Glasgow Riverside museum by nuklr.dave is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Situated at the meeting point of the River Kelvin with the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, the Riverside Museum was envisioned as a place that would connect the city with the river. The open ends on either side form a channel linking the two. This connection is a nod to the former importance of the River Clyde as a place of shipbuilding and industry. The glass facades allow ample light inside.
This structure, finished in 2010 replaced the former Transportation Museum. With a newly expanded collection of 3,000 objects spanning subway cars, trains, vintage cars, skateboards, and even a stormtrooper the museum boasts something for everyone!
car003 by Mark Harkin is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Zaha Hadid Architects won out over 44 other entrants, 3 of which were Scottish. The building’s form, meant to resemble a wave or pleat feels appropriate next to the river. The Riverside Museum sits on the former site of the A&J Inglis Shipyard. This location allows the Glenlee, a sailboat owned by the Clyde Maritime Trust, and other visiting ships to berth right next to the museum.
In 2015 the Riverside Museum reported 1,131,814 visitors, making it the fifth most popular destination in Scotland!
To see more posts on the work of Zaha Hadid Architects click here. Or explore another crazy building here.
