6 historic buildings to visit in Glasgow’s West End during Open Doors Day 2026
These are some of the standout Glasgow West End buildings you should visit this Doors Open Day
Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival has opened the city's hidden spaces to the public inviting Glaswegians and visitors alike to go behind the scenes of historic buildings, factories, theatres, museum stores, cultural landmarks and places rarely seen.
Every September, the festival transforms Glasgow with building and walking tours, talks, performances, workshops and events for all ages creating connections between people, places, and the stories that shaped the city.
Organised by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and powered by hundreds of volunteers and over 100 participating organisations, the festival is a city-wide celebration of Glasgow's architecture, heritage and communities.
University of Glasgow
Join the University of Glasgow in celebrating its 575th anniversary this year at its historic campus for one of its popular historical tours. The University of Glasgow Students' Representative Council runs historical walking tours of the University campus that include information on the foundation, history, architecture and alumni of the University. Tours are around 45 minutes to an hour in duration and take place mainly outdoors.
University of GlasgowSubway Studios
Step aboard Car 105, an original Glasgow Subway train and step back into the history of one of Glasgow’s most distinctive transport systems. Whistledown Scotland, the Glasgow-based podcast production company behind Subway Studios, invites you to explore this remarkable piece of Glasgow heritage. Discover Car 105’s original graphic design, take a seat in the driver’s cab and hear fascinating stories from former Subway drivers played throughout the day. Inspired by Graham Norton’s legendary Red Chair, 'Confessions on the Subway' story-gathering will invite visitors to share their own memories and experiences of travelling on the Subway... Whether it's funny, romantic, embarrassing, unusual or unforgettable.
Glasgow Open Doors FestivalMitchell Library
Join Mitchell Library staff on a tour of one of Scotland's oldest and most impressive public libraries and see behind the scenes of one of Europe’s largest public libraries with more than a million items as part of GDODF26. The tour includes a guided tour of public departments, a behind-the-scenes look at its incredible stacks, usually inaccessible to the public, and a window into the history of this nearly 150-year-old institution.
Glasgow LifeSWG3
SWG3 offers guided tours and talks exploring its journey from industrial site to cultural hub, including gardens, street art, BODYHEAT and architecture. Go behind the scenes with Operations Director Bob Javaheri to discover what happens backstage, behind closed doors and behind the scenes of one of Glasgow’s busiest cultural venues and hear about the people, logistics and sheer amount of planning that goes into making SWG3 happen.
SWG3Cottiers Theatre
Formerly a church, this unique building stands tall and proud as one of Glasgow’s most unique and magical venues. Cottiers in Glasgow’s West End contains a unique interior of stained glass and decoration by Daniel Cottier. Led by Director, David Robertson, learn about our city's music, art, society and history.
Celtic ConnectionsMackintosh Queen's Cross
Mackintosh Queen’s Cross is one of Glasgow’s architectural gems. The only church to be designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, it's simplicity of the design is inspiring and infused with the Mackintosh spirit & motifs can be easily recognised, particularly on the large window above the chancel. There will be a talk/tour of the building on the hour.
Visitors Guide to Scotland