Glasgow Science Centre

Scotland’s must-see family attraction, the Glasgow Science Centre is packed with interactive exhibits in the Science Mall, activities, live shows, workshops, an IMAX 3D cinema and a planetarium.
Explore the Bodyworks Zone, a hands-on exhibition where you will discover the science behind health and wellbeing.
Enjoy unsurpassed views of Glasgow, the River Clyde and the surrounding area on the world’s tallest fully rotating freestanding structure, the Glasgow Tower.
Watch a live presenter-led show at the planetarium and journey into the Milky Way and beyond.
Experience an immersive walkway through the solar system and observe planets and discover fascinating facts about space.

Whether you’re looking to make science and technology inspiring or exploring new places to visit in Scotland, the brilliant Glasgow Science Centre is an awesome day out for the whole family. Located on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, the purpose-built science centre was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 5 July 2001. An educational charity, the Glasgow science centre is one of Scotland’s most well-liked paid-for visitor attractions and its aim is to motivate and inspire people to engage with science.

A young child running alongside an interactive gallery at the Glasgow Science Centre.

This Glasgow science museum introduces concepts of science and technology in extraordinary and inspiring ways through planetarium shows, interactive exhibits and live science shows. Delve into the permanent exhibitions and unearth world-changing innovations. At the Idea No59 exhibition, science-mad kids can delve into three experiential zones that challenge them to master brilliant ideas and skills to shape the future. Or visit the Bodyworks exhibition and become the principle subject of your own science experiment as you explore eight fascinating interactive exhibit zones.

Escape to the immersive walkway of the Space Zone that leads to the entrance of the planetarium. Learn how to distinguish some of the most identifiable spots and patterns at night without the need for a telescope and discover what it is like working in space. Connect with the Cosmos at the Glasgow museum's state-of-the-art planetarium. Get ready for a spectacular out-of-this-world experience as you and your mini space cadets prepare to voyage through the solar system and into the Milky Way. Or, see a film on the incredible full dome digital projection system.

Be sure to visit the Glasgow Tower at this epic museum. Unbelievably, this tower is the tallest structure capable of rotating 360° in the world, which it also holds a Guinness World Record for. Standing at 127 metres high, visitors can enjoy magnificent views across the city of Glasgow, the Clyde and beyond. On the ground, you can learn all about Glasgow's history and the area in which the tower was built. Take a look at archive images whilst making your way through the timeline tunnel and get an insight to the transfixing science and innovative design behind the iconic structure. Afterwards, journey 2.5 minutes up to the tower cabin and marvel at the incredible views.

The centre also has a Science Show Theatre, where visitors can explore the fun-fuelled world of science through watching live demonstrations and colourful experiments. The science and space museum is also home to Scotland’s biggest screen, the IMAX cinema.

A must-see museum in Glasgow and one of Scotland’s finest attractions! The UK is well-known for its brilliant museums, including the Science Museum in London and the epic Magna Science Adventure.

What to know before you go

The science centre is most suitable for kids aged 4 and above, although all ages are welcome and it is extremely child-friendly. There are specialised activities for kids aged under 7 to explore.
Grab a bite to eat at the Taste Café on the ground floor of the Science Mall. It serves locally sourced food, sharing plates, sandwiches, children’s meals and homemade cakes. With floor-to-ceiling walls, expect fantastic views to the University, the Tall Ship, Riverside Museum and Glasgow Tower. You're also spoilt for choice for child-friendly restaurants across Glasgow.
There are picnic spaces available if you would like to bring a packed lunch.
Lockers are available for your personal belongings.
The Glasgow Tower is constructed to move in the wind, which some visitors may find unnerving. For this reason, the tower closes when wind speeds exceed 25 mph at the cabin height.
The venue holds a variety of family events, from little explorer days to planetarium lates.
Visit the gift shop, where you will find a brilliant range of science kits, toys, astronomy books, stationery and souvenirs.
There is wheelchair access to the Glasgow Science Centre. There are also wheelchairs available to use whilst visiting from the ticket desk on a first come first serve basis. There are allocated wheelchair spaces within the seated theatre spaces.
Induction Loops are available at the front desk, the Science Show, Auditorium and the IMAX cinema.
The Glasgow Science Centre BSL app includes British Sign Language (BSL) explanations to exhibits.
Assistance dogs are welcome in the centre.
During busy periods, visitors with autism do not need to queue. On arrival, please speak to a member of staff who can assist you.
Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available within the Science Mall, the IMAX, the changing places toilet and the family room.
The science centre is a breastfeeding-friendly establishment. The café also has facilities for heating baby food and drinks, and there are highchairs available.
Expect to spend at least two hours in the Glasgow Science Centre. You can easily make the day of it if you choose to as there is so much to do and see.

Getting there

Glasgow Central station is approximately a 30-minute walk. Alternatively, there are regular trains from Glasgow Central to the Exhibition Centre train station on the Argyle line, which is just a few minutes' walk away. There’s a covered walkway from Exhibition Centre station to the science centre and it’s approximately a 10-minute walk away.
The nearest subway station is Cessnock, which is about a 15-minute walk.
By bus, rotes X19, 23, 26 and 90 stop nearby. The City Sightseeing bus stops at the science centre, which is stop 11 on the route.
If you’re cycling, the Glasgow venue is near to National Cycle Route 7. There are cycle stands near the entrance.
By car, take Junction 24 from the M8 (east or west) and follow the brown tourist signs. If you are coming from the Clydeside Expressway, use the SECC (E) exit and follow the brown tourist signs.
There is an on-site car park for the Glasgow Science Centre, which charges £3 for visitors. Please pay at the Glasgow Science Centre ticket desk. There are also limited Blue Badge Holder spaces available, which are free of charge. There is also an NCP car park at Glasgow Central station.