Glasgow Life reveals exciting new museum travel trade packages for 2024

Glasgow Life has revealed a selection of products for the travel trade, which includes exclusive and VIP tours of The Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and Riverside Museum.

The charity, that delivers culture and sport in Glasgow, has developed these packages thanks to funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The Burrell Collection is the 2023 Art Fund Museum of the Year and has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors in its first year. The travel trade can now book unforgettable experiences for clients at this world-class museum.

The new packages include behind-the-scenes tours where guests will be given VIP access and can discover the secrets of The Burrell Collection. A curator will lead the tour and show some of the thousands of objects not on public display.

There is also an option to take an exclusive self-guided early-access tour. This is ideal for early risers who want to beat the crowds and enjoy unhindered views of The Burrell’s iconic collection.

Alternatively, an evening at The Burrell is the perfect mix of culture and cuisine. Guests will enjoy the “Best Of The Burrell Tour” before sitting down for dinner in the restaurant.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said:

"Enhancing the experiences on offer in Glasgow is one of the key strategic priorities of the city’s refreshed tourism strategy. These packages do just that by allowing tour operators and the travel trade to offer unique experiences to customers visiting Glasgow.

Another key aim of the Glasgow 2030 Tourism Strategy is to increase the value of tourism to the city’s economy. Part of this is encouraging visitors to stay in the city for longer. These products offer something unique that allows tourists to enjoy Glasgow’s museums and world-class collections while also making memories that will last a lifetime."

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will also offer must-see tours and exclusive early bird access. This spectacular museum is one of Glasgow’s best-loved buildings, which boasts 22 galleries, a wide range of artefacts, and one of the finest art collections in Europe.

There is an opportunity to experience VIP curator tours and visitors will have a unique chance to explore their favourite art subject, artist, or era. Curators can provide detailed information on a range of subjects such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Glasgow Boys, and natural history.

Visitors can enjoy a magical night at the museum. This option includes a must-see tour and dinner beneath the exquisite, vaulted ceiling and ornate chandeliers of the Centre Hall or surrounded by the galleries of the East Court.

There are also packages on the banks of the River Clyde at the award-winning Riverside Museum.

The museum celebrates the history of transport and travel. It also reflects the important part Glasgow has played worldwide through its contributions to heavy industries like shipbuilding, train manufacturing and engineering.

Tour operators can offer their clients Riverside highlights tours, hidden gems tours and exclusive early access. Riverside has also teamed up with The Clydeside Distillery and Eeek! Escape Rooms to offer two other bespoke experiences.

Visitors will learn about the dockside of the River Clyde with a curated tour before exploring The Clydeside Distillery. They will learn more about whisky, see how it is made and enjoy a few drinks.

There is also the option to have dinner among a collection of vintage motorbikes at Riverside. During this, people will be transported back to the 1920s as part of an entertaining game where they compete against other tables.

Glasgow is a successful tourist destination, which attracted 2.65 million visitors in 2022 who stayed in the city as part of a holiday or short break.

Glasgow’s tourism and events industry recently met for the launch of the Glasgow 2030 Tourism Strategy, which outlines plans to grow the value of tourism in the city.

Visit our website to discover all the packages on offer, how to book and more information about prices.