
Public to gain access to over 150 iconic Glasgow buildings
The free event, which will take place from September 18 to 21, will open the doors of Glasgow's architectural landmarks to the public, offering rare glimpses inside some of the city's most iconic sites.
The Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival will run from 18-21 September (Image: Supplied)
Read more: Should Barlinnie become a listed? Most responders had the same thing to say
Organised by the Glasgow Buildings Preservation Trust, with support from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Glasgow Life, the festival has been a part of the city's cultural calendar since 1990.
The theme of this year's festival is Glasgow: The Visionary City, aiming to celebrate the city's innovators and creatives.
David Cook, chief executive of Glasgow Buildings Preservation Trust, said: 'We have proudly organised the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival for more than 35 years, celebrating the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage.
"This year, the festival comes to life thanks to our dedicated staff team and up to 600 volunteers, who are all ready to welcome you as you discover Glasgow's visionary history – past, present and future.
'If you've never experienced the festival, this year is the perfect time to join in.'
The festival forms part of the wider Glasgow 850 celebrations, which honour the 850th anniversary of Glasgow's Burgh status.
Over four days, thousands of people are expected to explore Glasgow's open buildings, engage in family-friendly workshops, enjoy performances and exhibitions, and even partake in ceilidhs.
Among the standout highlights, visitors have the chance to explore the newly transformed Citizens Theatre in the Gorbals and witness ongoing restoration work at the Govanhill Baths.
People will also have the opportunity to explore the usually locked-up St Vincent Street Church and take a rare guided tour of the Kelvin Court flats.
At the centre of the action will be the festival hub at the Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow, where visitors will get the chance to enjoy a programme of free exhibitions, talks, films, workshops and family-friendly events.
Moreover, the festival has partnered with the National Trust for Scotland to spotlight 'Mackintosh Illuminated', a project celebrating the legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
More than 150 of Glasgow's breathtaking buildings, cultural landmarks and secret spaces will open their doors (Image: Supplied)
More: Explore Glasgow's hidden 20th-century architecture with new app
Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and convenor for culture, sport and international relations for Glasgow City Council, said: "Glasgow has amazing architecture, a vibrant cultural sector and rich architectural heritage and the Doors Open Days Festival is a wonderful way to learn more about our city's many brilliant buildings and the people who have made them so.
'In the year Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary, the 2025 Doors Open Days Festival theme – Glasgow: The Visionary City – fittingly invites people to look ahead and share their hopes and ideas for the future of our city.
"The festival is a unique opportunity for residents and visitors from near and far to step inside the likes of theatres, museum stores, factories, studios and universities to discover how each one has helped Glasgow to become an internationally renowned hub of culture, sport, tourism, learning, business and so much more."
Tickets for this year's Glasgow Doors Open Days are available now.
To book, and to explore the full programme of events, visit the Glasgow Doors Open Days website or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Glasgow Times
9 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Dobbies Braehead unveiled new programme of autumn events
The garden centre in Braehead will host a variety of seasonal activities this October and November. Among the highlights is the Little Scare-lings – Witches, Wizards and Wicked Treats event, which aims to deliver a magical Halloween experience for youngsters. Activities will include slime and magic potion making, with Dobbies encouraging children to dress up in their spookiest costumes for a chance to win a prize in the costume contest. Children will also be able to enjoy afternoon tea with three tiers of savoury sandwiches and sweet treats, while adults can take advantage of themed tea and cake offers. The Little Scare-lings event will take place on October 18, 19, 25, 26, 31 and Saturday, November 1. Tickets are priced at £15 per child and start from £7.50 for adults. Read more: Glasgow Life unveils new season of live community shows (Image: Supplied) Another highlight is the return of the popular Pup-kin Patch – a dog-friendly event featuring treats, toys and a free digital photo opportunity in front of a seasonal backdrop. Dogs attending the Pup-kin Patch can pick out autumn-themed toys, enjoy a puppuccino from the in-store restaurant and pose for a pet 'paw-trait'. Tickets cost £12.50 per dog and include special offers in the pet department, a free hot drink and puppuccino with the purchase of any cake, and £5 off a £25 spend in-store. The event will run on October 25, 26 and 31, and Saturday, November 1. Read more: Susie McCabe's comedy night at Airdrie will be 'bigger and better' than before (Image: Supplied) Ayesha Nickson, events programme manager at Dobbies, said: "It's fantastic to have such a variety of events on offer and there really is something for everyone to enjoy, with fun for all ages. "Our Little Scare-lings event is a firm favourite for families, with plenty of action-packed activities, and the Pup-kin Patch is back by popular demand, this year in more stores after it was such a hit last year. "We can't wait to celebrate autumn and Halloween with our customers this spooky season." Tickets for all autumn events at the Braehead store are now available to book on the Dobbies website.


Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
Autumn arts programme brings live shows to Glasgow
Glasgow Life's community touring programme will deliver musical, theatrical, and interactive events to community venues across the city this autumn and winter, with a focus on accessibility and festive entertainment. Katie Duffy, head of arts and music at Glasgow Life, said: "Glasgow Life's community touring programme provides high-quality, accessible and affordable arts experiences to communities across the city by taking fantastic shows to venues on people's doorsteps. (Image: Sean Purser) "The programme is designed to bring music, theatre and performance to new audiences, particularly those who face economic, social or geographic barriers, so more people can experience and enjoy the work of our city's internationally renowned cultural sector up close and in person." The programme begins with Martin O'Connor's spoken word piece, Rebuilding a Nation, running from September 22 to 29. Read more: 'My nervous system has been shaken up': Woman subjected to sex attack in private hire This double bill also includes Why d'ye talk lik' 'at? by The Village Storytelling Centre. O'Connor's piece, delivered in Glasgow Scots, explores themes of language and identity. Family-friendly ceilidh tours will form part of the city's Celtic Connections festival, with events planned for November and January. These ceilidhs will feature live Scottish folk music from The Celine Donoghue Band, Gaelic songs, stories, and opportunities to learn traditional dances. The community pantomime returns with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, running from November 26 to December 20 at venues citywide. The show is produced in partnership with Hopscotch Theatre Company and written by Isla Cowan. The pantomime reimagines the classic tale, following Dorothy on a detour while dreaming of stardom. Tickets are priced at £3 and £1. Other highlights include special art sessions delivered to nurseries as part of the Glasgow 850 celebrations. These will culminate in an interactive exhibition, Wee City Big City, co-created by young people and artist Rebecca Fraser. The exhibition will be on display at The Forge Shopping Centre on November 8 from 10am to 4pm. All events will be listed on the Glasgow Life website at as details are confirmed. Free tickets for the September and November events are available directly from participating venues.


Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Glasgow Times
2025 World Pipe Band Championships set for Glasgow Green
The 2025 World Pipe Band Championships return to Glasgow Green on August 15 and 16, marking the 77th time the event has been held in the city. It will bring together 207 bands from 15 countries, including groups from Oman, Zimbabwe, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. (Image: Kris Kesiak) Colin Mulhern, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "Our decision to stage a dedicated youth competition as part of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships is underpinned by our mission to nurture young talent in piping and drumming. "Showcasing the incredible talent and skills of the next generation, the youth competition also reinforces our ongoing commitment to the future of pipe band music. Read more: Paul Sweeney MSP: We can't just let them build another desert wi' windaes "We hope as many people as possible will come to support these brilliant young performers as they take their well-earned place at the heart of the world's premier pipe band event. "As ever, tickets are in great demand for the event, so anyone who doesn't want to miss out on the experience should book now for Friday, August 15, and Saturday, August 16." (Image: Kris Kesiak) This year introduces a new format, with a dedicated youth competition on the Friday. More than 1,540 under-18s will compete in Juvenile and Novice Juvenile categories, and the day will end with a massed performance and prize-giving. The senior band competitions will take place on the Saturday, culminating in the crowning of the 2025 world champions. (Image: Kris Kesiak) Tickets for the event are available at Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: "Glasgow is privileged to be home to the world's biggest celebration of Scotland's national instrument. "Every summer, our great UNESCO City of Music is filled with sensational sounds and sights as the traditional and contemporary music of the bagpipes is showcased during our prestigious World Pipe Band Championships and vibrant Piping Live! "festival." The championships coincide with the Glasgow International Piping Festival, Piping Live!, which runs from August 11 to 17 and celebrates its 22nd edition this year. Event highlights will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on August 21.