Glasgow Museums Resource Centre
Glasgow's museum collections store, where free pre-booked tours show a selection of around 1.4 million objects in climate-controlled storage.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Glasgow Museums Resource Centre is the working store and conservation base for the collections of Glasgow Life museums. It lies in the South Nitshill Industrial Estate on the south side of the city and holds around 1.4 million objects in 17 climate-controlled storage pods. Only about two per cent of the city's collection is on display in the museums at any one time, so the centre keeps the rest safe and accessible for study and loans.
The main collections stored here cover art and paintings, arms and armour, natural history, technology and world cultures. Visitors can see part of this material on guided tours, which show how objects are stored, cared for and restored behind the scenes.
All visits must be made through a pre-booked tour. Regular behind-the-scenes tours run on weekdays, and specialist and themed tours are held on particular topics, such as collections linked to Black History Month. Autism-friendly tours are also offered. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
Highlights
- Around 1.4 million objects in 17 climate-controlled storage pods
- Behind-the-scenes tours of the stored collections
- Collections of art, arms and armour, natural history, technology and world cultures
- Specialist and autism-friendly tours
Permanent exhibition
- Behind the Scenes Tour – A guided tour through the storage pods that shows how part of Glasgow's museum collections is kept, cared for and restored.
- Operated by
- Glasgow Life
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry and the standard tours are free. Donations are welcome at the centre or online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
All public areas are reached by wheelchair via lifts. An accessible toilet on the ground floor near reception is about 14 metres from the main entrance and needs no key. There is a hearing loop, a video library in British Sign Language and International Sign, and an AccessAble access guide. Five accessible parking bays are on site.
Kids & families
- Baby changing facilities
Baby changing is available on the ground floor near reception.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Nitshill station
Nitshill railway station is a short walk away, with regular trains to and from Glasgow Central. First Bus service 57 stops near the centre. Journeys can be planned with Traveline Scotland.
By car
Free parking
Free on-site parking, including five accessible bays.
- Accessible parking
The centre is at 200 Woodhead Road in the South Nitshill Industrial Estate.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Lockers
- Wi-Fi
Free lockers and free Wi-Fi are available for visitors.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Guidelines apply for photographing, filming and sketching in the centre. |
| Good to know | Tours must be booked in advance. A downloadable visual storyboard helps visitors prepare, and autism-friendly adult tours are offered. |
