MACKINTOSH AT THE WILLOW
Mackintosh famously designed several tearooms in Glasgow for local businesswoman Catherine Cranston, with the first at 217 Sauchiehall Street. Sensitively restored to the original 1903 designs, visitors can once again enjoy afternoon tea in the tearoom and other refreshments in a choice of exquisite dining spaces at Mackintosh at the Willow. Learn more about Mackintosh on a guided tour, or by visiting the exhibition which explains more about his designs and collaborations with Miss Cranston. Make sure to visit the rooftop terrace for a drink, where you can spot a Mackintosh designed chimney.
THE LIGHTHOUSE
On Mitchell Lane you'll find one of Mackintosh's earliest buildings. Originally designed as the Glasgow Herald newspaper offices, now there is an interesting hybrid between Mackintosh and modern design, as the building was extended to create The Lighthouse. Home to Scotland's Centre for Design & Architecture, visitors can enjoy a stimulating programme of design-themed exhibitions as well as the fascinating Mackintosh Interpretation Centre, which provides a great introduction to his work. Climb the distinctive spiral staircase up the Mackintosh Tower for 360-degree views over the city centre and a truly 'Instagrammable' experience!
THE HILL HOUSE
Located just 45 minutes outside of Glasgow, Helensburgh is home to another stunning Mackintosh-designed property - The Hill House. This residential home is one of the most significant surviving complete works by Mackintosh, with original furniture and interior design as well as formal gardens designed in the Mackintosh style. Visitors also have the chance to get up close to its exterior and discover parts usually hidden by view in the 'Hill House Box', a protective structure which has been erected over the house to protect it from damage by rain. You can even venture onto the walkway over the roof for a truly unique experience!
MACKINTOSH QUEEN'S CROSS CHURCH
Queen's Cross Church opened in 1899 and is the only church designed by Mackintosh to be built. See the magnificent stained-glass windows which capture the light and the exceptional wood and stone carvings of this building. This little-known gem is just 10 minutes from the city centre and is a must-see for its blend of Gothic design with Mackintosh’s distinctive style. The church also hosts a regular programme of events including live music concerts.
HOUSE FOR AN ART LOVER
Not far from Glasgow city centre is the Mackintosh designed House for an Art Lover, in Bellahouston Park. The building was designed for a competition for an 'Art Lover's House' in 1901 but not built until 1989. As well as admiring the magnificent external design, explore breathtaking rooms with lavishly detailed interiors that are filled with recognisably Mackintosh motifs, including the often-photographed white Music Room. After exploring, browse the Art Lover's Shop or relax in the Art Lover's Cafe, and discover amazing sculptures by a variety of artists in the park around the house.
MACKINTOSH HOUSE
At the University of Glasgow's Hunterian Art Gallery is the Mackintosh House. Astonishingly, the home that Mackintosh shared with his wife at 6 Florentine Terrace has been meticulously reassembled at this site, ensuring the sequence of rooms exactly reflect the original. The house even shares the same views, as the original was only 100 metres away.
SCOTLAND STREET SCHOOL MUSEUM
Visit the beautiful building of Scotland Street School Museum, which is free to enter, to see impressive leaded glass towers and the magnificent tiled entrance hall. Once a functioning school, it now tells the story of education in Scotland from the late 19th century to the late 20th century, including reconstructed classrooms from across the years. There is also a room dedicated to Mackintosh, which explores how he had to adapt his usual style to fit the requirements of the School Board of Glasgow.