GoMA has turned 30

Gareth James, March 2026
A city street is viewed between two large stone columns, with an equestrian statue centered in the foreground. The rider on the statue has two orange traffic cones placed on their head, creating a humorous contrast with the otherwise grand scene. Historic and modern buildings line the busy street behind it, where pedestrians and cars move through the urban settin
View from the window, 2026

Looking out of the window of the busy office I’m fortunate to share with the GoMA team, I know I have one of the best and most unusual views in Glasgow – gazing out on the backside of the be-coned statue of the Duke of Wellington and his horse Copenhagen.  The statue with its self-perpetuating traffic cone hat has become a way for tourists to navigate the city and for GoMA’s iconic façade to be captured in the background of millions of photographs.  I can neither confirm or deny that I have ever placed a pomposity-pricking cone on the Duke but I imagine it takes an equal combination of agility and courage to put one up!

GoMA has turned 30 – in human terms it’s not even entered middle-age – and during those 30 years it’s certainly crammed a whole lot in!  At a moment of much precarity for art, culture and heritage in the city we reflect on how fortunate we are as an institution to exist and welcome all through our fabulous golden doors.  Opening to some controversy over its displays in 1996 all space was given over to contemporary and modern art and craft commissions.  The library that had been housed in the building moved to nearby Miller Street but returned to the basement in 2002.  GoMA has been able to draw upon a great collection of post-1945 works that the city owns and also commission and present the works of local, national and international artists.  Alongside this we have worked with local groups and charities, families, schools, students and marginalised communities to develop associated programmes of workshops, performances and activities. 

Architectural details of GoMA

An upward view of a classical stone column with fluted sides and an ornate Corinthian capital decorated with carved acanthus leaves and scrolls. Above it, the entablature features intricate floral patterns, dentils, and layered moulding, all captured from a low angle that emphasizes the structure’s height and elaborate craftsmanship.
Architectural detail of the GoMA building © Gavin McCourt
A neoclassical building’s pediment decorated with a colorful mosaic featuring symbolic figures, shapes, and animals sits above a stone façade with gold lettering. Above the pediment, a clock tower rises with a round clock face showing the time around 10:10.
GoMA's recognisable tympanum with artwork depicting St Mungo by Niki de Saint Phalle and the inscribed lettering of the David Kindersley workshop.
An ornate interior with three tall arched windows draped in sheer curtains, allowing a view of a building outside. Decorative columns, gold-accented moldings, and an intricately detailed ceiling frame the space, all illuminated by warm light that highlights the classical architectural details.
Detail of Gallery 1 in GoMA © Gavin McCourt

GoMA is part of Glasgow Life (the charity that provides culture and sport in Glasgow) and we are here to fulfil the mission of improving people's mental and physical wellbeing through culture and sport.  We aim to bring economic benefits and social impact to the city and enhance its reputation as a great place to live, work, learn, and visit.

Entering one’s thirties is a time for reflection but also a moment to look ahead.  The exhibitions and programmes that we provide aim to help us all to live well in the city – even if you’re just passing through.  Modern and contemporary art, culture and heritage are a key part of this.  The GoMA team are custodians of this great art collection and architecturally renowned building on behalf of the citizens of - and visitors to - Glasgow.  We are able to interpret the artworks and the building with care and strive to more readily represent the expanding demographic of the city.

A group of twelve people stand together in a brightly painted room with colorful murals on the walls and ceiling. They wear name badges and smile toward the camera. In front of them are blue tables holding a chocolate cake and decorated cupcakes, suggesting a celebration. A staircase and vibrant artwork fill the background, creating a lively, creative atmosphere
GoMA team with cakes marking 30 years of GoMA

GoMA has many inter-linked cogs that keep this fabulous machine whirring!  Gallery assistants, learning assistants, cleaners, operations managers, curators, technicians, electricians, joiners, conservators, editors, designers, programmers, and collections, loans, marketing, administration, retail, library and café colleagues and, of course, all the artists and practitioners that have graced us with their works, insights, performances and support.  To our visitors and audiences it may appear that we’re gliding across the surface effortlessly, but rest assured we are paddling away furiously to produce the impressive array of work and experiences that we provide.  Increasingly, in a time of stretched resources, I marvel at the ingenuity and resilience of my colleagues and salute how much care and love goes in to all that we do.

As Francis McKee, former Director of Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), reminded us of when he stepped down from his post recently, “Galleries are mirrors that reflect our lives.”  During my decade at the helm of a wonderful team and this great institution I have become increasingly aware of my privilege – I’m so lucky and honoured to have the role I hold.  I also want to use this privilege to allow GoMA to work in solidarity with those that are marginalised in our society. I hope that over the next 30 years (and beyond) GoMA continues to be a place where visitors can see themselves, are inspired and challenged, find warmth, refuge and creativity and want to return to again and again.

 

Gareth James

Museum Manager, GoMA and Kelvin Hall