Mitchell Library

Exhibition: Performing 19th Century Glasgow: Nation, Celebrity, Empire

Tickets: Free - Drop-in - no ticket required
Dates and times: Monday 18th Aug - Tuesday 30th Sept 2025
9:00am
Age: All ages
Venue: Mitchell Library

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The Mitchell Library presents an exhibition showcasing the city's vibrant theatrical culture between 1800 and 1900. Playbills, broadsides, chapbooks and plays from the Mitchell’s Special Collections, as well as a unique collection of illustrated playbills from the University of Glasgow Library's Special Collections, tell the story of our rich and varied theatrical landscape in an era that saw the city and its environs become an important hub for performers and a site of dramatic innovation and experimentation. The exhibition also features an interactive puppet theatre for children to perform their own plays, and a free craft activity with Victorian toy theatres.

Open during library opening hours from 18th August - 30th September 2025

Talk by Dr Deven Parker, Performing Race and Empire in Victorian Glasgow: Saturday 4th Oct 2025 at 11:30am

Image: Playbill for the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, 29 January 1851

Accessibility guides

Read the accessibility guide for The Mitchell Library on AccessAble

Read our autism-friendly guide to the Mitchell Library

We also have a supply of books in Braille, large print and audio.

Accessible toilets

This accessible toilet is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance. This accessible toilet is located to the rear right as you enter.

Assistance dogs

Guide and assistance dogs are welcome and a bowl of water can be provided.

Hearing loop

There is a fixed loop hearing assistance system.

This venue does not play background music.

Wheelchair access

There is a wheelchair to borrow. To borrow the wheelchair, please contact a member of staff.

Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Baby changing

Baby feeding

Cafe or restaurant

The Café is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4.15pm.

Click here to see the Café menu

Computers

PC's and printing services are available for public use.

Parking

Please note that there is on-street parking surrounding The Mitchell Library. This is metered from 8am-6pm. Monday to Friday. As this is a local residential area, please use these spaces considerately. Alternatively, there is a NCP Car Park on India Street next to Charing Cross Train Station which is a 2 minute walk away.

Photography and video recording

On occasion, Glasgow Life will be on the premises to film and take photos.

Free wifi

We provide free WIFI access and further access to over 50 PCs for public use

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