The Riverside Museum

The award-winning Riverside Museum is Glasgow’s museum of transport and travel, set on the banks of the River Clyde. With its striking, modern design by architect Zaha Hadid, the museum houses over 3,000 objects that tell the story of how people and vehicles have shaped our city and the wider world. From vintage cars and locomotives to skateboards and prams, it offers a fascinating journey through time and technology.

• Admission: Free, though donations are welcome.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible with lifts, ramps, and facilities for visitors with additional needs.

Some of our favourite highlights

The Clydebuilt ships model collection, celebrating Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage.
A beautifully restored street from early 20th-century Glasgow, complete with shops you can step inside.
The iconic Tall Ship Glenlee, moored just outside and open to explore.
A world-class display of vintage cars, motorbikes, and bicycles, from early models to modern classics.
The impressive South African–built steam locomotive, one of the museum’s most photographed exhibits.

Main Street

Cross over the cobbles in Main Street and you’ll be in the Glasgow of the 1890s to 1930. 

South African Loco 3007

he largest thing you will see at the Riverside. Built here in Glasgow in 1945, it was exported to South Africa where it ran until 1987.

Car Wall

In one sweeping look you can see 31 of Glasgow Museums’ most precious and well-loved cars, including Sir William Burrell’s Rolls-Royce Phantom ll.

Visiting Information

Why Visit?

The Riverside Museum isn’t just about transport, it’s about the stories of people, innovation, and how travel has shaped Glasgow’s identity. The building itself is a striking piece of contemporary architecture, its flowing lines and riverside setting making it as much a landmark as the exhibits inside.

For families, the museum is a hands-on, interactive experience. Children can climb aboard trams, step inside old subway carriages, and explore recreated Glasgow streets, making history feel alive and exciting. Adults will appreciate the depth of the collections, with everything from horse-drawn carts to sleek supercars on display.

Best of all, entry is free, making it one of Glasgow’s most accessible attractions. Whether you’re fascinated by engineering, curious about how Glaswegians lived in the past, or simply looking for a fun and educational day out, the Riverside Museum delivers a memorable experience. It’s the perfect place to explore before or after a stroll along the Clyde, and with the Tall Ship Glenlee right outside, you can easily make a whole afternoon of your visit.