City Chambers
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Sat at one end of George Square, I've always considered this building to be like some sort of Imperial Fortress, where the dark arts of running the city are performed. A building full of unspoken deals, sealed with handshakes in dark mahogany-panelled rooms.. Turns out I really like this place! Despite the imposing architecture of the facade & doorway, I was given a warm welcome as I barrelled through the revolving doors & into the reception area. The dark stone brick on the walls contrasts with the light, mosaic tiling on the floor and ceiling. The city's moto forms part of the main floor as you enter. Once inside, I was directed through into the hallway & staircase on the right side of the chambers. It's from this point that marble takes over. The main hallways are just covered in the stuff, carved into wall panels, curved archways, pillars etc. In one of the cabinets a replica of the weather vane from the top of Seville cathedral. Turns out it was a present from Sevilla FC to the city following their victory in the 2007 UEFA Cup, which was hosted by the city (Vamos!). Throughout the building, for your perusal, glass cabinets hold a selection of trinkets & trophies from down the years. Off the main staircases are a number of offices & meeting rooms, each seemingly supplied with its own set of cups & saucers. The enamelled wallpaper hints at both the age & decorating budget for the building! There's even a canteen, should the need for sustenance strike. At the other side of the first floor is what I assume to be the main reception hall. Given its enormity & the piano on a stage, I figure this is where the entertaining is done. Nice place it is too.. Lots of gold leaf decoration & chandeliers, there's even a bunch of murals painted on the walls. The top floor of the building stands in contrast to the heavy marble of the floors beneath. Large skylights provide a torrent of light from outside. With the decorated, ornamental ceilings, this floor feels positively palatial. On this floor are the portraits of the Lord Provosts of the city. Some of the sepia-tinting show the age (besides the outfits) of the photo's. One or two of the painted portraits have a slight spitting image quality to them. I hope it's the artist & not the subject! Overall I'd really recommend this place as a stop on a tour of Merchants City, or as a way to pass a gloomy afternoon. There's so much history from the city contained within the walls that you could easily pass an hour for two wandering the halls. There is a free tour which I'd suggest that you take if you want a more detailed picture of the building. I wouldn't suggest this as a place for young kids, there are too many stairs & other potential accidents lying in wait, plus it's not really setup to entertain..
I came here for business rather than pleasure as I had to get some irrelevant Uni form signed by a Justice Of The Peace who was kind enough to take a few minutes from fiddling his expenses account to help me out. The scale and grandeur of the place is utterly astonishing, but also quite poignant in a way that it highlights how the glory days of the city were quite clearly over a century ago. Again I didn't know about the free tour, but I'll likely take it up someday, and I suggest you do the same.
I stumbled upon the City Chambers quite by accident. On occasional weekends, this building is included in the Council's 'Open Glasgow' initiative, which means all Council-owned historical buildings are open for the day. This means that tourists, residents and general wanderers can head in for a snoop charge free. Although you can pop in to the City Chambers twice daily for a guided tour (at 10.30am and 2.30pm I am told), it was great to just be able to wander around the building uninhibited. If you're impressed by the arty looking sculptures in the entrance hall - then this trip bodes well for you as there are far more enticing things beyond it. My favourite is the magnificent (there is no other word!) marble staircase, that winds round the building in a huge spiral. Once inside, you'll find a whole host of intricately decorated ballrooms and function rooms. You'll also find the council room itself - which is definitely worth a snoop. I assume that it's still in use, but when we were there visitors could sit down on the benches and pretend to be debating, along with a stream of lucky people who got to sit down in the chair's chair. Unsurprisingly, there were photos aplenty. Now, if the ballrooms and the marble staircase weren't enough for you- you may be interested to know that they have really nice toilets. Everyone's a winner!
I've been admiring the building from the outside for quite some time, but it was only recently that I found out there were free tours available every day Mon-Fri and decided to go for one. Our tour guide was called Emma and she was absolutely hillarious (or at least I thought so), making the tour a lot of fun, but providing useful information as well. The interiors are quite spectacular, marble staircases and big fancy chandeliers. The tour takes about an hour and I think it's definitely worth it. I mean, where else will you get to sit on an authentic chair that Queen Victoria has sat on? Plus you get to learn a bit more about the way Glasgow city council works and see some beautiful architecture. So yes, definitely recommended for everyone who's at least a bit interested in those things.
Whether you're a visitor to Glasgow or a resident, the free tour of the Chambers is a must if you're a fan of beautiful buildings, art and some Glasgow history! I've visited the building a few times in the past for various events but taking the tour gives you a chance to stop and marvel at the spectacular interiors. The tours are free and take place Mon-Fri at 10.30am and 2.30pm, no need to book (unless you're bringing a large group) - just turn up. The building is truly a work of art. On the tour some of the things we got to see include the ornate three-storey white marble staircase (frequently used in film/TV productions and has doubled as the Vatican), the dark Spanish Mahogany panelled Council chamber room (where you can sit in the Lord Provost's chair), the banqueting hall with its magnificent vaulted ceiling and walls adorned with artwork by Glasgow Boys painters, the portrait gallery with portraits of Lord Provosts past and present, beautiful mosaic tilework, and more marble-ous staircases... Our guide Claire was informative and witty, explaining what goes on in the various parts of the building and telling amusing tales from the Chambers' past. Go and see it - it's a Glasgow treasure!
I've been in the main sections of the City Chambers for meetings but as today was Doors Open Day I couldn't resist the chance to have a good nosey about. I made a few videos of my experience - http://ktch.tv/2lCQ & http://ktch.tv/2lDt - and some viewers thought it was a religious building. I could see why they thought that with the marble staircases, decorated windows & gilt/plaster ceilings but it was built at a time of opulence. It was interesting sitting in the debating chamber, so old fashioned looking but so much history as well. They do have free daily tours so if you've time or are visiting please have a look.
It's remarkable how much time I've spent in George Square and quite literally overlooked this place. There's not much from the outside to rope you in, but inside, it's epic. A really outstanding building with guided tours twice a day that are as free as you would expect from the rest of Glasgows many museums and cultural highlights (ie, completely free). You can roam free in here though, which was my option when I ended up here the other week and had a nice quiet lovely afternoon. Didn't spend a penny either. A worthwhile venture.
The City Chambers is spectacular. There are few buildings as grand on the inside and outside in the UK. It would make five stars but for the fact that the council seem obsessed with underselling the potential tourist experience. I get this, it's a working a building and no one wants to work in a place hoaching with tourists. However, it's cultural importance to the city, means that more should be done to promote it as a destination. It's genuinely spectacular. Some of the art on the walls is world class and the architechture and decor is as spectacular as anything I've seen elsewhere.
Wonderfully opulent building which emphasises the wealth the city had when it was prospering in the late 19th century. Now home to Glasgow City Counil, the interior remarkably surpasses the exterior in terms of design. Marble staircases, stained glass, mosaic ceilings; it's all here. Indeed the whole set-up is complemented by the inclusion of trophies and awards given to the city by various bodies which are carefully peppered across the structure. A wander around here is a real education for Glaswegians and tourists alike. My only complaint is that organised tours only go ahead when enough people turn up. That means you're less likely to be granted access to all areas in the winter when fewer visitors are in the city.
Glasgow's stunning city chambers were always something of a mystery to me. I would walk past them almost every day and always take a second to admire the intricate details that make up the architecture of the home of Glasgow City Council. I finally got a glimpse at the inner sanctum when I met the city's Lord Provost in her office, a cavernous ornate room that looks out onto George Square. I got told off for sinking into a huge leather chair that I was told was "the Provost's seat". Evidence of how formal the inside of the chambers were. I visited the chambers again a few months ago and was disappointed to discover the daily guided tour was cancelled as only two people turned up.
I didn't even know you could get a tour around here, but you can - and it's free! At 10.30 every morning, a free tour around the city chambers commences. I went on it one day when I had a break in lectures from 10-1. (how annoying is that by the way!). The tour itself lasts about an hour, and the inside of the City Chambers is even more impressive than the exterior. The marble and gold leaf are testament to the wealth in the city back then. The tour guide was a scurrying wee man, full of facts and information he was clearly proud of having learned. It's definitely worth a visit - it's probably the best free thing you could do in Glasgow.
7 years ago
You won't get very far as we were sternly instructed that we could only tour the first floor. But it's a pretty building that dates to 1888. It's not old by Scottish standards. Heck, it's not even old by American standards. But it's worth a couple of photos if you're in Glasgow and killing some time. The square outside is more photogenic than this building though. read more
10 years ago
I've long admired the City Chambers from outside on George Square and I never knew until recently that you could take a tour of the building (I'll have to try to book one soon). The building is certainly impressive from the outside and, if anything, it's even more so from the inside. I was there for a civic reception. It turns out that Glasgow City Council is very keen to welcome guests to the city, especially if they're visiting in large numbers for a conference or some similar event. To make them welcome the offer civic receptions, which involve the opportunity to visit the City Chambers for a glass of wine or two and some (mercifully short but very kind) speeches by Glasgow officials. You can see why they go to the effort. Some people from outside the city still hold on to old views that it isn't a very nice place. Nothing could be more effective at dispelling that myth than exploring the huge halls and marble staircases of the City Chambers. read more
Free tours! Who doesn't love free stuff? Our guided tour of the positively palatial spaces hidden away inside Glasgow City Chambers was a real joy. Oh and did I mention it was also free? The tour took just under an hour, and from the moment I set foot through the revolving doors to the moment we said our goodbyes to the lovely tour guide, I was totally spellbound. The grand reception hall and loggia wouldn't have looked out of place in a Batman movie as Gotham City Chambers! We were told that the building has appeared in a number of movies and TV dramas, and that didn't surprise me one bit. I won't go into too much detail about what visitors will see so I don't spoilt the surprises, but just when I thought I couldn't be more impressed we would be taken into another equally jaw dropping room. I can't recommend this tour highly enough. They run twice a day on weekday mornings and afternoons (not weekends or bank holidays) and are occasionally cancelled due to civic events. Check the Glasgow City Council website which has a page dedicated to "Guided tours of the City Chambers" for more details. We were told that tours didn't need to be prebooked though numbers for each tour are limited, so get there in good time. Tip: Organisations, clubs, societies, travel groups etc can pre-book a group tour at a mutually agreeable time by phoning the City Chambers Duty Manager : 0141 287 4018 read more
Sat at one end of George Square, I've always considered this building to be like some sort of Imperial Fortress, where the dark arts of running the city are performed. A building full of unspoken deals, sealed with handshakes in dark mahogany-panelled rooms.. Turns out I really like this place! Despite the imposing architecture of the facade & doorway, I was given a warm welcome as I barrelled through the revolving doors & into the reception area. The dark stone brick on the walls contrasts with the light, mosaic tiling on the floor and ceiling. The city's moto forms part of the main floor as you enter. Once inside, I was directed through into the hallway & staircase on the right side of the chambers. It's from this point that marble takes over. The main hallways are just covered in the stuff, carved into wall panels, curved archways, pillars etc. In one of the cabinets a replica of the weather vane from the top of Seville cathedral. Turns out it was a present from Sevilla FC to the city following their victory in the 2007 UEFA Cup, which was hosted by the city (Vamos!). Throughout the building, for your perusal, glass cabinets hold a selection of trinkets & trophies from down the years. Off the main staircases are a number of offices & meeting rooms, each seemingly supplied with its own set of cups & saucers. The enamelled wallpaper hints at both the age & decorating budget for the building! There's even a canteen, should the need for sustenance strike. At the other side of the first floor is what I assume to be the main reception hall. Given its enormity & the piano on a stage, I figure this is where the entertaining is done. Nice place it is too.. Lots of gold leaf decoration & chandeliers, there's even a bunch of murals painted on the walls. The top floor of the building stands in contrast to the heavy marble of the floors beneath. Large skylights provide a torrent of light from outside. With the decorated, ornamental ceilings, this floor feels positively palatial. On this floor are the portraits of the Lord Provosts of the city. Some of the sepia-tinting show the age (besides the outfits) of the photo's. One or two of the painted portraits have a slight spitting image quality to them. I hope it's the artist & not the subject! Overall I'd really recommend this place as a stop on a tour of Merchants City, or as a way to pass a gloomy afternoon. There's so much history from the city contained within the walls that you could easily pass an hour for two wandering the halls. There is a free tour which I'd suggest that you take if you want a more detailed picture of the building. I wouldn't suggest this as a place for young kids, there are too many stairs & other potential accidents lying in wait, plus it's not really setup to entertain.. read more
16 years ago
I came here for business rather than pleasure as I had to get some irrelevant Uni form signed by a Justice Of The Peace who was kind enough to take a few minutes from fiddling his expenses account to help me out. The scale and grandeur of the place is utterly astonishing, but also quite poignant in a way that it highlights how the glory days of the city were quite clearly over a century ago. Again I didn't know about the free tour, but I'll likely take it up someday, and I suggest you do the same. read more
16 years ago
I stumbled upon the City Chambers quite by accident. On occasional weekends, this building is included in the Council's 'Open Glasgow' initiative, which means all Council-owned historical buildings are open for the day. This means that tourists, residents and general wanderers can head in for a snoop charge free. Although you can pop in to the City Chambers twice daily for a guided tour (at 10.30am and 2.30pm I am told), it was great to just be able to wander around the building uninhibited. If you're impressed by the arty looking sculptures in the entrance hall - then this trip bodes well for you as there are far more enticing things beyond it. My favourite is the magnificent (there is no other word!) marble staircase, that winds round the building in a huge spiral. Once inside, you'll find a whole host of intricately decorated ballrooms and function rooms. You'll also find the council room itself - which is definitely worth a snoop. I assume that it's still in use, but when we were there visitors could sit down on the benches and pretend to be debating, along with a stream of lucky people who got to sit down in the chair's chair. Unsurprisingly, there were photos aplenty. Now, if the ballrooms and the marble staircase weren't enough for you- you may be interested to know that they have really nice toilets. Everyone's a winner! read more
10 years ago
I've been admiring the building from the outside for quite some time, but it was only recently that I found out there were free tours available every day Mon-Fri and decided to go for one. Our tour guide was called Emma and she was absolutely hillarious (or at least I thought so), making the tour a lot of fun, but providing useful information as well. The interiors are quite spectacular, marble staircases and big fancy chandeliers. The tour takes about an hour and I think it's definitely worth it. I mean, where else will you get to sit on an authentic chair that Queen Victoria has sat on? Plus you get to learn a bit more about the way Glasgow city council works and see some beautiful architecture. So yes, definitely recommended for everyone who's at least a bit interested in those things. read more
10 years ago
Whether you're a visitor to Glasgow or a resident, the free tour of the Chambers is a must if you're a fan of beautiful buildings, art and some Glasgow history! I've visited the building a few times in the past for various events but taking the tour gives you a chance to stop and marvel at the spectacular interiors. The tours are free and take place Mon-Fri at 10.30am and 2.30pm, no need to book (unless you're bringing a large group) - just turn up. The building is truly a work of art. On the tour some of the things we got to see include the ornate three-storey white marble staircase (frequently used in film/TV productions and has doubled as the Vatican), the dark Spanish Mahogany panelled Council chamber room (where you can sit in the Lord Provost's chair), the banqueting hall with its magnificent vaulted ceiling and walls adorned with artwork by Glasgow Boys painters, the portrait gallery with portraits of Lord Provosts past and present, beautiful mosaic tilework, and more marble-ous staircases... Our guide Claire was informative and witty, explaining what goes on in the various parts of the building and telling amusing tales from the Chambers' past. Go and see it - it's a Glasgow treasure! read more
I've been in the main sections of the City Chambers for meetings but as today was Doors Open Day I couldn't resist the chance to have a good nosey about. I made a few videos of my experience - http://ktch.tv/2lCQ & http://ktch.tv/2lDt - and some viewers thought it was a religious building. I could see why they thought that with the marble staircases, decorated windows & gilt/plaster ceilings but it was built at a time of opulence. It was interesting sitting in the debating chamber, so old fashioned looking but so much history as well. They do have free daily tours so if you've time or are visiting please have a look. read more
It's remarkable how much time I've spent in George Square and quite literally overlooked this place. There's not much from the outside to rope you in, but inside, it's epic. A really outstanding building with guided tours twice a day that are as free as you would expect from the rest of Glasgows many museums and cultural highlights (ie, completely free). You can roam free in here though, which was my option when I ended up here the other week and had a nice quiet lovely afternoon. Didn't spend a penny either. A worthwhile venture. read more
11 years ago
The City Chambers is spectacular. There are few buildings as grand on the inside and outside in the UK. It would make five stars but for the fact that the council seem obsessed with underselling the potential tourist experience. I get this, it's a working a building and no one wants to work in a place hoaching with tourists. However, it's cultural importance to the city, means that more should be done to promote it as a destination. It's genuinely spectacular. Some of the art on the walls is world class and the architechture and decor is as spectacular as anything I've seen elsewhere. read more
16 years ago
Wonderfully opulent building which emphasises the wealth the city had when it was prospering in the late 19th century. Now home to Glasgow City Counil, the interior remarkably surpasses the exterior in terms of design. Marble staircases, stained glass, mosaic ceilings; it's all here. Indeed the whole set-up is complemented by the inclusion of trophies and awards given to the city by various bodies which are carefully peppered across the structure. A wander around here is a real education for Glaswegians and tourists alike. My only complaint is that organised tours only go ahead when enough people turn up. That means you're less likely to be granted access to all areas in the winter when fewer visitors are in the city. read more
16 years ago
Glasgow's stunning city chambers were always something of a mystery to me. I would walk past them almost every day and always take a second to admire the intricate details that make up the architecture of the home of Glasgow City Council. I finally got a glimpse at the inner sanctum when I met the city's Lord Provost in her office, a cavernous ornate room that looks out onto George Square. I got told off for sinking into a huge leather chair that I was told was "the Provost's seat". Evidence of how formal the inside of the chambers were. I visited the chambers again a few months ago and was disappointed to discover the daily guided tour was cancelled as only two people turned up. read more
12 years ago
17 years ago
I didn't even know you could get a tour around here, but you can - and it's free! At 10.30 every morning, a free tour around the city chambers commences. I went on it one day when I had a break in lectures from 10-1. (how annoying is that by the way!). The tour itself lasts about an hour, and the inside of the City Chambers is even more impressive than the exterior. The marble and gold leaf are testament to the wealth in the city back then. The tour guide was a scurrying wee man, full of facts and information he was clearly proud of having learned. It's definitely worth a visit - it's probably the best free thing you could do in Glasgow. read more
The thought of having a tour of this place kind of bores me to tears, but I have been in it a good few times for events and even to observe a council meeting, which was quite boring and uneventful, and reminded me why I didn't want to have anything to do with politics in my career. Starched suits, no thanks. It is undoubtedly a beautiful structure, inside and out. You could easily get lost in there, so maybe a tour would be the best way to see it all without needing a Sat Nav. I always feel a bit like a pauper when I go in, as if you should really be wearing a suit or ball-gown when you enter. Nice for the tourists, and worth a wee peek in if you're a local. read more
9 years ago
10 years ago
13 years ago
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8 years ago
City Chambers - landmarks - Updated May 2026
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