Mitchell Library
Exhibition: Performing 19th Century Glasgow: Nation, Celebrity, Empire
- THIS EVENT HAS EXPIRED
- Tickets
-
Free - Drop-in - no ticket required
- Dates and times
-
Monday 18th Aug - Thursday 16th Oct 2025
Check venue opening times
- Age
- All ages
- Venue
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 - 16th October 2025
Image: Playbill for the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, 29 January 1851
Accessibility guides
The accessible entrance to The Mitchell Library is on Granville Street.
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 located on the ground floor and open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4.15pm.
Click here to see the Café menu
Computers
PC, printing and photocopying services are available for public use.
Photocopying: Cash only. Black and white: A4 - 16p, A3 - 30p. Colour: A4 - £1, A3 - £2. Costs are per sheet.
Printing: A4 black and white - 15p. A4 colour - £1. Costs are per sheet.
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.
Study spaces
Study desks available on Levels 2, 3 & 4, with free Wi-Fi throughout. Most desks are for one person, but there are two group study desks located on Level 3.
Study carrels are available to book.
Free wifi
We provide free WIFI access and further access to over 50 PCs for public use
Location Map
A range of free and accredited digital skills courses designed to suit you. From the basics to help get you back in to work to coding for a career boost, Glasgow Code Learning is learning that fits your lifestyle. View our courses and session times.
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Mitchell Library