The Lighthouse in Glasgow doesn’t just take visitors into the world of architecture – it also takes them up over the rooftops of the city.
Unfortunately, The Lighthouse has been closed since the pandemic. Its financial situation is unclear, as is the timing of any reopening.
Normally, finding a lighthouse is quite simple. It usually stands by the sea, rises above the surrounding landscape, and at night a beam of light rotates. The Lighthouse in Glasgow, on the other hand, is easy to miss. Its entrance lies in a narrow side lane off Glasgow’s shopping street, Buchanan Street.
So why is this place called The Lighthouse? It becomes clear once you cross the little lane and find yourself on Mitchell Street. Right on the corner of the lane and the street rises a red sandstone tower that does indeed resemble a lighthouse.
Looking up, however, reveals something else too: striking ornamentation that stands out from the usual style of Glasgow’s buildings. It’s considered the debut work of Glasgow’s most famous architect: Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
What is today The Lighthouse was built in 1895 as the publishing house for the newspaper The Herald. Its main building on Buchanan Street had become too small. The commission went to Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s employer at the time, Honeyman & Keppie. Alongside a steam engine for the printing presses, the new building was also to house a water tank of around 36,000 litres up on the tower.
Today, however, the building no longer houses a newspaper. Instead, it has been dedicated to its architect and his art. Inside is Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, with an exhibition on Charles Rennie Mackintosh too. And the great thing is: admission is free.
But even for those who aren’t into architecture, The Lighthouse has something to offer. The tower is open to visitors, and from there you get a fascinating view over the rooftops of Glasgow city centre.
Visitors can walk almost a full 360 degrees around and see all the different directions. One striking sight is the mosque-like tower.
This is actually the large chimney that once carried away the exhaust from the steam engine. It can also be seen from inside the building, by the way – its white bricks rise up towards a glass roof.
Inside The Lighthouse, new and old style elements meet skilfully, as you can see on the staircases and corridors.
If the fascination for this architecture has caught up with you by now, it’s well worth visiting the exhibitions. Classic Mackintosh designs can be seen here too.
There’s also another viewing platform here, and something to eat and drink at Café Doocot. The shop also sells interesting books on architecture and Glasgow.
The Lighthouse, in the heart of Glasgow, is therefore a hidden but fascinating attraction, with a beautiful view over the rooftops of Scotland’s largest city.
Getting there:
You could theoretically drive into the city, but given the parking and traffic situation, I’d advise against it. Glasgow is great to explore on foot or – as a good alternative – by City Sightseeing bus.