There’s no better time to go out and about in Glasgow than September, when the Doors Open Days see spots across the city welcoming folks in for a look around.
If, like us, you’re curious (otherwise known as nosey) about what's happening at different venues around the city - now is your time. Doors Open Days kicked off on September 12, though this weekend will see buildings across Glasgow swinging open their doors and giving guided tours.
From arts and culture spots to religious buildings or historic structures, there’s dozens of places that you can see like never before. Whatever it is you’re into, we’ve browsed the programme and picked out some of our highlights - though the full list is available here.
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SWG3
One of Scotland’s leading independent venues, SWG3 transformed an old galvanizers yard by the Clyde shipyards a decade ago. Starting as a group of artists’ studios, the venue is now one of Europe’s most credible and loved spots.
The site is set to expand into a major tourist destination, supporting artists, musicians and designers.
Tours are held Friday 16 at 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm.
Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
The oldest surviving music hall in the world, the Britannia Panopticon is famed as the place where 16-year-old Stan Laurel made his debut. Over the years, it’s housed everything from a zoo to a carnival.
These days, the organisation is undertaking an ongoing conservation project to ensure the future of the music hall. Costumed staff and volunteers will be in the hall to tell the history of the hall - from tales of a mischievous chimpanzee to the ‘moral decay’ that was blamed on the Panopticon.
Tours will be held on September 16, 17 and 18 between 11am and 5pm.
Castlemilk Stables
A refurbished 17th century stables block, this spot is now an award-winning community hub with offices, community facilities and a garden. Adjacent to the stables is the Castlemilk Woodlands, part of the historic Stuart estate.
Tours will be held on Saturday 17 at 11.15am, 12pm, 12.45pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm, 3.15pm, 4pm.
Arlington Baths
The oldest member-run swimming pool in Europe, this category A listed building houses a skylit pool and Turkish Baths. The complex was constructed over several decades - opening in 1870, and changed over time as the city grew.
Tours will be held on September 17 and 18, between 10am and 4pm.
Mitchell Library
Having undergone major refurbishment, the North Street building - topped with it’s iconic dome, opened to the public in 1911. Having had two extensions, it is the largest public library in Glasgow with over six floors of interest.
Tours will take place on September 16 at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm - as well as September 17 as 9.15am, 10.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm.
Garnethill Synagogue
Scotland’s very first purpose-built Synagogue, this Category A listed building is a fine example of Victorian architecture. On the lower floor, displays from the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre will be out for visitors.
An exhibition titled Scotland a Sanctuary will look at refugees who arrived in Scotland in the ‘30s and ‘40s and how people from all backgrounds helped those in peril.
Tours will take place on September 18 at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
Springburn Auditorium
An upcycled community arts venue in Springburn Park, it was created to provide local people with a spot to come together and engage in creative arts such as music, film screenings, and various workshops.
The structure is made out of upcycled pianos, which were saved from going to landfill. During the tour, you can discover more about the secret doors and hatches throughout the building.
It will be open to the public on September 16, 17 and 18 - with guided tours on Friday at 2pm and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm.
Central Gurdwara Singh Sabha
Serving the community for over 30 years, the Central Gurdwara has been an educational facility for schools all over Scotland - informing people about Sikhism, where it comes from, and what it represents. To accomodate the growing Sikh population in the city, the foundation brick for the new Gurdwara was laid in April 1999.
In 2016, Phase One of the New Central Gurdwara was completed.
The building will be open to the public on September 16, 17 and 18 with guided tours at 11am on each day.
City of Glasgow College City Campus/Riverside Campus
The City Campus, built in 2016, boasts an impressive atrium space, stimulated aircraft cabin, TV studio and professional training kitchens. Also housed in the building is a sports hall, commercial hair salon, beauty salon, and nail bar.
Over at the Riverside Campus, the building represents a multi-million investment in maritime education and training, marine engineering and science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The City Campus will be open to the public on Saturday 17, with the Riverside Campus open on Sunday 18 - both with guided tours at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm.
Cloud Water Zen Centre
A Zen Buddhist temple in the heart of Glasgow, the centre is located in Gordon Chamber. Offering locals the chance to explore Zen Buddhism, it was established to provide a quiet and peaceful space in the city centre.
The resident Zen teacher at the centre will be hosting a live talk, to provide more information on the organisation.
It will be open to the public on September 17 between 10.30am and 5pm, and September 18 between 11am and 4pm.
French Street Weaving Factory
Completed in 1899, the Barrowfield Weaving Factory was built on French Street by John French and Son. The stunning red brick building is now home to arts organisation Strange Field and Peter Harrisons boxing gym.
It will be open to the public on September 17 and 18, between 11am and 4pm.
Glasgow Central Mosque
The first and largest purpose-built mosque in Glasgow offers the chance to see how Isalmic architecture and Glasgow’s red sandstone come together in the unique building. The site was opened in 1984, built on four acres of ground.
The building will be open to the public on September 17 and 18, with tours at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm each day.
Glasgow Ceramics Studio
With their new open access studio, funded by Creative Scotland, the Glasgow Ceramics Studio are opening their doors for a rare glimpse of the spaces and members work. There will also be free demonstrations and bookable workshops taking place.
As part of the Doors Open Day, there will also be a talk on the history of the building and Dennistoun. Formerly WIll’s Tobacco Factory, the studios were redeveloped in 2001 to become Scotland’s first purpose-built studio and events complex.
The building will be open to the public on September 17 between 11am and 4pm, with guided tours at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Glasgow University Library
Holding collectors across the arts, sciences, and medicine - the Glasgow University Library is of international significance and supports learning, teaching and research.
Official records as well maps, statistics and government documents are held in the building. The library also has more than 2000 study spaces available for current students.
It will be open on September 17 and 18 with tours throughout the day.
The Riverside Museum
Housing the city’s transport and technology collections - this museum reflects on Glasgow’s contribution to heavy industries like shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering. Opening in 2011 after a four-year build, over 3,000 objects sit inside.
This year, they’ll be displaying their collection on Glasgow’s Record Shops. With over 100 of them gracing our streets between the ‘70s and ‘90s, the exhibition asks - what happened to them?
The Riverside Museum will be open to the public on September 16, 17 and 18 between 11am and 5pm each day.
The full programme of events can be found here.
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