Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Reviews Summary

Art Collection & Exhibits

Pros:

• "One of the best art galleries and museums in the world."
• "A huge range of artworks from international, national and Scottish artists."
• "On display great art, unique sculptures, famous Scots who gave to Scotland part of its world famous art history."
• "From painted works of art to Egyptian artefacts, taxidermy animals to photographic masterpieces - Kelvingrove is a day out you can’t miss."
• "The art collection is incredible including paintings by Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Turner and the most prized piece Christ of Saint John of the Cross by Dali."
• "You can see art from Scotland as well as paintings from Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and others."
• "The collection is diverse and impressive, featuring works from many different eras and styles."

Cons:

• "The arrangement of displays seemed confusing at times."
• "A downside is the exhibits description is away from the items and the reference numbers for them are on a graphic instead of being next to the exhibits so it's a pain to find them."
• "The only thing I wished if for the frescoes to be hung lower so I could get a better look at the details."
• "It does feel a little random since the museum jumps from paintings to historical artefacts to animals but it's still a fun experience."
• "The most disappointing execution was Dali's painting. I think that single room kind of killed the effect of painting but that is my personal opinion."
• "Some parts felt a bit dated."
• "Could not find a coherent or overarching theme."

Facilities & Accessibility

Pros:

• "They have on site parking. Disabled access of really good both at the car park and entrances."
• "The museum is fully accessible and offers many places to sit down."
• "Really impressed with the toilet sinks which are lowered for accessibility and the free period products."
• "Free parking is available to blue badge holders."
• "Wheelchair accessible on all floors."
• "There's plenty of toilets and a cafe, as well as restaurants nearby, including the vegan one, The 78."
• "Great toilet facilities. Friendly and clean."

Cons:

• "Parking is a bit pricey at £5.40 for 2 hours."
• "Parking on the grounds costs about £2.50 per hour."
• "It was a bit hard to access since they built a giant ice skating rink in front of the entrance."
• "Plenty of paid parking right outside the gallery though take note that the parking machines only accept coins."
• "Parking nearby can be an issue although not impossible."
• "A wee bit short on parking when busy."
• "Only drawback is that car park is not adequately sign posted."

Visitor Experience

Pros:

• "A wonderful museum in Dear green place - Glasgow."
• "Totally recommend a 2 hr minimum visit if you live in or visit Glasgow."
• "Magnificent organ recital in main hall at 1pm every day except Sunday at 3pm."
• "Had the pleasure of hearing the Christmas Orchestra as we came in and it was truly magical ✨"
• "Sometimes you can even catch the organ playing in the background which is one of the nicest additions to walking between works of art."
• "We were also treated to an organ recital too!"
• "The guy playing the organ was a bonus and well worth seeing."

Cons:

• "Both were crowded when we visited."
• "Went on a Saturday afternoon and unsurprisingly, it was busy as can be."
• "The cafe within does get very busy. Might be best to plan spending your breaks in the cafes and eateries nearby and head back inside afterwards."
• "We arrived this morning after looking for a car park for more then 1 hour."
• "It’s easy to get lost once you’re inside."
• "Not sure how much very young children would get out of it as there is little that is hands on."
• "The basement cafe is a bit gloomy, atmosphere wise."

Value & Cost

Pros:

• "It’s free no need for tickets."
• "All that culture and it's free, yes free."
• "Free admission with donation requested."
• "It's free to enter and contains a vast array of exhibits!"
• "Technically, it's free to visit, but I always chuck something in the donation box."
• "Entry is free with the option of donating."
• "Free to visit but donations boxes throughout."

Cons:

• "Although there is no charge to enter the museum, they do have stations around the gallery asking for £5 donations."
• "On the negative side, gift shops very expensive."
• "Prices are over the top, even 6 year old Dylan told the assistant they would sell more if prices lower."
• "The shame is the poor way it is presented. It felt like I had stepped into back into the 50s. Faded & small signage & really bad lighting."
• "Unfortunately The Dali had been loaned out for another exhibition."
• "Unfortunately cafe was closed and all gift shops downstairs closed."
• "We paid 3 hours to have time to visit all the museum, and surprise: it was closed for I don't know why !!!"