Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
Glasgow
What it’s like
Free public talks, exhibitions, film screenings and theatre at a university building in Glasgow's West End, with a proper cafe for afterwards.
This is a working research building that opens its doors for public events, so what's on varies a lot week to week. The site lists talks, debates, exhibitions, film screenings, music and theatre as the sort of thing you'll find, which means a curious ten-year-old with a long attention span will get more out of it than a toddler who wants to run about. Entry itself is free, which takes the pressure off if a talk turns out to be a bit dry for younger ears.
There's no booking link listed, so it looks like you just turn up for whatever's on, though for anything ticketed you'd want to check the specific event. The Western Cafe is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, for breakfast and lunch, and it's described as a welcoming West End spot rather than a canteen tucked away in a corner, which makes it a decent place to regroup if a talk overruns.
Access is genuinely well thought through: step-free to the ground floor, accessible and gender neutral toilets throughout, and a Changing Places toilet on Level 1. There's baby feeding and changing on Level 2 with a fridge, microwave and bottle warmer, which is more than most venues bother with. Blue Badge parking is on University Place, with accessible drop-off by arrangement if you need it.
This isn't a place with a dedicated kids' programme as far as the facts go.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Blue Badge parking on University Place
- Food
- Western Cafe serves breakfast and lunch, open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
- Wheelchairs
- Step-free access to Level 2 (ground floor)
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs welcome
- What's on rotates, so check what event is running before you head over
- The cafe only opens on weekdays, not weekends
- Assistance dogs are welcome in the building
- Gender neutral toilets are available alongside standard ones
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Entry is free.
Do we need to book?
There's no booking link given, so it sounds like you can just turn up, though it's worth checking for anything with limited seats.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The Western Cafe does breakfast and lunch, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Is it accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Step-free access to the ground floor, accessible toilets throughout the building, and a Changing Places toilet on Level 1.
Is there parking?
Blue Badge parking on University Place, and accessible drop-off can be arranged.
Can we bring a baby?
There's a baby feeding and changing room on Level 2 with a fridge, microwave and bottle warmer.
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