Description
The St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is a truly unique cultural space located in the historic heart of Glasgow. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Glasgow, offering a peaceful and thought-provoking environment where families can explore the world's major religions through art and artifacts. Built on the site of the medieval Castle of the Bishops of Glasgow, this museum is the only one of its kind in the world dedicated to all major world religions.
Admission is free for everyone, making it a fantastic high-value day out for families. While entry to the main galleries is free, some temporary exhibitions or special weekend workshops may occasionally carry a small fee.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines history, art, and an educational day out, St Mungo's provides a calm yet fascinating experience. The museum is designed to promote understanding and respect between different faiths, featuring interactive exhibits that engage children with big questions in a gentle, accessible way.
Detailed Inventory & Collections
- The St Mungo Museum houses an array of specific historical artifacts, religious icons, and meaningful artworks that explore how faith forms the core of daily human life.
- The Bronze Shiva Nataraja: A detailed, multi-armed visual representation of the Hindu deity Shiva executing the cosmic dance of creation and destruction within a ring of fire.
- The 15th-Century Ascension Alabaster Panel: An authentic, carved English alabaster table from the Burrell Collection depicting the Virgin Mary and the apostles watching Christ ascend.
- The Sabbath Candles Painting: A classic, evocative oil canvas by artist Dora Holzhandler that illustrates the traditional lighting of candles in a Jewish household.
- The Moses and Elijah Stained Glass Window: A soaring piece of authentic, salvaged 19th-century stained glass taken from a disused local parish church.
- The Srebrenica Memorial Canvas: A striking, solemn public artwork created by Scottish war artist Peter Howson to mark human rights struggles and remembrance.
- The New Scots Display Collection: A dedicated community exhibit showcasing physical everyday possessions, clothing, and books carried to Scotland by modern asylum seekers.
- The Statue of Ganesha: A carved stone sculpture of the elephant-headed Hindu deity of new beginnings, placed to guide visitors entering the cultural display spaces.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Because the venue is located directly within Glasgow’s historic medieval quarter, you can easily extend your trip with several family activities just a few footsteps away.
- Glasgow Cathedral: Located right across the stone courtyard, this stunning 12th-century structure features an atmospheric underground crypt dedicated to St Mungo.
- Provand’s Lordship: Sitting directly next door, this is the oldest surviving house in Glasgow, providing a look at domestic life from 1471.
- The Glasgow Necropolis: A striking, hill-top Victorian garden cemetery located just behind the cathedral that offers panoramic views over the city centre skyline.
- The Cathedral Square Precinct: A spacious, traffic-free public square directly outside the museum doors where children can run around safely.
New for 2026
- The museum is introducing fresh community projects, display installations, and updated visitor assets for the current season.
- The Heavenly Creatures Display: A newly refreshed gallery space displaying the historical evolution of angels within art, mainstream faith, and modern pop culture.
- Faith to Faith Community Forums: The formal return of live, interactive storytelling sessions where local faith representatives answer questions directly from families.
- The 2026 Digital BSL Guides: Brand new, high-definition British Sign Language video screens installed right at the main reception desk to provide seamless, accessible orientation.
- The Sustainable Garden Scheme: A newly updated, eco-friendly maintenance routine for the Zen Garden that introduces local moss varieties to lower environmental impact.
Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.
1.25 miles
