04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Public to gain access to over 150 iconic Glasgow buildings
As part of one of Scotland's most celebrated cultural events, the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival has unveiled its 2025 programme.
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)
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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)
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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.
