Thirty years ago, Glasgow did something rather bold. It took a neoclassical building on Royal Exchange Square — a former tobacco lord's mansion turned bank turned library — and reimagined it as one of Scotland's most ambitious contemporary art galleries.

The Gallery of Modern Art opened its doors in 1996, and the city hasn't looked back since. GoMA has welcomed millions of visitors, hosted everything from David Hockney to Banksy, and become as much a part of Glasgow's identity as the traffic cone perched on the Duke of Wellington's head outside.

Now, to mark its 30th anniversary, GoMA is inviting families to explore where it all began — with free Easter workshops inspired by the original artists who helped launch the gallery three decades ago.

What's On

The 30 Years of Art workshops run across the Easter holidays, with hands-on art projects themed around the four artists commissioned for GoMA's 1996 opening: Niki de Saint Phalle, whose glittering mirrored pediment still crowns the gallery's entrance; Adrian Wiszniewski; Iain Hamilton Finlay; and Tim Stead.

Each day brings a different project, so there's good reason to come back more than once. The sessions are aimed at children aged 5–11 and their families, and they're completely free — no booking required.

There's also a dedicated autism-friendly session on Wednesday 15th April at 10am, ahead of the main afternoon workshop.

When Exactly

Wednesday 8th April: 1:30–4pm
Tuesday 14th April: 1:30–4pm
Wednesday 15th April: 1:30–4pm
Thursday 16th April: 1:30–4pm

Note that the workshops don't run over the Easter weekend itself (9th–13th April), so plan accordingly.

Getting There

GoMA sits right in the heart of Glasgow on Royal Exchange Square (G1 3AH). It's a short walk from both Queen Street and Central stations, and Buchanan Street subway is just around the corner. Coming by bus? Buchanan Bus Station is less than ten minutes on foot.

The gallery is open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Friday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Entry is always free.

Eat and Refuel

GoMA has its own café serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks — handy for a post-workshop pit stop. For something more substantial, you're spoiled for choice: Royal Exchange Square sits in the heart of Glasgow's Merchant City, with plenty of family-friendly restaurants within a few minutes' walk.

Good to Know

The gallery has baby changing and feeding facilities, wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and welcomes assistance dogs. If you're visiting with a child with additional support needs, that autism-friendly workshop on the 15th is well worth noting.

Thirty years of art, four legendary artists, and a gallery that belongs to everyone. Not a bad way to spend the Easter holidays.