Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow

You will find the City Chambers on the eastern side of George Square, and while you might not be interested in the Glasgow City Council business, do go and visit the building, which you can do either on a self-guided tour or with a tour guide.

The Chambers, which have been the City Council headquarters since 1996, were built in 1889 by William Young. The City Council originally met in the Old Tolbooth but by the mid 19th century they were too small and the new building was commissioned.

Although it has been extended in 1923 and 1984, it has kept its Renaissance Classical and Italianate style with a lot of ornate exterior decorations. The sculpture work is by James Alexander Ewing, with a celebration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee on the central pediment.

The statues on the apex represent Honor and Riches, with Truth in the center. The statues on the tower represent the Four Seasons.

The entrance hall has a wonderful floor-mosaic of the Glasgow Coat of Arms and the ceiling is decorated in gold leaf with a stained-glass dome. Marble and alabaster pillars support the main marble stairway.

The ground floor loggia has a breath-taking mosaic ceiling and the Councilors’ Corridor is decorated in Italian faience.

The best room in the building is the Banqueting Hall with its magnificent arched ceiling and chandeliers. The murals were executed by the Glasgow School of Art and show the history and culture of the city, the granting of the Royal Charter and Scotland’s four principal rivers.

Tip:
There are free one-hour tours run on weekdays from the lobby. The tours take place at 10:30am and 2:30pm – show up at least 30 mins early. You can also walk around yourself, but you'll have significant restrictions.