Lighthouse, Glasgow

During your visit to Glasgow, you'll likely come across mentions of the Lighthouse, and you might find it peculiar that a lighthouse stands in the city center, far from the sea. To quench your curiosity, the best course of action is to pay it a visit in person.

The structure was built in 1895 based on plans by the architect John Keppie, though it was actually his apprentice, Charles Mackintosh, who supervised the project as his inaugural public assignment. Consequently, many tend to overlook Keppie's role and attribute the building to Mackintosh.

In its past, the Lighthouse served as the offices and headquarters of the Glasgow Herald newspaper. Today, it is under the ownership of the Glasgow City Council, which has transformed it into a hub focused on architecture, design, and the city itself.

The primary objective of this center is to facilitate an understanding of the relationship between architecture, the creative industry, and design through various exhibitions and interactive displays. Spread across six floors, the center offers a substantial 6000 square meters of exhibition space and hosts twelve local and three international exhibitions each year.

The first floor is dedicated to education and includes a computer laboratory, workshops, and a "Wee People's City." This play area is designed specifically for 8 to 13-year-olds and aims to foster comprehension of building and design through interactive activities. It offers an enjoyable experience for children as they embark on a journey of investigation, exploration, and discovery within the city context.

The Lighthouse features a viewing platform situated atop the Mackintosh Tower, accessible from the third floor via a spiral staircase. For those who prefer to avoid climbing stairs, there's an alternative viewpoint on the sixth floor that can be reached by elevator.