Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
David McLean

Nine places around Glasgow where it definitely pays to look up

Glasgow is a city that doesn't often get the recognition it deserves for its spectacular architecture. All you have to do is look up and it'll put a smile on your face - and no, we're not talking about the Duke of Wellington's cone, as brilliant as it is.

The city centre is full of interesting buildings and interesting architectural features that are 100 per cent worth the inevitable crick in your neck. Here are a few of our favourites from the around the city.

Even if you've lived in Glasgow your entire life, there's always something new to discover in this wonderful city of ours - but it's not necessarily going to be right in front of your nose.

READ MORE: 11 stunning lost Glasgow buildings we can't believe are no more

Glasgow's golden lady

Situated 160ft above the former Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society (SCWS) building in Morrison Street, Tradeston, is a female figure gilded in 23 carat gold leaf. The 12-feet-tall sculpture, made in 2016 by artist Kenny Mackay, is officially titled Light and Life and is the replacement of the original statue which fell into a state of disrepair and was removed in the 1990s. What a beauty she is.

Clydeport sculptures

Built in the 1880s as the headquarters of the Clyde Navigation Trust, the Clydeport building is truly one of Glasgow's finest architectural landmarks and the many sculptures and carvings that adorn it are incredible. The sculptures depict figures from ancient mythology and include Demeter leading a bull and Amphitrite being pulled by sea horses.

City Chambers ceilings

From the outside, City Chambers is clearly one of Glasgow's most striking built landmarks, but take a step inside and the architecture really is on another level. The mosaic-patterned ceilings around the ground floor of the interior are absolutely sublime and wouldn't look out of place in the Moscow underground.

Merchants House weather vane

Atop the Merchants House on the west side of George Square is a handsome weather vane recognising Glasgow's shipbuilding past.

Mitchell Library sculptures

Look up as you enter the Mitchell Library from North Street and you'll catch a glimpse of John Keller's seated Figure of Wisdom sculpture. Also worth a glance is the figure of the Roman goddess of Literature, Minerva, situated atop the library's famous copper domed roof.

Sign up to our Glasgow Live nostalgia newsletters for more local history and heritage content straight to your inbox

Beresford hotel

Sauchiehall Street boasts many fine buildings, but the former Beresford Hotel takes some beating. The art deco beauty opened in 1938 and is a visual masterpiece in our view. Simply stunning.

Lion chambers

From art deco to art nouveau, the Lion Chambers on Hope Street dates from 1905 and never fails to catch our eye. A splendid piece of architecture which we hope can be properly restored.

Choir Ceiling, Glasgow Cathedral

Scotland's oldest mainland cathedral boasts a magnificent interior and we could all day in there staring at the spectacular gothic stylings and the stunning stained glass windows. The Choir Ceiling is particularly mesmerising, however.

North British Locomotive Co. sculptures

A little off the beaten track this one, but the former North British Locomotive Company building in Springburn is well worth a visit for its beautifully-crafted sculptures. In keeping with the 1909 building's obvious rail industry connection, above the Flemington Street entrance are two figures depicting science and speed.

READ NEXT

Take a look inside abandoned Glasgow swimming baths frozen in time since 1990s

Remembering Glasgow's slightly bonkers street market Schipka Pass

What the cast of 1999 Glasgow cult classic Ratcatcher are up to now

19 things that ruined your day if you were a Glasgow teen in the noughties

Recalling Buchanan Street's NAAFI that became Glasgow's first casino

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.