Specialist Tour | The Silk Road between Japan and Glasgow
- Tickets
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Free
- Dates and times
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Tuesday 5th May 2026
2:30pm
- Age
- All ages
The Vienna World’s Fair of 1873 introduced Europeans to a new pure silk fabric.
A year earlier, in 1872, the Meiji government established the Tomioka Silk Mill, one of Japan’s first modern silk reeling factories. The Tomioka silk it produced impressed audiences at the World Fair, and the name “Tomioka silk” quickly spread throughout Europe.
A Japanese gift to Glasgow included a sample of the raw silk from the new factory. Today, the Tomioka Silk Mill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Textile industry was one of the first to be mechanised in Japan, with changes staggered during the Meiji era (1868-1912), deliberately modifying the production of different silk fibres.
At the time, Nishijin-ori artisans responded rapidly. In 1872, the Kyoto Prefecture government sent three weavers to Lyon, France, to acquire pioneering techniques and knowledge. Upon their return, they introduced the Jacquard loom to Japan for the first time. Woven textiles produced in the Nishijin area of Kyoto are known as Nishijin-ori. They feature brilliantly dyed silk interwoven with lavish gold and silver threads into complex patterns.
Join Dr Yupin Chung, Curator of East Asian Art, for a special tour looking at exquisite items from the 1878 Japanese Government Gift, including our fabulous collection of silk.
FREE but limited to 15 spaces. Book your place by emailing glmuseumsadminbookingshub@glasgowlife.org.uk with the name and date of the tour your would like to attend.
Image: Detail of silk brocade, Kyoto, Japan 1878.169.fv © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection
Accessibility guides
Read the accessibility guide for GMRC on AccessAble Glasgow Museums Resource Centre | AccessAble
Accessible toilets
Approximately 14m from the main entrance. Available during opening hours. No key required. Situated on the ground floor near reception and on tour routes around building.
Assistance dogs
Hearing loop
Hearing loop available within venue.
You can also visit our British Sign Language and International Sign Video Library here to watch a welcome video for every Glasgow Museum. Glasgow Museums Resource Centre BSL and International Sign video - Glasgow Life
Wheelchair access
There is wheelchair access to all public areas using the lifts.
Baby changing
Baby Changing is available on the ground floor near to reception.
Baby feeding
Cloakroom
Free lockers available to visitors.
Parking
Free car parking is available on site, including 5 designated accessible bays.
Photography and video recording
Free wifi
Location Map
View Glasgow Museums Resource Centre (GMRC) on Google Maps.
Use Traveline Scotland to plan your trip
By Train
GMRC is a short walk from Nitshill train station, and can be reached by turning right onto Nitshill Road and walking under the bridge towards Wiltonburn Road on your right. Turn right again onto Woodhead Road. Trains run regularly between Nitshill and Glasgow Central train station.
By Bus
First Bus service 57 stops near the venue.
GMRC has achieved a Silver Award from Visit Scotland's Green Tourism scheme.
For more information and to download our Environmental & Social Responsibility Policy, click here.
To download our Visitor Charter for 2025, click here.