Gallery of Modern Art Behind Scenes

A monthly 60-minute behind-the-scenes tour led by GoMA volunteers providing access to conservation workshops and collection storage areas not normally open to the public. Participants learn how museums preserve artworks and manage contemporary collections. The tour includes hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to see pieces in various conservation stages. Limited to 15 participants, making it intimate and interactive for art professionals and curious visitors. Best for Art professionals and curious minds. This is a moderate activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: max 15. You meet at GoMA Queen Street entrance. Key highlights: Access to conservation workshop with live restoration work, Behind-the-scenes storage facility tour rarely open to public, Hands-on demonstrations of conservation materials and techniques.

Price: £8

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: max 15

Minimum age: 14+

Best for: Art professionals and curious minds

Best time: First Saturday of each month, typically 10am or 2pm slot. Book several weeks ahead as only 15 spots available. Best time to attend is autumn (September-November) when new exhibitions are being prepared.

Meeting point: GoMA Queen Street entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00am (First Saturday of month, typical start) Gather at Queen Street entrance - Small group assembles and volunteer introduces the day's behind-the-scenes focus.

10:05am - 10:20am Tour public galleries quickly - Walk through current exhibitions to understand what visitors see versus behind-the-scenes preparation.

10:20am - 10:40am Visit conservation workshop - See conservators working on artwork restoration with detailed explanation of techniques and materials used.

10:40am - 10:55am Enter collection storage area - View carefully preserved artworks stored in climate-controlled conditions with information on cataloguing and preservation.

10:55am - 11:00am Q&A with conservators or volunteers - Ask specific questions about conservation ethics, acquisition, and day-to-day museum operations.

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at GoMA Queen Street entrance.

• Access to conservation workshop with live restoration work
• Behind-the-scenes storage facility tour rarely open to public
• Hands-on demonstrations of conservation materials and techniques
• Intimate group size (max 15 people) allowing detailed conversation
• Volunteer-led ensures personal, non-commercial perspective
• Accessibility: Limited accessibility in storage areas - some tight spaces and stairs. Not wheelchair accessible in conservation workshop. Contact operator at least 2 weeks in advance if you have mobility concerns.

What is included: Volunteer-led behind-the-scenes tour, Access to restricted areas (conservation and storage), Demonstrations with conservators.

Not included: Food and beverages, Public gallery entry (included in tour but not separately ticketed), Photography in restricted areas. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Notepad for notes, Camera for public gallery photos only. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: First Saturday of each month, typically 10am or 2pm slot. Book several weeks ahead as only 15 spots available. Best time to attend is autumn (September-November) when new exhibitions are being prepared..

Tip: Limited to 15 people

Tip: First Saturday of month only

Accessibility: Limited accessibility in storage areas - some tight spaces and stairs. Not wheelchair accessible in conservation workshop. Contact operator at least 2 weeks in advance if you have mobility concerns..

Operator: GoMA Volunteers | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 0141 287 2720

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Glasgow Cathedral (8 min walk)
• Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre (10 min walk)

This activity is run by GoMA Volunteers.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Non-refundable. Cancellations accepted up to 7 days before tour. No refunds within 7 days..

Accessibility: Limited accessibility in storage areas - some tight spaces and stairs. Not wheelchair accessible in conservation workshop. Contact operator at least 2 weeks in advance if you have mobility concerns..

Best time to go: First Saturday of each month, typically 10am or 2pm slot. Book several weeks ahead as only 15 spots available. Best time to attend is autumn (September-November) when new exhibitions are being prepared..

How do I book the Gallery of Modern Art behind-the-scenes tour?

Tours run the first Saturday of each month and must be booked in advance online through the Glasgow Museums website or by phone at 0141 287 2720. Spots are strictly limited to 15 people and fill quickly, so book 3-4 weeks ahead when possible. Confirmation email will arrive 1 week before the tour.

What is included in the £8 behind-the-scenes tour price?

The £8 price includes the 60-minute guided tour, access to conservation workshop and storage areas normally closed to the public, and volunteer-led demonstrations. Gallery entry to public exhibitions is also included but no additional materials or souvenirs are provided.

Can I take photos in the conservation workshop during the tour?

Photography is not permitted in the conservation workshop or storage areas to protect artworks and ongoing restoration work. However, you may photograph public galleries during the initial portion of the tour. The volunteer will clarify restrictions at the start.