Riverside Museum

Like pictures, buildings can speak a thousand words. The remarkable mix of 19th century Victorian architecture, early 20th century ‘Glasgow Style’ Mackintosh-designed buildings and modern edifices, all add to Glasgow’s appeal as a playground for architecture aficionados. Here are the most impressive buildings worth discovering in Scotland’s largest city.
The Lighthouse is the very first public commission of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and, dating back to 1895, has his creative stamp all over it. Now Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, The Lighthouse has a history as the former home ofThe Glasgow Herald. The spiraling staircase is totally hypnotic and the view of the cityscape from the Mackintosh Tower is unrivalled.
The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Ln, Glasgow, Scotland +44 141 276 5365
Completed in 1857, Holmwood House, with its influential design and ornamented garnishings, is a residential villa by the great architect and architectural theorist Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson. Renowned for his trailblazing work in sustainable building, and penchant for Ionic Greek style, Thomson created this villa for prominent paper manufacturer James Couper. This Greek Revival house shows no shortage of pillars and elaborate accents. A significant amount of the original interior still exists today, most notably the polychromatic decorations, sculptures and frieze panels demonstrating Homer’s Iliad.
Holmwood House, 61-63 Netherlee Rd, Glasgow, Scotland, +44 141 571 0184