House for an Art Lover
House for an Art Lover
4.5
Art GalleriesHistoric SitesArchitectural Buildings
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901 and built in the attractive setting of Bellahouston Park in the 1990s, House for an Art Lover allows the visitor an insight into Mackintosh's renowned talent not just as an architect, but as a an artist, designer and pioneer of the Modern Movement. The venue runs regular arts themed events and is home to the popular Art Lover's Cafe.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Address
Neighborhood: South Side
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See what travelers are saying
  • Stephen S
    New Ash Green, United Kingdom1,962 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Surprisingly enjoyable
    Surprisingly enjoyable. We arranged to meet family at the cafe here - beautiful scrambled egg and smoked salmon brunch - and then decided to tour the museum. It was an eye-opener! The attention to detail Macintosh put into his work was amazing. It was a wet grey day when we visited so we weren’t able to enjoy the grounds and sculptures properly but on a fine day that would be a pleasant feature.
    Thanks for visiting Steve, we are glad to hear that it was a pleasant surprise for you, and the impromptu House tour was a success!
    Written May 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 22, 2023
  • GR89
    Glasgow, United Kingdom27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Most Wonderful Wedding Venue
    My partner and I got married here in March 2023, and I can't honestly describe just how perfect everything was. From the first visit and subsequent booking in July 2021, throughout the planning process with Emily (which was seamless at every turn) right up to the day itself, we are so delighted we chose HAL as our venue and wouldn't have changed anything looking back. Our guests were so complimentary on the gorgeous venue and had nothing but praise. The decor is beautiful and unique whilst being quintessentially Glasgwegian and easily accessible from the city centre. The food was exceptional both at the canapés and during the evening meal, and the drinks flowed all night. The staff during the wedding day are superb, always at hand and keeping everything running but never imposing. Cristos was amazing as our Master of Ceremonies, as we had a few particular requests and ideas that he just took under his wing to ensure they happened. We are so delighted to have our beautiful wedding venue just a short drive away in our home city. We will be back for lunches and visits on a regular basis, as the venue and the fabulous staff really just helped make the day so special. If you are thinking of eating there, you'll be delighted. If you are thinking of having your wedding there, we can't recommend them enough. Thank you so much, HAL!
    Thank you so much for your kind words Greig, it was our absolute pleasure to look after you both, with all of your guests, for your wedding day celebrations. We very much appreciate you choosing to book the House, and are delighted to hear that we helped to create the day of your dreams. Many thanks for your recommendation, and very best wishes for married life from Emily and all of the team at HAL!
    Written May 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 30, 2023
  • Dorothy G
    York, United Kingdom40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing building
    Absolutely loved this place. The whole building and all the decorations are amazing. We were lucky that the sun was shining when we visited and the Music Room with the sun coming in through the windows was stunning. I love Rennie Mackintosh designs so really enjoyed it but I think anybody would appreciate the work and care that has gone into this building.
    Thank you for your kind comments, and for taking the tie to let other know about your visit. We are glad you enjoyed it!
    Written May 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 3, 2023
  • George1507
    59 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic afternoon
    If you love intricate design and architecture and wonderful craftsmanship, this place is a must to visit. There's an admission charge, but it's well worth it. There's an audio tour to help you understand what you are looking at. It's Charles Rennie Mackintosh's masterpiece made real, long after his death. It's a fantastic house, and while the design was obviously brilliant, you have to compliment the builders for creating his vision in bricks and stone and plaster. The house is enormous, light floods in through the south facing windows and it's full of intricate and beautiful designs. There's a tea shop, and gift shop downstairs. Just go. You won't regret it.
    Thank you so much for your lovely review George, we are delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for your recommendation!
    Written May 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 3, 2023
  • Mary M
    Exeter, United Kingdom64 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A vision made real
    This house has to be seen to be believed. From drawings submitted for a competition, to the vision of Graham Roxburgh we are privileged to see this beautiful house brought to life. Now used as a wedding venue and with artists' spaces and a cafe, even if the house is not open there is still lots to see. If you want to visit the interior of the house, check online first to make sure it is not closed for private events.
    Many thanks for your comments Mary, its wonderful to hear that you enjoyed visiting the House - thank you for your comments! We definitely advise checking the opening times to anyone coming along.
    Written July 13, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Written May 19, 2023
  • Bill F
    174 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thanks for a making our Golden Wedding Anniversary a day to remember.
    Arranged lunch for 27 guests inc 4 children for our Golden Wedding Anniversary . Prior discussion with Venue as to our requirements. We were able to put up decorations the evening before and had final discussion with Sarah, the Cafe Manager re table settings, drinks reception and timings. Venue, Food and Service was of a very high standard. Staff were efficient and smiling throughout. Had photographer for family shots outside and then throughout the drinks reception. Would highly recommend House for an Art Lover. Special thanks to Sarah who was so very professional and helpful throughout.
    Thank you so much for sharing your kind words with us Bill, I'm delighted to hear you felt so well looked after by Sarah and the rest of the team! We look forward to hopefully seeing you again soon!
    Written August 18, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 13, 2023
  • richard r
    Borgue, United Kingdom161 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A.semi dog friendly iconic example.of Macintosh Architecture.
    This is, amazingly, a newish house built to Macintosh's design. The details are nevertheless immaculately crafted and iconically Macintosh. Good signage and informative audio guide are helpfully explanatory. There is a cafe that was crowded ( obviously a place to go). We had cakes and tea- delicious and reasonable, but we had to be outside on the terrace because of the dog. This is pleasant place but needs the weather to play ball. We did find (as we left) that there was a dog friendly cafe on the other side of the carpark which is part of a hospice and welcomes visitors. The house and the hospice are set in parkland so plenty of places to walk the dog.
    Thank you for sharing your feedback Richard. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit to House for an Art Lover and the Art Lover's Café. Our Health & Safety regulations do not permit dogs inside but we love welcoming furry visitors to the café terrace. We do hope we can welcome you back soon.
    Written September 9, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 21, 2023
  • malcolm c
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very, very Special
    House for an Art Lover is an exceptional wedding venue. A beautiful canvas on which you can paint your special day. The staff are helpful, professional, calm, efficient and kind. The food (quality and quantity) is excellent and was served by a delightful team. We were very fortunate to be able to use the best florist in the UK (Simon Lycett) and an exceptional photographer (Simon Lees) which made the venue look incredible and be captured thus on film. Looking back while it is fresh in our memory, we would not change one minute of our day. The only thing to watch is that on a Rangers home match day, the carpark becomes quite busy so access can be tricky - but definitely only a minor niggle. We would highly recommend HFAAL for a charming, intimate, and beautiful ceremony.
    Thank you so much for your kind words Malcolm, they mean a lot to us - we're delighted that your big day went so well! It was our pleasure looking after you both and we hope to see you back soon!
    Written September 9, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 24, 2023
  • Gordon H
    Redruth, United Kingdom705 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful House
    Beautiful Charles Rennie Mackintosh house. Such a nice experience to wander through the different rooms. The house was being set out for a wedding the day we visited which showed a much different layout. Well worth a visit.
    Thank you for visiting Gordon, we are happy to hear that you enjoyed the House.
    Written September 9, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 30, 2023
  • StevenKolsteren
    Groningen, The Netherlands191 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Celebration of their love
    Worth the short trip outside of the city centre; the easiest way to reach is by bus. It built in a park after design sketches made by Mackintosh and his wife for an international competition in 1902; the remarkable story of how these sketches were turned into a building is well explained in the audiotour included in the entrance price. The interior celebrates the love of the newly weds (it is still used for weddings, so closed sometimes, check the website). There is a wonderful contrast between the dark entrance hall and dinner room and the light music room, with the unique style of the Mackintoshes: a wall onto a terrace dissolving in light by the many windows, the sweeping vertical lines, and also the stained glass and gesso panels, beautifully reconstructed (no originals).Surrounded by a small park, with a walled garden and art centre with exhibition space. It has a café and small shop.
    Thank you for your comments Steven, we are delighted to hear that you are enjoyed your visit to the House and very much appreciate your recommendation!
    Written September 21, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 18, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,276 reviews
Excellent
940
Very good
261
Average
43
Poor
19
Terrible
13

Emily
Leipzig, Germany4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
My husband and I got married at the House For An Art Lover in December 2022 and what a magical day we had. The venue is utterly stunning at all times of the year, beautiful in daylight and so cosy at night. There were loads of menu options and the food served was utterly delicious. Throughout the whole wedding day and planning process, the staff were always incredibly friendly and highly organised. The House for An Art Lover definitely offers some of the most competitively priced wedding packages in Glasgow and central Scotland, so I would 100 percent recommend!

Thank you so much to the team!
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind comments, and your recommendation it is very much appreciated! Its wonderful to read how magical your day was, we are delighted that the team here could play a part in making it special for you both. Thank you for choosing to book your wedding at the House, and all the very best wishes from Emily and the team to you both for married life!
Written January 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Al
13 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
The afternoon tea was average. Too many sweet treats. The sandwiches had been prepared in advance and probably refrigerated which meant that the bread dry on the outside. The cream for the scones had become liquid. Apart from the sandwiches the savoury choice was tasty. Perhaps the management would consider offering a savoury afternoon tea for those who are not over fond of eating lots of cakes. Once upon a time it was possible to buy a wide variety of scones, sweet and savoury, but nowadays most scones taste like cakes because of the high sugar content.

Unfortunately the special event at Pollok House has raised our expectations as lunch in the House for Art Lovers restaurant is usually first class so I had hoped that the afternoon tea would be better than average. It's a pity that high teas are no longer on the bill of fayre. They have been replaced for the most part by the pre-theatre menu. However there is room for both.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to feedback on your Afternoon Tea experience in the Art Lover's Café, we're sorry to hear that it did not meet your expectations. we have passed your comments chef in regards to the quality of items served. In terms of the offer itself, we feel that for our café we offer a well priced everyday option with a good balance of sweet and savoury for our Afternoon Tea. Traditionally this would be mainly cakes with sandwiches but we include a few savoury items too to balance this out. All of our scones are made in house by our pastry chef to a tried and tested recipe, but of course as with many things taste is personal preference. Thank you again for taking the time to let us know about your experience, all customer feedback, good & bad, is invaluable to us. Best wishes, Lynn
Written October 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Shannon F
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
We cannot thank the whole team at House for an Art Lover enough for making our wedding day so special! From the initial show around, we knew it was the perfect venue for us. Centrally located with ample parking, beautiful gardens for photos, iconic Glasgow attraction for out of town guests and of course, an experienced team you can trust. Emily was so helpful during the whole planning process, always on the other end of an email to answer all our questions. On the day, Amy and Amanda made us feel so calm and reassured. If any problems had occurred, our guests and ourselves had no clue as it was handled discreetly. The venue flowed perfectly from ceremony and dinner into the cafe below for party time. The Rennie Mackintosh design throughout the music and dining room speaks for itself, we didn't feel the need to spend a ton on decor. The food was exquisite! We got a ton of compliments from our guests about how good the meal was. From start to finish, the day was perfect! So many of our friends and family said it was the best wedding they've been to and I believe that has a lot to do with the stunning venue and amazing team at House for an Art Lover!
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for choosing the House for your special day, and for your wonderful comments - we are delighted to know that both felt so well looked after both in the planning and on the day itself. It was our absolute pleasure to look after you both, and all of your guests!
Written November 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Daniel M
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Family
My wife and I got married at this venue on the 14th of September 2023. I can't say enough how amazing the day was, not a single thing went wrong and the staff were so happy and helpful.

The whole way through the planning process from the start of 2022, Emily and then Bridget have been on hand to guide us through the process. They have been so quick at responding to any questions we had and they really made us feel at ease every step of the way. They set out a timeline so you know what will happen and when it will happen and we felt assured the entire time.

On the day itself the entire staff team were incredible. Small touches such as a free drink for myself and the grooms party was a lovely touch, Amanda the MC was so helpful and helped me feel at ease both on the day and when we met her a few days before. Amanda, and then later he colleague Farooq, helped the day run smoothly and kept things going and did their jobs so professionally. It was really nice that after the ceremony my wife and I got five minutes to have a drink and a canape before the photos as by the time we came back they were all gone.

The food was delicious and went down well with the majority of people. It was a fully vegan wedding and the chef was happy to take on some of our suggestions in the build up to the day.

Again the Mc's did an amazing job at night and out evening guests felt welcome to the wedding. Farooq was with us until the very end and was really patient when we were still running about trying to get stuff after 1 AM and our taxi was waiting, he also helped us out to the car.

All of our external supplies were amazing too. Caroline Lambie the humanist, Emma Donaldson Photographer, Chris Connelly the Pianist, Christopher Kelly the videographer, Joe and Steph from Bygone photo booth, Mamas Wee Bakery for the cake, The Jiggers who were out Ceilidh band, our florist 'Flowers by Lilly' and Go2eventhire for the games setup.

We had the most amazing day and would definitely recommend thie house to other couples looking for a wedding venue.
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Daniel, Congratulations again to you both and thank you for choosing House for an Art Lover for your big day! It was our pleasure looking after you, Jennifer and your lovely guests - we are absolutely delighted to have been able to give you both exactly the day you wished for. Thank you so much for sharing your kind feedback, I will make sure to pass it on to Bridget and the rest of the team here. Best wishes for married life from the entire Team HFAAL!
Written October 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

BattyOne
Glasgow, UK51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We have driven past here many times over the years always promising ourselves we would visit, and finally did! We were not disappointed. When we arrived at the gift shop/entrance, we were greeted by a lovely friendly lady who explained everything to us before we went on our tour of the house, she gave us audio tours as well and a plan of the house to take with us. It was built in 1989 from plans that Rennie Mackintosh had drawn up many years before. The history of the build, and how it has been furnished are superb. The attention to detail is fantastic. All the staff are lovely. Well worth a visit and would recommend you go to see it. We will return as there is so much detail to take in we definitely need to go back.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for popping by to visit and for your lovely comments, they are very much appreciated! Thank-you, Lynn
Written February 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

StevenKolsteren
Groningen, The Netherlands191 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
Worth the short trip outside of the city centre; the easiest way to reach is by bus. It built in a park after design sketches made by Mackintosh and his wife for an international competition in 1902; the remarkable story of how these sketches were turned into a building is well explained in the audiotour included in the entrance price. The interior celebrates the love of the newly weds (it is still used for weddings, so closed sometimes, check the website). There is a wonderful contrast between the dark entrance hall and dinner room and the light music room, with the unique style of the Mackintoshes: a wall onto a terrace dissolving in light by the many windows, the sweeping vertical lines, and also the stained glass and gesso panels, beautifully reconstructed (no originals).Surrounded by a small park, with a walled garden and art centre with exhibition space. It has a café and small shop.
Written September 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comments Steven, we are delighted to hear that you are enjoyed your visit to the House and very much appreciate your recommendation!
Written September 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

rachel635
Wilton, UK61 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
We visited the house and current kimono exhibition. Whilst we specifically visited to see the kimonos, it was lovely to revisit the house. The house was dressed for a forthcoming wedding but we were able to see everything we wanted.

The setting of the house is in a lovely park with a Victorian walled garden which houses an art gallery. There is also a sports centre on site. We were on an autumn visit this time but the park looks lovely in spring with avenues of cherry blossom.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for taking the time to leave your comments, and for visiting the exhibition at the house we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed it and found time to visit the gardens too! Best wishes, Lynn
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Iain M
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
My partner Maddie and I were married here in Feb '23. We had looked at several venues but went with House for an Art Lover for a variety of reasons but mainly how beautiful the venue was and great value.

Emily was so helpful in the planning stages and had answers to everything we asked. The whole process was very professional and efficient.

On the day the staff were absolutely amazing from start to finish - our master of ceremonies Sarah was great. Everything seemed to happen so efficiently and without any fuss, it was all so smooth.

Our guests all commented on how beautiful the venue was and how good the food was. Lots of compliments on the canapes!

Thanks again
Written February 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Congratulations Iain & Maddie, and thank you for choosing the venue to celebrate your wedding - it was out pleasure to look after you for the special occasion. We are thrilled to hear how well looked after you both felt, and that your guests loved the day just as much as you both did! We appreciate you taking the time to let other now about your day with us at the House!
Written February 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nikki C
Glasgow, UK1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Couples
We have booked to have our wedding here in September and called in today to do a menu tasting and speak to Emily the wedding coordinator… all I can say is wow wow wow … always see the cakes and afternoon tea advertised but today we tried the meals for our wedding and OMG ! Food was amazing taste , presentation, everything was impeccable…. Fiona in the cafe was so welcoming and accommodating it was like talking to an old friend …. Emily is the wedding coordinator doesn’t miss a trick … goes over absolutely everything with you even the things you haven’t thought about .. has put us both at ease for the coming weeks safe in the knowledge everything is taken care off .
We have been in the cafe previously and the burgers were to die for … honestly if you have the chance to visit don’t just try the cakes the food is outstanding can’t wait till September to let our guests have the chance to sample all of this thank you so much xx
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely comments NIkki! We really appreciate you choosing the House for your wedding, and are delighted to hear that you have felt so well looked after so far in the process. We can't wait 'til September to welcome you both with your guests for the big day!
Written July 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kate C
Edinburgh47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
We had the great pleasure of attending a wedding here. The meal was absolutely delicious - beautifully cooked, and presented. They knew exactly who was sitting where so all the correct choices arrived for each individual without any fuss. All the staff were courteous and friendly. We had a fantastic day here.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments Kate, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time as a wedding guest with us at the venue, and will certainly pass your comments to chef and the wedding team who look after our guests. Best wishes, Lynn
Written October 7, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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House for an Art Lover - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about House for an Art Lover

House for an Art Lover is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM