Top 10 Amazing Facts about the Riverside Museum, Glasgow

Top 10  Amazing Facts about the Riverside Museum, Glasgow

The Magnificent Riverside Museum located at the banks of River Clyde was built where the Inglis Shipyard was originally built. The museum was opened in 2011 to showcase the technologies and modes of transportation that were used in the mid 20th century. The museum which is built to accommodate 10,000 people is a hub of activities.
The place is rich in history and culture and thus attracts history enthusiasts who are eager to know more about the events of the past. Here are ten facts about the Riverside Museum that will intrigue and expand the knowledge of the reader.

1. The museum does not charge an entrance fee

The front side of Riverside Museum by Robert Powell-Wikimedia

To ensure that all members of the community can interact with the exhibits displayed at the museum, Riverside Museum does not charge an entrance fee to admit people to the historic site. However, it accepts donations made by the public. The donations can be made online or at the museum to manage the museum. The museum opens from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Thursday and also Saturday. On Fridays and Sundays, the museum is open to the public from 11 am to 5 pm. This means that a visitor can plan their schedule and pick a day and time that suits them well.

2. The museum was designed by Zaha Hadid

Riverside museum by Ronnie Macdonald-Wikimedia

The museum was designed by Zaha Hadid who is a British-Iraqi architect. Zaha was famous for her radical deconstructive designs which set her apart from other architects in the field. The museum features a zigzagging roof that has patinated zinc panels. There are straps of light in the seams of the underside of the roof. This makes for an interesting design that tourists get attracted to while visiting the museum.

3. The design of the building carries a deeper meaning

The design explores the cultural foundations that the city has and which role they play in future possibilities. Glasgow has rich engineering traditions that are reflected in the design in that material authenticity and the combination of structural ingenuity with geometric complexity portray the true traditions of the city as they were advanced in maritime technology. This means that the design of the museum was tailored to suit the purpose it was to serve and thus make it more meaningful.

4. Riverside Museum features more than 3000 exhibits

Exhibits at the museum. Picture by Glen Bowman-Wikimedia

The museum is huge and allows it to accommodate a variety of exhibits. The museum features things like skateboards, bicycles, cars and motorcycles. If one is a fan of cars, then they will enjoy a visit to the Riverside Museum in that it has a section known as the wall of cars where they have been placed on platforms that are attached to the wall. This clever way of displaying the collections found in the museum attracts the tourists as they know that they will not miss a display.

5. Educational group visits

The museum allows for schools to have educational visits which are self-guided. This feature equips students with essential knowledge of the history of transport and technology. Additionally, the visits give them a chance to make memorable memories with friends as they explore different exhibits found at the museum.

Furthermore, an educational visit can prompt the learner to develop an interest in technology, architecture or transport and thus allow them to have a career path that they can follow.

6. Events at the museum

European Championships at Riverside Museum by CutKiller 2018-Wikimedia

The museum hosts several events that bring the community together and promote community development through interactions. Some of the notable events held in Riverside Museum include Riverside Festival which showcases Scotland’s electronic music and it spans three days.

Additionally, there is Men’s 10K Glasgow which is a run that helps raise health awareness among men. The Glasgow Science Festival is also held at the Riverside Museum. This festival brings together research teams from six universities presenting different areas that are essential to technological development. These events are crucial in community relations and development.

7. The museum had a restaurant

Visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea at the restaurant found at the museum. The restaurant offers good food at an affordable price and thus ensuring that the visitors enjoy their meals while they stay within their budget. Additionally, the restaurant staff offers good service. Since service is part of the dining experience, the visitors get professional staff who can see to their needs efficiently.

8. The Glasgow City Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund gave £69 million used to build the museum

Riverside Museum by Editor 5991-Wikimedia

To facilitate the building of the museum, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Glasgow City Council committed £69 million to the project. This huge sum covered most of the cost as the total cost used to construct the museum was £74 million. The remaining £5 million was contributed through the Riverside Museum Appeal where companies, trusts and individuals sent their donations.

9. The museum has a private car park

For visitors who do not like public transport, the museum has a private car park where they can take their car and park at the museum’s parking lot. The parking lot is managed by city parking and it charges £5.

Additionally, having a private car is also ideal for tourists travelling to the museum with kids in that they would make themselves comfortable as travelling with kids can be hard.

10.  Riverside Museum Glasgow Funfair

The museum hosts a funfair that gives families a chance to enjoy themselves. The free fairground features stalls, rides, a carousel, food and candyfloss. This event allows families from low-income backgrounds to treat their children and bond while they are having fun and thus making it a crucial event in the community.