Going Green – The Drive for Energy Efficiency considers James Watt’s pioneering spirit and his legacy in a modern-day context, where the desire to be increasingly energy efficient to combat climate change is ever-present. The centrepiece is a Tesla Model S P85+, believed to be the first Tesla acquired by a public museum in Scotland. The pioneering car, gifted to the city by a private collector and enthusiast is a stunning and technologically important car, which represents a new dawn in electric vehicle development. One section of the new display Driving Out Emissions considers how revolutionary changes in transport and the development of more environmentally friendly vehicles can reduce emissions and assist in tackling climate change. Boasting a raft of innovative features and impressive technology, the Tesla Model S can travel 242 miles on one charge, at a cost of around £9. It can reach 0-60mph in 4 seconds, be controlled from the owner’s smart phone and convert from a 5 to 7-seater family car. Alongside the Tesla is a rare Honda Insight Mk1 from 2000. Donated by another enthusiast, it is one of only 239 Mk1s sold in the UK and was the first hybrid car to be acquired for the city’s renowned transport and travel collection. Its inclusion in the display opens up a discussion on different power sources, from coal and quartz to wind and water and the ability to consume less of one by using more of another, as illustrated by the hybrid Honda which combines a conventional petrol engine with an electric motor. Going Green – The Drive for Energy Efficiency shows the concern for our world is universal, while highlighting that we can all make a positive difference to planet Earth. The display considers how we test air quality, monitor oceans and make personal statements about the environmental dangers our world faces. Going Green – The Drive for Energy Efficiency is sure to enthrall and engage visitors of all ages and will be an important talking piece for the younger generations. Sponsored by Aggreko. "Aggreko are proud to be a part of the Museum’s significant project at a time when reducing carbon emissions is a priority for the clients we serve globally in meeting their specific power needs.” Robert Wells, Managing Director, Events Aggreko.

Glasgow is renowned throughout the world as a centre for shipbuilding, this reputation is reflected in the city’s internationally significant collection of ship models, which are cared for by Glasgow Museums. A new book GLASGOW MUSEUMS: THE SHIP MODELS – A HISTORY AND COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE is the first fully illustrated record of all 676 ship models held in our collection. The book took over a decade to compile. Some of the most famous ships launched on the Clyde are included, such as the RMS _Queen Mary_ and HMS _Hood, _as well as models of historically significant vessels, including the first European passenger steamer_ Comet _and the world’s first turbine-powered vessel_ King Edward. _ _ _ They are complemented by river steamers, tea clippers, oil tankers, yachts, battleships, dredgers and tugs. An extensive array of fine amateur models include everything from tiny miniatures made by French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars to the much-loved Clyde puffer and even a talented example of the familiar ship in a bottle. Amassed mainly through a uniquely successful relationship between shipbuilders, ship owners and Glasgow Museums over the last one hundred and fifty years, the models range in size from a few centimetres to over 6 metres in length and represent ships built on every part of the Clyde. Models made for and by great Glasgow shipbuilders, smaller specialist shipyards and a wealth of skilled, amateur model makers are on show. For the first time ever we can show the collection in its splendid entirety. The book includes a description and stunning images that reveal exquisite detail of each of the 676 models or model groups in Glasgow Museums’ collection, ranging from the eighteenth century, through every decade of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries right up to the present day. Together with newly researched and in-depth chapters about the making and history of models and fascinating historic photographs of exhibitions, model makers and model workshops from a period spanning 150 years. The industry ship models were often constructed to refine the design of a new vessel or to illustrate and promote a completed vessel at exhibitions. Most were built at a scale of 1:48, 1 inch to 4 feet, and in one of two forms; a half hull, which shows one half of the hull as if divided down the centre line of the vessel or a full-hull, which was usually fitted with a realistic framework of how the finished ship would look. First displayed in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum’s ‘Ship Court’, the models were moved to the newly created ‘Clyde Room’ at the Museum of Transport in Albert Drive in 1978. By the time the museum moved to the Kelvin Hall in 1988, the Clyde Room had become a much-loved feature, so it was recreated on a larger scale and proved incredibly popular. Riverside Museum now displays around one quarter of Glasgow’s world famous ship model collection, which remains a favourite exhibit with visitors. Glasgow Museum Resource Centre houses the remainder of the collection, which is publically accessible by appointment. _Glasgow Museums: The Ship Models – A History and Complete Illustrated Catalogue _is now available to buy at Riverside Museum. It is co-published with Seaforth Publishing, £35.

Eighty years ago the SS Athenia was outbound from Glasgow, Liverpool and Belfast to Montreal, Canada with over 1,000 passengers on board. On the day World War 2 was declared in September 1939 it was attacked and sunk, becoming the first maritime casualty of the war. 122 people lost their lives. The deliberate sinking of the SS Athenia by a German submarine changed American public opinion, which ultimately lead to the US offering Britain and France support during WW2. Riverside has a display dedicated to the ship and tells the story of the sinking. The ship was built in Glasgow in 1923 for the Anchor-Donaldson Line, which later became the Donaldson Atlantic Line. She worked between the United Kingdom and the east coast of Canada until September 1939. In 2019 Rosemary Cass Beggs, the last British survivor of the sinking, donated a very personal memento to Riverside. As a 3 year old Rosemary was put into a lifeboat by her parents. Her father couldn’t swim, and her mother insisted they stay together, but save their child. Rosemary has vivid memories of being barefoot in the lifeboat, before being transferred to a ship that travelled on to Canada. While on board the ship to Canada other passengers made her tiny canvas shoes to protect her feet. When she was reunited with her parents some weeks later Rosemary’s family kept one shoe and gave one to the lady who had looked after her. The tiny treasured shoe is now on show in Riverside. Such personal objects help bring the stories we tell in our museums to life and we are very grateful to Rosemary for her kind gift.

Come to Riverside and step inside a life-size replica driver’s cab of the brand new Nova 2 train by FirstGroup TransPennine Express. The child-friendly interactive display is based on a new state-of-the-art electric locomotive, set to be introduced on routes between Scotland and Northern England in 2020. Leo Goodwin, TransPennine Express Managing Director, explained; ‘To build this faster, greener, electric train, engineers first had to make detailed drawings of what it might look like and how it would run. Then they conducted many tests to see if their ideas worked. This life-size replica cab was made to test the driver’s experience, comfort and safety and to see how the train’s exterior would look in real life.’ Riverside is home to Glasgow’s world famous transport and technology collection, including some notable locomotives from the 1900s. Having the Nova 2 train cab on show, representing the future of rail transport, keeps our collection current. What’s more not many people actually get to sit in the driver’s cab of a train, so the fully accessible interactive is expected to be popular, especially with younger visitors to the museum. Older ones can explore the vastly different conditions train drivers enjoy today, when contrasted with their compatriots who travelled up and down the country more than one hundred years ago. The new ‘TransPennine Express at Riverside’ display is enhanced by a 360 degree view of the cab and flythrough of the new train’s interior, some technical information, images and links to other locomotives on display at Riverside and held in the city’s collection. It is located on the ground floor of the main hall, below the Infinite Velodrome display.

Our art competition for young people is now open. Budding young artists aged between 3 and 18 are invited to draw within our venues. Drawings must be done in-situ, feature something on display or the architecture of the building and be the child's own work. Participants should bring their own materials although we may have clipboards you can borrow. Pencils only at the Burrell Collection. Competition closes 4th June.

Events Square - all day Time your visit to Riverside Museum to see even more vehicles than usual today, as members of JDM Scotland congregate with their beloved Japanese cars. It's sure to be a spectacle!

Learn more about the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer The famous PS Waverley has carried generations of Glaswegians on voyages and pleasure trips since she was built, in 1946. Perhaps you have taken a trip on the Waverley? Visit us all weekend in Riverside Museum to learn more about this very special vessel.

Join us in our Events Square from 1.30pm to 4pm for endless fun from bubble artists, Belter Bubbles! Prepare for an unforgettable afternoon full of wonder and laughter. Fabulous bubble displays will create enormous bubbles floating and sparkling in the sunlight, and cascades of mini bubbles, creating a magical atmosphere. Experience the childlike thrill of catching bubbles before they pop, and witness 'Kid in a Bubble', the incredible moment a child is completely surrounded by a huge shimmering bubble! A drop-in afternoon of fun for everyone. Whether you're 5 or 95, this magical event will leave you bubbling with joy.

Events Square - all day A red letter day for transport fans as Volvo vehicle owners from across Scotland drive their pride and joy to Riverside Museum for a meet-up. Come along to see some beautiful motors, and other vehicles.

This year, Glasgow Life’s Community Development team and The Mental Health foundation will celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week by hosting an event at The Riverside Museum on Saturday 17th May, 10am – 2pm. The theme for 2025 is 'Community', and we want to use Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community. Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.