Glasgow
The Museum of Transport in Glasgow can be found virtually opposite the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and although a little tucked away from Glasgow town centre, is well worth the effort to come to both these museums. The Museum of Transport is one of the UK's most popular transport museums, attracting around half a million visitors each year, and is a is a must-visit for those interested in Glasgow's old transport, from horse-drawn coaches to tram, cars and buses. First opened in 1964, The Museum of Transport moved to its current location in 1988 where it houses many exhibits of national and international importance. The interior of the museum is divided into a number of separate areas with walk-ways around the exhibits to allow you to get up-and-close, and even sit inside the in the driver's cab of some of the steam trains.
To the left as you enter The Museum of Transport is 'Kelvin Street', an attraction and atmospheric recreation of a typical Glasgow street in the year of 1938. Keeping the theme of recreations is the Regal Cinema - a typical cinema reception area of the time a real cinema showing a selection of films on subjects such as Glasgow's history and public transport over the past century. An authentic replica underground station platform can also be found at The Museum of Transport, complete with a large collection of trains - locomotive manufacture was also an important Glasgow industry. Not far away is the extensive collection of old trams and buses, most in the traditional colours of Glasgow Corporation.
The diversity of the museum's collections are impressive, from horse-drawn vehicles to fire engines, motorcycles to caravans and even toy cars and prams, all used to tell the story of Scottish transport by land and sea. You will find the oldest surviving pedal cycle and the finest collection in the world of Scottish-built cars, including world-famous makes such as Argyll, Arrol Johnson and Albion. In the Clyde Room there are 250 highly detailed and fascinating ship models, most 1:48 scale so very large indeed. They represent the huge contribution of the River Clyde and its shipbuilders and engineers to the world of maritime trade. From the Comet of 1812 to fabulous builders models of the Hood, Howe, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2, the Clyde Room reflects the proud boast 'Clyde built'.
The Museum of Transport also features a Pan Am Flight 103 memorial dedicated to the 243 passengers, 16 crew and 11 residents of Lockerbie who were killed when the Boeing 747 crashed on the town following a terrorist attack. A firm favourite Glasgow children and their parents and tourists alike, it is no wonder why, and with free admission to, a visit to The Museum of Transport makes for an entertaining day out for all the family.
Address
Museum of Transport
1 Bunhouse Road
Glasgow
G3 8DP
Official website
www.glasgowmuseums.com