The Gallery of Modern Art, known as GoMA, stands in Royal Exchange Square in the heart of the city centre, in a handsome neoclassical building that began life as the home of a tobacco lord and later served as the Royal Exchange. Today it is Glasgow's gallery of contemporary art, and entry is free. The equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington out front, which has worn a traffic cone on its head for decades, is one of the city's best-loved jokes and one of the most photographed sights in Glasgow. Inside, the collection brings together modern and contemporary local and international artworks, with a changing programme of exhibitions. The featured show at the time of writing is Duncan Campbell: A New No, running from 10 October 2026 to 4 January 2027, while longer-running displays include Still Glasgow, Domestic Bliss and Through Line: Connecting the Collection. The Library at GoMA offers thousands of books and a programme of weekly classes and events. The cafe is open every day during opening hours, so it makes a good stop for a coffee in the middle of a day of shopping or sightseeing.
How to visit
GoMA opens from 10am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Friday and Sunday. Entry is free, and donations are welcome in the gallery or online. The address is Royal Exchange Square, G1 3AH, close to Glasgow Queen Street and Central stations, and the nearest Subway station is Buchanan Street. Buchanan Bus Station is less than a ten-minute walk away.
Accessibility
The accessible toilet is on the lower ground floor, guide and assistance dogs are welcome, and a British Sign Language introduction to GoMA is available online. Access guides are listed on AccessAble and Euan's Guide, and the gallery's website can answer more detailed questions about wheelchair access. If you need particular support, contact the venue before your visit.
Making the most of it
GoMA is compact enough to see in an hour or so, so it fits easily into a city-centre day between Mackintosh at the Willow and the Merchant City. Contemporary art divides opinion, which is part of the fun, and the entrance price means you can try it without risk. Pair it with Kelvingrove for the classical collection and the Burrell for older art, and you have a free art day for no cost beyond lunch. Check exhibitions before you go, as the displays change.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided visit to Glasgow's gallery of modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions, a library and a cafe.
Best time
A weekday morning for quiet galleries, or any time during a rainy day in the city centre.
How long
One to two hours.
Tips
Check the current exhibitions on the venue page and note the later opening on Fridays and Sundays.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Contemporary art fans and anyone filling a free hour in the city centre.
- Families
- Fine for children who like colourful, unusual art, and the Library has family events; check the programme.
- Couples
- A relaxed stop for coffee and conversation about art.
- Pair with
- Mackintosh at the Willow, the Merchant City and Kelvingrove for classical art.
- Time needed
- Allow one to two hours.
Good questions
Is GoMA free?+
Yes, entry is free, and donations are welcome.
What are the opening hours?+
10am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Friday and Sunday.
Where is it?+
Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH, in the city centre.
What is showing now?+
Duncan Campbell: A New No runs from 10 October 2026 to 4 January 2027. Check the venue page for other displays.
Is there a cafe?+
Yes, the cafe is open every day during opening hours.
