Can I
look around the building by myself?
How long
does the tour last?
What
happens during the Mackintosh building
tour?
Are all
tours conducted in English?
Does the
route allow disabled access?
What can
I do if I arrive early for my tour?
Can I
take photographs of the Mackintosh
building?
Where do
the profits from my tour booking go?
How do I
get to The Glasgow School of Art?
Can I look around the building by
myself?
Unfortunately not, The Glasgow School of Art is still a hard
working art school, not a museum, therefore the needs and
activities of our staff and students have to take priority.
We warmly welcome all visitors to the School but ask that you
respect the daily routine of our institution by visiting only our
public spaces and sticking with your tour group when visiting
private rooms on your guided tour.
How long does the tour
last?
Our standard Mackintosh building tour lasts approximately one
hour. We recommend that you arrive 10 - 15 minutes early to
collect your tickets and store any coats and bags before thr tour
begins. There is also time before and after the tour to ask
your guide any questions you might have, to browse our exhibitions
and to visit the GSA Shop.
What happens during the Mackintosh
building tour?
During your tour, our guides (who are normally students or
graduates of the School) will lead your party through the two
phases of 'Mackintosh's Masterwork', the Mackintosh building at the
Glasgow School of Art. Inside, you will witness the maturing
of Mackintosh's unique architectural style, identify elements of
Japanese architecture combined with Scotland's own baronial
tradition, and learn about the ethics of both Arts & Crafts and
Art Nouveau movements. Throughout the tour, you will have
plenty of opportunity to admire Mackintosh's original tile and iron
work, stained glass, furniture and artwork in some of his most
famous and celebrated interiors, including the Library and the
newly opened Furniture Gallery. Your group will also hear about key
relationships and events during Mackintosh's remarkable life and
more about our spectacular school along the way.
Are all of the tours conducted in
English?
Yes all of our tours are currently conducted in English, however
we have written translations in French, German, Italian, Spanish
and Japanese, copies of which we can provide for your group free of
charge. Please let us know if you would like translations for
your group in advance so that we can have them prepared for your
arrival. please contact us for more information.
Does the tour route allow disabled
access?
Yes, with advance booking. The tour route incorporates
several flights of stairs but wheelchair users and those with
difficulties using stairs can use the lift to access different
levels. In such circumstances a member of staff will
accompany up to 3 people using the lift at one time so please
inform us of any such special requirements when making your
booking. For those hard of hearing, again please contact us
and we do all we can to accommodate your group.
What can I do if I arrive early for my
tour?
Our Mackintosh Interpretation Space is available to view whilst
you wait for your tour to depart and our fantastic shop is also
open for you to browse. The School's cafe has a great view of
the fasade of the Mackintosh building and serves hot and cold
lunches and snacks from Monday to Friday, there are also several
other restaurants and cafes located within easy walking distance if
your tour falls outwith our cafe opening times. The School
also runs a regular schedule of exhibitions on campus which you
will be very welcome to visit if you arrive early for your tour or
would like to see more when you finish.
Can I take photographs of the
Mackintosh building?
You are welcome to take photographs of any aspect of the exterior
of the building, however inside the Mackintosh building photography
is prohibited. This rule is in place in order to protect the
work of the staff and students of the School, to make sure the
tours interfere as little as possible with the core activities of
the School and to protect the School's intellectual property.
Where do the profits from my tour
booking go?
All of the profits from our tour and shop sales are donated by
Giftaid to the School annually to support the conservation of the
Mackintosh building and the School's educational vision.
How do I get to The Glasgow
School of Art?
Visitors wishing to tour the Mackintosh Building should enter the
building via the side door at 11 Dalhousie Street, Glasgow, G3 6RQ,
where the shop and visitors centre is located. For
information on how to get to the School click here.
