Lighthouse is a hub for budding designers and a cultural attraction within the heart of Glasgow. It is free to visit and open on a daily basis.
Guided tours around the centre are available. They last about 40 minutes and will tell you about the building’s fascinating history, as well as giving an overview of the exhibitions and collections. The price includes a tea or coffee in the café, so why not relax with a cup of tea and drink in the atmosphere!
The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre on the third floor will introduce you to the life and work of the architect. Watch videos explaining the distinctive features of his buildings, study designs of his more famous constructions and look in depth at some of the details which distinguish his work. See the transformation of the Lighthouse from a warehouse to its current incarnation in a display of photographs, models and other artefacts. Finally, climb the spectacular circular staircase to a viewing platform which provides outstanding views across the city. A second observation deck on the sixth floor can be reached by using the lift.
Burgeoning inventors should head straight for the MAKLab on the first floor, an innovative space that welcomes anyone with a design idea. The Lab provides expert advice and access to cutting edge technology. Connect with 90 similar projects around the world and see the results of extraordinary innovation, ranging from a system for tracking animals from your mobile phone to a refrigeration system that runs off of the exhaust fumes of a truck.
Located in the heart of the city, the Lighthouse is two streets away from Glasgow Central train station. Payable on-street parking is available and it is easily walkable from George Square.
