Glasgow Science Centre is the city's answer to a wet afternoon with children, and it works just as well for curious adults. The gleaming titanium-clad buildings stand at Pacific Quay on the south bank of the River Clyde, across from the former shipyards and near the BBC Scotland headquarters. Inside the Science Mall, four floors of hands-on exhibits invite you to push, pull, spin and test everything, while the planetarium turns the dome into a night sky and the IMAX cinema shows large-format films. This is a place for families, school-age children and anyone who enjoys a science exhibit that is meant to be touched. The experiences listed on the centre's website include the planetarium, Explore!, Outer Space, BodyWorks and Space Zone, so there is a mix of astronomy, body science and general physics, and regular live shows and workshops add more. Allow a half day for the Science Mall and add the planetarium or IMAX if you want a longer visit.
Opening and booking
The centre's FAQs say it is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and at weekends from 10am to 5pm, and every day during local school holidays. Visits need a pre-booked timeslot, though late arrivals are still admitted, and you can book online to save time on arrival. The centre also sells day tickets and a Science Passport. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so be sure of your date. Hours can change, so check the website's opening-hours page before a special trip.
Getting there and facilities
The address is 50 Pacific Quay, G51 1EA. The centre has a car park where you can prepay for parking with your tickets, and the nearest public transport options include the Subway to Cessnock or Ibrox and buses; check the route before you go. The main cafe is open at weekends and on school holidays, with meals from 11.30 to 15.00, and the coffee shop in the IMAX building is open on days the centre is open. The Science Mall has lifts and accessible toilets on all floors.
What to know
The Glasgow Tower, the tall rotating structure beside the centre, is listed as an experience on the website, but its availability can change, so do not plan your visit around it without checking. Plan your day around the planetarium and IMAX show times, since timed shows fill up at weekends. Pair a visit with the Riverside Museum, a short ride or walk along the river, for a full day on the Clyde.
What to expect
The experience
A hands-on science museum with four floors of exhibits, a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and live shows, on the south bank of the Clyde.
Best time
Weekend mornings or school holidays, when the centre is open longest and the cafe is serving; book a timeslot in advance.
How long
Three to five hours, depending on whether you add the planetarium or IMAX.
Tips
Pre-book a timeslot, check the opening-hours page before you go and book timed shows early at weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and curious adults who like hands-on science.
- Families
- One of the best rainy-day choices in the city, with exhibits aimed at all ages.
- Couples
- Better as a quirky daytime outing than a romantic one, though the planetarium is lovely.
- Pair with
- The Riverside Museum and the Tall Ship Glenlee further along the Clyde.
- Time needed
- Allow a half day, or a full day with a film or planetarium show.
Good questions
What are the opening hours?+
The centre says it opens Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and at weekends from 10am to 5pm, and daily during local school holidays. Check the opening-hours page before you go.
Do I need to book?+
Visits need a pre-booked timeslot, though late arrivals are still admitted. Booking online is recommended to save time.
Where is it?+
At 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA, on the south bank of the Clyde.
Is there parking?+
Yes. You can pay for parking in advance with your tickets.
Are tickets refundable?+
No, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
