FAQs
Glasgow Science Centre is currently operating summer hours and is open daily, Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm (see 'Our opening hours' for more details).
You can find lots of information about our reopening in our full FAQs.
Jump to FAQs about: Visiting GSC | Safety Measures | On The Day | Facilities | Science Passports
Visiting GSC
Frequently asked questions about visiting GSC.
Are all areas open?
Glasgow Science Centre is committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Most experiences at Glasgow Science Centre are available. At this time a small number of our exhibits remain closed.
Do I need to pre-book?
Yes. To help reduce queues and monitor capacity visits need to be pre-booked in a timeslot (including for Science Passport Holders). During busy periods we may not be able to accept walk-in visits and recommend pre booking to avoid disappointment.
If you would prefer to book over the phone please call us on 0141 420 5000. For contact centre opening times please click here.
If you are unable to attend due to government restrictions or if you have symptoms of Covid 19 please email contactus@gsc.org.uk to amend or cancel your booking. We would really appreciate if you can let us know as far in advance as possible so we can release tickets to others. Visits that are booked but then not taken up have a direct impact on our future sustainability.
Any bookings that are unused and not cancelled by email in advance of arrival time will not be refunded.
Can I book over the phone?
Yes, our team are here to support you if you can’t use the online ticket system. To book by phone please call us on 0141 420 5000. Our phone lines are open daily from 0930 - 1700 excluding 1215 to 1300 when the contact centre closes for lunch.
If you’re able to book online, please do so to keep our team free to assist people who aren’t able to.
Can I still turn up and pay at the ticket desk?
During busy periods we may not be able to accept walk-in visits and recommend pre booking to avoid disappointment.
If you decide on the day that you would like to visit, please call our team on 0141 420 5000 before travelling to us and we will see if it is possible to book you in.
I’ve pre-booked, can I cancel or amend my booking?
Yes, if you are unable to attend due to government restrictions or if you have symptoms of Covid 19 please email contactus@gsc.org.uk to amend or cancel your booking. We would really appreciate if you can let us know as far in advance as possible so we can release tickets to others. Any bookings that are unused and not cancelled, for the reasons above, by email in advance of arrival time will not be refunded.
How do I book a ticket if I am an essential carer?
All paying visitors who require special assistance are offered free admission for their carer. This can be booked along with your tickets online or over the phone. Please bring proof of your carer status to present on arrival.
Why do I have to book a time slot?
To help reduce queues and monitor capacity visits need to be pre-booked in a timeslot. We know it’s difficult to arrive exactly on time, especially with kids so we will do all we can to admit you as quickly as we can if you are late for your slot.
Are visits time-limited?
No, you are welcome to stay for as long as you would like until we close at 1700.
I have a corporate ticket can I still use it?
Yes, you can, please book your day tickets using the Corporate Ticket Holder option. If you have a code from your organisation you do not enter this on the website but you do need to bring it with you on the day to validate your booking.
You must ensure you bring your corporate tickets or code with you to be redeemed on the day or you will be charged full price for admission on arrival.
If your ticket has expired during our closure your ticket/code will still be honoured.
I have a gift voucher can I use it for ticket purchases?
Yes, you can. Please call us on 0141 420 5000 to book in and bring your vouchers with you on the day.
If your voucher has expired during our closure, please let the team know when you call and they will arrange for it to be honoured.
I have a voucher for a science passport. Can I use it?
You will be able to use your voucher to either book day tickets or to purchase a science passport. Please call our team on 0141 420 5000 to arrange.
Can I have a birthday party?
Due to the nature of our birthday party areas we are unable to resume birthday parties at this time. We hope to have our birthday party offer back soon so please keep us in mind for future birthdays.
Can I buy gift vouchers?
Yes, you can purchase science centre gift vouchers here
Can I book with the Scotland Loves Local - Glasgow Card
Yes, we accept the Glasgow Gift Card but you cannot pay online with it. To pre-book please call us on 0141 420 5000 (7 days 0930 - 1215 & 1300 - 1700) and our team will book you in.
Can I buy a Science Passport?
Yes! Science Passports can be purchased here
How do I get my tickets?
Shortly after booking you will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference number on it. You need to bring your booking reference number with you on the day. You will be checked in using this when you arrive. Your confirmation email will contain lots of information about your visit so please read it carefully before arriving. There’s no need to print your email out.
If your email doesn’t arrive within 3 hours of booking, please make sure check your junk mail folder before contacting us at contactus@gsc.org.uk
If you think you have entered the wrong email address when booking, please email us or give us a call.
What will you do with my personal information after I book online?
You can find our privacy policy here.
Safety Measures
Frequently asked questions about safety measures at GSC.
What measures are in place to help keep visitors safe?
Some of our new measures include but are not limited to:
- To help reduce queues and monitor capacity visits need to be pre-booked in a timeslot.
- We ask that when visiting you remain Distance Aware and respect others space where possible.
- Enhanced cleaning regimes remain in place and there are hand sanitisation stations are available throughout the building. Please note that some areas may be temporarily closed to allow our staff to follow our cleaning regime.
- We ask that you do not visit if you feel unwell or are experiencing symptoms of Covid- 19. If you have already booked, please contact us as will assist you.
- Hand sanitising stations are available for use by everyone in key areas around GSC.
- We have adopted the Distance Aware scheme to respect the space of others where possible.
- All transactions are either in advance or by card (ideally contactless). No cash will be accepted.
- Visitor numbers are reduced to prevent crowding.
How are you keeping Glasgow Science Centre ventilated?
Our galleries are all wide-open areas. Our airflow systems will be used to increase ventilation and we may, when the Scottish skies stay dry, open the windows. You may find due to increased ventilation that it is a bit colder than usual so please being a jumper in case you find it chilly.
On The Day
Frequently asked questions about what to expect on the day.
What do I need to bring with me on the day?
Please ensure you have your booking reference number. You do not need to print your email or show it on your phone as long as you have the reference number but please read all the information on it before you arrive.
If you have a Science Passport, gift voucher or corporate ticket please bring it with you. If you have booked a carer ticket, please bring proof of carer status.
You will get a ticket on the way into the car park, please bring this to the ticket desk with you.
What should I do when I arrive?
Staff inside will direct you to a spot in the queue to check in.
Can I arrive earlier than my time slot?
If you arrive earlier than your time slot, you may be asked to wait outside before you enter depending on the number of visitors already inside.
What if I miss my arrival slot?
We know it may be tricky arriving within your time slot. However, we ask that you aim to arrive as close as possible to this to avoid having a queue build. If you are unavoidably delayed, you will still be able to access Glasgow Science Centre if you have a valid booking for that day.
How do I get there from Exhibition train station?
Follow signs through the covered walkway from Exhibition Train Station to the SEC. Walking south towards the river Clyde, pass by the SEC Armadillo to reach Bells Bridge. Cross the river using Bells Bridge, then turn right, and walk alongside the river past the BBC Scotland building to reach Glasgow Science Centre. (12-15 mins).
Facilities
Frequently asked questions about facilities that are available at GSC.
Are the toilets open?
Yes, the toilets will be open, including our new CPT and Family Room.
Are lifts in use?
Yes, lifts will be available as normal. However, there will be restrictions on numbers using the lifts at any given time. We therefore ask customers to give priority to wheelchair users and those with accessible needs. If it is possible to visit without a buggy, we would advise you to do this to reduce time spent waiting for lifts.
Is the Café going to be open?
The main café is open at weekends and on local school holidays and serving meals from 11.30 to 15.00. There is no need to book a table online in advance and staff will be on hand to help show you to a seat and take your order.
There's a fabulous Coffee Shop to be found on the ground floor in the IMAX Theatre at Glasgow Science Centre selling a selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes and pastries, sandwiches, toasties and treats. It is open daily from 8am weekdays, and from 9.30am at weekends.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes, however, please note we only have a limited number of picnic spaces inside.
We encourage the use of outside spaces for picnics, and you are welcome to leave for lunch and then return. If you are doing this, please exit via the doors next to the gift shop and re-enter via the doors which you used on arrival. You will be required to present your confirmation number upon re-entry.
Are lockers available?
Yes. However, only a limited number will be available. We do ask that you try to limit the volume of personal belongings you bring into the building.
Is the gift shop open?
Yes, the gift shop will be open.
Is the car park open?
Yes, if you are visiting us you can pay for parking in advance with your tickets. If you are not visiting us but wish to use the car park, pay stations are situated in the car park.
Is the tower open?
No, Glasgow Tower is currently closed.
Is the IMAX open?
Yes, The IMAX Theatre at Glasgow Science Centre reopened on 5 May 2022. Click here to find out more
Science Passport FAQs
Glasgow Science Centre would like to extend our thanks to our Science Passport holders for their continued support. Your commitment to us helps us to deliver our charitable mission and your messages of support throughout our closure have meant so much to us. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about visiting with your Science Passport. If you have any questions not covered here please contact our Sales and Membership Team at contactus@gsc.org.uk
I’m a Science Passport holder – do I need to pre-book?
Yes, to help reduce queues and monitor capacity visits need to be pre-booked in a timeslot here.
If you would prefer to book over the phone please call us on 0141 420 5000.
Passport holders can visit in any time slot of the day or at 14.20 in our dedicated passport holders slot.
We expect there to be a high demand for tickets, therefore, please only book if you fully intend to make a visit. We only have a limited number of tickets available each day and want to welcome as many people as we can.
If you are unable to attend due please email contactus@gsc.org.uk to amend or cancel your booking. We would really appreciate if you can let us know as far in advance as possible so we can release tickets to others.
Can I renew my Science Passports?
Yes you can renew your Science Passport from 15th August 2022. If you previously had an online account you will be able to log in and renew. Alternatively you can purchase a new passport online or give us a call on 0141 420 5000 ( 0930 - 1215 & 1300 - 1700, 7 days)
Has my Science Passport expired?
If you are unsure if your Science Passport has expired please contact us with your name, postcode and Science Passport Numbers (if you know them) and we will check the details for you.