Why go
The hall is home to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and hosts a wider programme of music and events. A performance lets you understand why the venue became part of Glasgow’s cultural centre in 1990. Check the programme first; the auditoria are not a standing sightseeing route.
What to look for
- The main auditorium during a concert
- Royal Scottish National Orchestra performances when programmed
- The venue’s position at the head of Buchanan Street
The full story
The Royal Concert Hall opened in 1990, a year when Glasgow was European City of Culture. It was planned as a major new music venue after the loss of St Andrew’s Hall, which had been destroyed by fire decades earlier. Its location beside Buchanan Street and the transport hub made the building a conspicuous part of the city centre’s redevelopment. The main auditorium was designed for large audiences, while other spaces broadened the programme. The hall’s cultural importance lies in that continuing use rather than in a static exhibition: the Royal Scottish National Orchestra performs here, alongside many other acts and events. From outside, the building helps mark the shift between shopping streets and the northern edge of the centre. Inside, a booked concert is the way to judge the rooms and their sound.
Useful to know
- Choose a specific performance before planning to enter an auditorium.
- Check the relevant entrance and seating arrangements when booking.