Riverside Museum opened its doors to the public for the first time at 10am on 21 June 2011. The opening ceremony was conducted by Glasgow City Council Leader, Gordon Matheson, who smashed a bottle of champagne on the side of the building as befits the latest launch on the Clyde.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming people to Glasgow’s latest star attraction. The Riverside Museum is a breathtaking new home for our internationally renowned transport collection. The exhibits inside this magnificent new building have been given a further lease of life thanks to some stunning new displays that not only show off the trains, cars, trams and bikes but also tell the stories of the people who made them, bought them, used them and loved them.
“Having The Tall Ship berthed right outside adds even further incentive to take a visit to enjoy Glasgow’s transport treasures. This project gives Glasgow an iconic new building, a new museum that further highlights the city’s rich heritage and continues our ambition to be at the forefront of the cultural and tourist markets in Britain and a destination that we can all be rightly proud of.”
The museum reveals the rich and varied stories of Glasgow’s great achievements and vibrant spirit; of technological breakthroughs and heartbreaking tragedies; of local heroes and global giants. Many of these tales are told through audiovisual displays, hands-on interactive and digital touch screens. The displays will be accessible and many are designed to engage children and young people and to give a better experience for disabled visitors.