You can explore the Trades Hall and hear about the history of the building at your own pace.
Grand Hall
The Grand Hall was originally designed by Adam in classical style to occupy the entire first floor. It has many unique features including the original Adam white marble fireplace, a seven metre dome bearing the coat of arms of each of the 14 Incorporated Trades, Spanish mahogany panels and spectacular windows which have been restored during the recent refurbishment as near as possible to their original design. The Grand Hall also has a magnificent, high-level, 64 metre frieze which was added in 1903 and features 161 different figures depicting the work of the Incorporated Trades.
The Saloon
The mahogany panels inscribed in gold paint in the Saloon show the record of donations to the Trades House and Incorporated Trades from 1613. The Saloon has an original Adam fireplace and also features beautiful stained glass windows.
Making the City
Follow the Timeline in our exhibition from 1605 until the present day and you will discover how the 14 Incorporated Crafts and Trades House helped to make and shape Glasgow into the city it is today. Kids and adults will love our interactive games, artefacts, interesting facts and historic events. Go back in time and see what life was like for children in the Trades House Free School in our reconstructed classroom.