About the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall
Visit the National Library of Scotland's Moving Image Archive at Kelvin Hall.
The National Library of Scotland has opened its doors for the first time in Glasgow within a transformed Kelvin Hall.
Visitors can discover the extensive digital resources within the Library's world class collections. The interactive space offers visitors a unique experience to explore films, maps, books and manuscripts in electronic format. It is also a venue for events, screenings and talks.
The Library's Moving Image Archive is now located in Kelvin Hall. This offers easier access to thousands of films and videos capturing over 100 years of Scotland's history. The film collections reflect everything from Scottish social, cultural and industrial history to examples of ordinary people at life and work in Scotland across the generations. The Moving Image Archive also preserves a range of collections relating to the history of film-making, film exhibition and cinema-going in Scotland since 1896. This includes business and private records, photographs, printed material and ephemera. This is available for viewing and consultation.
This is the start. Items that tell the story of Scotland and offer insight into the wider world are continually added to the collection at the Kelvin Hall. It will be a treasure trove of knowledge and information for the people of Glasgow that will constantly grow and improve.
Kelvin Hall history
One of Glasgow's most iconic buildings, Kelvin Hall opened as an exhibitions centre in 1927. Throughout the 20th century, the building hosted circuses, musical events, sports, and the Glasgow Museum of Transport.
The National Library of Scotland's collections contain a number of items relating to the history of Kelvin Hall, including:
- A map of Glasgow showing the Kelvin Hall site, 1912
- Film of acrobats in the circus at Kelvin Hall, 1969
- Footage from Kelvin Hall exhibitions and events throughout the 20th century
- Details of books about the building's past, searchable with the keywords 'kelvin hall' on the Library's main catalogue.
Venue
National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall
1445 Argyle St
Glasgow G3 8AW
Scotland
Open Hours
- Monday: Closed to the public
- Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
- Wednesday: 1.30pm - 8pm
- Thursday: 10am - 5pm
- Friday: 10am - 5pm
- Saturday: 10am - 5pm
- Sunday: Closed to the public
Access Info
- Entry: Free
- Wheelchair access: Yes
- Disabled toilet facilities: Yes
