The Collection
Discover the variety of paintings and objects in our care
The City of Glasgow owns one of the finest museum collections in the world, covering a broad spectrum of art, human history, natural history and transport and technology. The collection began in the 1850s and now includes over a million objects.
Glasgow Museums Collections Navigator database
Collections Navigator websiteOur collection is recognised by the Scottish Government as a collection of national significance.
What is our museums collections Navigator database?
This is a digitised catalogue of most of the items in our collection. The information has been digitised from museum accession registers, the earliest of which dates from 1850.
Search the database
Our website has a number of keyword search options to help you. You will get objects, collection descriptions, exhibitions, archaeology sites and people records.
Arrange a viewing of an item
You can arrange to see objects from collections located at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre and not currently on display.
School topics and themes
Discover what items in our collections could help school projects and learning
Caring for over 5 million items, objects in our collection range from those made by ancient civilisations, to medieval tapestries, art by the French Impressionists and steam locomotives. The Collection is vast and offers fascinating insights into the lives of people around the world and through the centuries. Find out more below about how you can use the collection and how we manage it.
Using the Collection
Ways to engage with the objects and paintings
-
Research and enquiries
Find out more about our research facilities and how you can access them.
-
Copyright and reproduction
Find out more about permissions for individual and commercial purposes in our museums.
-
View our guidelines
Photography, filming and sketching in our museums
Managing the Collection
Our policies and guidelines
-
Repatriation and Restitution
Our policy on returning works from the collection
-
Collections Development
How we care for and develop the collections
-
Anti-Racism
Our approach to the legacies of slavery and empire
-
Lending and Borrowing
How to borrow or lend works from or to the Museums and Collections
-
Spoliation
The restitution of Nazi war loot
-
Donating to the collection
How to give items to Glasgow Museums
-
Immunity from Seizure
Immunity from Seizure (Temporary Grant)
Don't miss out!
Sign up for our Glasgow Life newsletter
We would love to keep you up to date with all the exciting news across Glasgow Life Museums.
Newsletter signup