Glasgow Science Centre & Glasgow Tower, Scotland
Glasgow Science Centre & Glasgow Tower
Jake Davies
The Glasgow Science Centre consists primarily of three futuristic-looking structures situated on the south bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow, the Science Mall, the Glasgow Tower, and the IMAX Cinema.
Part of the Waterfront Regeneration area, it is near the Scottish Event Campus and across the river from the Riverside Museum.
Science Mall
Opened in 2001 the main building is the Science Mall. Shaped like a boat's hull on its side and half-buried, a nod to the adjacent "canting" basin where ships would be brought to have their hulls cleaned of marine growth.
Spread over three floors, hundreds of displays that tend towards the interactive, cover a wide range of science topics from Space to the human body.
The emphasis is on hands-on learning, and most ages are catered for. A large section is devoted to jobs and careers in various fields of science and technology.
A planetarium with a 15-meter diameter dome upon which is projected images of the night sky, and a Science Show Theater put on a variety of entertaining shows.
There are a range of workshops and labs which host events, demonstrations, classes, and workshops throughout the year.
Also in the Science Mall you can find a cafe and a shop selling educational souvenirs of all kinds.
For full details of opening times, prices etc please see glasgowsciencecentre.org
Glasgow Tower
Towering over the far end of the quay is the Glasgow Tower. At 127 metres (417 ft) high, it is the tallest structure in Glasgow and indeed Scotland. From the observation deck on top are fantastic 360 degree views.
What is noticeable is that the tower is unusually slender for such a structure, and this is because it has been designed with an aerodynamic shape to minimize wind resistance.
However, the wind has a tendency to come from many different directions, so the whole tower can be rotated to face into the prevailing wind.
It is believed to be the tallest structure that can rotate a full 360 degrees. Two small lifts take visitors up to the observation deck in two and half minutes. The tower is only open from April until October and a combination ticket with entry to the Science Mall is the cheapest price. The tower closes when the wind becomes too strong.
IMAX Cinema (Imax Theatre)
The third structure at the Science Centre is the IMAX Cinema, housed in what looks like an inflated metallic balloon. Featuring the largest screen in Scotland measuring 80 ft by 60 ft, the theatre shows mainstream movies and more alternative films as well as hosting various events.
Moored alongside the Science Centre are two historic boats. The PS Waverley is claimed to be the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. Built here on the Clyde and launched in 1947, she initially saw service cruising the Scottish lochs. Now when she is not cruising at various locations around the UK she is berthed here.
The TS Queen Mary was also built locally and launched in 1933. She carried passengers up the west coast of Scotland and is currently being converted into a museum ship.
Access & Hours
Glasgow Science Centre
50 Pacific Quay
Glasgow G51 1EA
Tel: 0141 420 5000
Several buses stop at the Science Centre including the Sightseeing Bus which stops at the SEC on the opposite bank. From here it is just a short walk across the bridge. The Exhibition Centre Station is the closest railway station, and the route across the river is well signed.
If you wish to stay in Glasgow try the Millennium Hotel Glasgow, with four stars and a fine restaurant. Nearby SEC are the Village Hotel Glasgow and Radisson Red Glasgow.
Nearby
Within easy walking distance of Glasgow Science Centre is Ibrox Stadium and Cessnock Festival Park. Across the river are Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the University of Glasgow.
Scotland Related
Hermaness National Nature Reserve
Map
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