Glasgow is one of the most important cultural hot spots in Scotland. From sports to theatre, and opera to universities, the city really does offer something for everyone. If you are a massive football fan then the history between the city’s and Scotland’s two most successful clubs Rangers and Celtic is something that you certainly would not want to miss. The Old Firm have a fierce rivalry which is almost unmatched anywhere else in the world. However, if you are looking for something cultural which is of a less physical nature, then there are plenty of other attractions to discover.
Art Galleries and Museums
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the finest houses of art within Scotland. Home to a number of Old Masters, the gallery is one of the most popular free to visit attractions in the entire United Kingdom. Following a period of refurbishment in 2003-2006, the gallery has many notable paintings including ‘Christ of Saint John on the Cross’ by Salvador Dali. Likewise, the Hunterian Museum and Gallery which is part of the University of Glasgow, is renowned for having one of the best James Abbott Whistler collections in the world and is well worth a visit.
Music and Theatre
The King’s Theatre is one of the best in Britain and has received many famous actors over the years including Katherine Hepburn and Sir Lawrence Olivier. A young Michael Jackson even treaded the boards there as a member of the Jackson 5. Today, the theatre primarily programmes touring shows in genres such as musicals and comedy. If finding the next big band is more your type of fun, the city has a fantastic music culture. It has often been claimed that the band Oasis first hit the big time after playing to Glaswegian audiences, and the city receives many new young bands looking for their first big break.
