Glasgow Doors Open Days: Our 35th Anniversary!

Image: Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, 2024. Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.

The city of Glasgow is gearing up for an exciting celebration as Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival marks
its 35th year, inviting residents to discover the inside of buildings they’ve never seen before.

Running from September 16-22, and delivered annually by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust (GBPT),
this year’s festival is supported by Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Heritage Trust.

The 2024 festival programme promises a vibrant showcase of the city’s rich architectural and cultural
heritage with a special focus on the theme “We’re All Here”: Diversity & Diaspora.

Over 100 buildings and special places – some of which are rarely open to the public – will throw open
their doors, including the mesmerising Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, Greyfriars’ Biophilic Garden and the
Glasgow Women’s Library.

Showcasing a rich diversity in design and history that reflects the varied communities that populate and
use them, the festival is set to attract a wide audience of ‘building baggers,’ families, curious
newcomers, Glasgow residents and visitors.

Sally Johnston, Festival and Events Manager at the GBPT, said: “We wanted to adapt the European
Heritage Days theme to resonate with Glasgow’s own cultural context and to celebrate the diverse
people and ideas that contribute to our city’s dynamic character.

“Inspired by European Heritage Days’ theme of “Routes, Networks and Connections,” this year’s theme
has been tailored to reflect Glasgow’s unique cultural heritage and will highlight how immigration and
emigration have shaped Glasgow throughout history into the multicultural hub it is today.”

“The festival is a huge community effort, with participants creating experiences in buildings, leading
heritage trails and hosting events that showcase this dynamic city. We have amazing Festival volunteers
who return year on year to provide vital support to help it run for the week and a small team at GBPT
who bring it all together.”

“It’s about honouring the people who have come to call this city home and the impact they have had on
shaping its vibrant culture. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable week of discovery and we’re
sure all of those who attend will have a new-found appreciation for Glasgow.”

“As the city continues its post-COVID revitalisation, Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival is also set to shine
a spotlight on the development of Sauchiehall Street as a Culture and Heritage District and celebrate the
resilience and diversity of Glasgow’s communities.”

Founded in 1982, GBPT is a charity that works to repair and repurpose historic buildings by converting
them for viable new uses. Since its inception, the organisation has saved more than 30 buildings,
including landmark church St Andrew’s in the Square in 2000, Kelvingrove Bandstand in 2014 and most
recently, Glasgow Green’s West Boathouse in 2022.

Sally added: “At Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, we collaborate with community groups, charities,
local authorities, and social enterprises to breathe new life into historic buildings. We take on some of
the most challenging projects that others are unwilling or unable to tackle.”

Image: Greyfriars Biophilic Community. 2024. Photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan.

“It’s hoped that following this year’s festival, attendees will walk away with a true understanding that all
places are shaped by the people who come and who leave and a tolerance for others, their cultures and
heritage and how great Glasgow is.”

Some of the building highlights, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s architectural and cultural
diversity, set to be open to the public during the festival include:

• Glasgow Women’s Library: Focusing on migrant women’s stories through the “She Settles in the
  Shields” exhibition.
• Greyfriars Biophilic Garden: A community garden atop an old gas works site, showcasing urban
  agriculture and community collaboration.
• Garnethill Multicultural Centre: A community-run centre hosting meals, dances, and cultural
  events, including the famous Garnethill Lion dance.
• Listen Gallery: A sound arts gallery, where listening is explored as a transformative act.
• Ottoman Coffee House: A family-run café in a historic building, once home to the Glasgow Music
  Society.
• Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre: Featuring mechanical sculptures created by Russian exiles, offering
  a unique theatrical experience.
• Springburn Shopping Centre: Pop-up gallery spaces as part of a wider project exploring the
  impact of planning and regeneration in the area.
  

The Festival Hub will return to the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre (The ARC) with
events taking place inside the building and in the adjoining outdoor St Mungo Square. The ARC will be
hosting film screenings, talks and exhibitions, and will collaborate with the university research
community. The ARC will also be host to Explorathon Festival, Scotland’s annual public engagement
research festival, over the weekend of 21 and 22 September, where there will be even more free events
to attend.

Look out for some showcase events in special places and a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the
refurbishment of Kelvingrove Bandstand as it continues to celebrate it’s 100th year.

David Cook, Director of GBPT, said:
“Though perhaps best known for rescuing and repurposing much loved historic buildings, we at Glasgow
Building preservation Trust are really proud to bring Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival to the city’s
residents and visitors every year.

Everyone who comes from Glasgow, or moves to the city from elsewhere, quickly feels like it’s their
city…that they own the place. Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival is the city’s opportunity to take that
sense of ownership at its word, look behind the scenes, and see into your favourite buildings and places.
We also strive to make sure that we reach out into all communities, to make this a city-wide, community led festival which allows people to explore the buildings, community groups, history and stories of their
place, their city.”

Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust said:
“As proud supporters of Glasgow Doors Open Days, we are thrilled to see the festival continue to not only
showcase our beautiful buildings but also tell the stories of the people who have shaped our city. This
year’s theme, celebrating diversity and diaspora, perfectly captures the spirit of Glasgow – a welcoming,
multicultural hub where history and modernity coexist. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity
to discover new aspects of Glasgow, and find a deeper appreciation for our shared cultural heritage.”