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🎨Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)
GoMA is Glasgow's premier gallery of modern and contemporary art, housed in a striking neoclassical building in the city centre. Families are welcomed with a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to engage children of all ages. The gallery features rotating exhibitions, a dedicated Family Learning Space, and regular workshops for kids, including art-making sessions and gallery trails.
- **Highlights:** The iconic statue of the Duke of Wellington with a traffic cone on his head outside (a Glasgow landmark). Inside, bright, open spaces with thought-provoking art, plus a playful atmosphere. Free entry, so you can pop in for just 30 minutes or stay for hours.
- **Facilities:** Baby-changing facilities, family-friendly café, and accessible toilets. The gallery is buggy-friendly with lifts. There's also a shop with quirky gifts.
- **Practical tips:** Check the website for family workshop timings (often on weekends and school holidays). The gallery can get busy, but it's rarely overcrowded. Allow 1–2 hours. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Travel tips
Free entry means flexible visit length
Admission is free, so you can visit for 30 minutes or stay all day without worrying about getting your money's worth.
Check website for family workshop times
Family workshops and art-making sessions run often on weekends and school holidays. Check glasgowlife.org.uk before visiting to plan around these.
Baby changing facilities available
Baby-changing facilities are on-site, making nappy changes convenient during your visit.
Gallery is buggy-friendly
The gallery has lifts and is designed to accommodate buggies, so you can push your pram around the exhibitions easily.
See the famous traffic cone on Wellington statue
The Duke of Wellington statue outside with a traffic cone on his head is an iconic Glasgow landmark. Kids often find this amusing.
Perfect rainy day activity
As a fully indoor venue, GoMA is an ideal choice for rainy Scottish weather when outdoor activities aren't an option.
Children under 12 need adult supervision
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during your visit.
Plan for 1-2 hours
Allow 1–2 hours for a relaxed visit with children, though you can adjust based on your family's pace and interests.
Rarely overcrowded
The gallery typically doesn't get overcrowded, making it a pleasant visit even during busy times in the city centre.
Family Learning Space for younger children
There's a dedicated Family Learning Space with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed for children.
Gallery trails help engage children
Gallery trails are available to help guide children through exhibitions in an engaging, interactive way.
Accessible toilets on-site
The gallery has accessible toilet facilities, useful for families with young children or accessibility needs.
Family-friendly café for refreshments
A family-friendly café is available if you need refreshments during your visit.
Bright, open spaces throughout
The gallery features bright, open spaces with a playful atmosphere, which can feel less overwhelming than densely packed museums.
City centre location
Located in Glasgow city centre, so it's accessible by public transport. Worth checking parking options nearby if driving.
Quirky gifts in the shop
The shop stocks quirky, art-themed gifts that children often enjoy browsing, though they may spark gift requests.
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