Mackintosh Building, Glasgow, Scotland, is a masterpiece from beginning to end. Get ready to take some visual surprises that await you in this architectural treasure of the world. Its impressive and beautiful architecture combines the best of art nouveau, Scottish baronial and a Japanese touch. The tours of the building will give an unforgettable experience and you will want to return every year.
Things to do
Glasgow School of Art (GSA)
This is considered Mackintosh’s masterpiece for over 100 years. This school is home to thousands of students and fine arts staff. It has impressive designs that undoubtedly make you stop for a moment to appreciate them and admire their beauty. In addition, this building is designed to that always enter the light. The upper floor is known as “hen run” because it is frequented by many students.
Also, on the upper floor, you can find the main gallery of exhibitions. This gallery is covered with glass offering a unique and beautiful design. In addition, the lounge also has incredible casement windows that offer magnificent views of Glasgow. On the other hand, these windows have also helped many generations of students frame those views while drawing on their drop-down desks.
The Library
This is the quietest place. Here you can admire some imposing windows that rise to three stories high. Because it has a large size, the light filters beyond the dark wooden beams and causes a spectacular effect. It also has a small gallery of troubadours and beautiful high-backed furniture that gives a natural wooded environment to the study space. This area was one of the last to be completed.
The Hallways
Although the building has unbeatable classrooms, the architect Mackintosh’s passion for details can be seen in the hallways outside the studios. The structure made use of bright light that matches a surprisingly original real estate. While walking in the hallways you can see niches, each in a vase with a beautiful rose and incredible designs. Unfortunately, the budget for this building makes it difficult to keep fresh roses.
Tours
There have always been excursions for tourists throughout the place. However, in June 2018 the building caught fire, leaving many areas very bad. For October of the same year, some areas were restored and open to the public where the students of the art school themselves tour the people who arrive every day. On an incredible tour, the students are very attentive and friendly. In addition, they also give you very good information and guide you through the place, the gift shop and the GSA visitor center.
How to get there
The school is a 5-minute walk from the Cowcaddens subway station, which includes a short job on a very steep hill, the Garnethill, on Sauchiehall Street (pronounced “socky-hall”). The nearest airport is Glasgow Airport (GLA), 15 minutes by car. For tours, use the side entrance of the building at 11 Dalhousie Street.
When to go
You can travel at any time of the year because the weather in Scotland is very unpredictable. Even so, some travelers recommend traveling in May, June, and September. In these months it is better to wear a coat but the temperature will not be as extreme as the rest of the year and the rains will not be as much a problem. In addition, the days of May and June are usually longer, so you will have more time to explore.
How long
Because there are still some areas closed for remodeling, one day will be enough to take a tour of this magnificent place. Coordinate the time that suits you best take and advantage of the day.
Opening and Closing Hours
The building is open from 8 in the morning until 8 at night
Planning
The Mackintosh building has a shop, a furniture gallery and an exhibition space, which you can visit at any time during normal opening hours. The rest of the building can only be visited with a guide, usually a third-year student. From April to September, there are seven daily tours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. From October to March, there are tours at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m. It is better to book your ticket in advance.
Inside Information
Remember to inform you about the requirements to enter the country, if you are from Europe, you will only need the ID. However, if you travel from other places, you will most likely need a tourist visa and a health certificate. Also, keep in mind that the currency in Scotland is the pound sterling, equivalent to 1.20 euros. On the other hand, do not forget your warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
History
The GSA was originally founded in January 1845 under the name of the Glasgow Government School of Design. However, 45 years later, in 1885 it was decided to expand the school to a larger building. With a budget of 14 thousand euros, in 1896 an architectural competition was held to build the new building. Junior designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh was selected. Although at the beginning the budget was not enough for the great ideas that Charles had, in the end, it was decided to build the central and eastern part of the place, the west area was left to be built later with more funds. With the passage of time, some areas were changed before they were built but finally, the building was completed in December 1909. This place began a new style of architecture in Europe of the twentieth century.
Websites
Other Nearby Attractions
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a mandatory stop if you visit Scotland. This beautiful city with a medieval atmosphere is undoubtedly one of the most attractive in Europe. Take the time to get to know and explore this city, you will be amazed at everything it has to offer. You can take a walk on Royal Mile, a long street that runs through the city. In addition, also visit the great Edinburgh Castle, it is simply spectacular. On the other hand, the cathedral of St Giles and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are also monuments that you cannot miss.
Stirling
If you are in Edinburgh, you can take a walk outside the city to Stirling. This place is also full of stories and wonders. Is the ideal city to take a car ride and explore its attractions. Its main monument is Stirling Castle, although it is a bit similar to Edinburgh, in this you can admire a spectacular Renaissance architecture. In addition, you can admire the Royal Palace, the Great Hall, and the Royal Chapel.
Lake Ness
Surely you heard about the famous legend of the Loch Ness monster, then take a tour of this lake and see for yourself. To sign up for the tour you must go to Clansman Harbor, where you can choose between tours of 1 hour or up to 4 hours, to know every corner of this place. Here, you will run into the ruins of Urquhart Castle, a fort that was set on fire in the 17th century. However, it is the focus of attention of many tourists.
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