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FAQs

Glasgow Science Centre is currently operating winter hours and is normally open Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, and on local school holidays, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm. (see 'Our opening hours' for more details).

Jump to FAQs about: Visiting GSC | On The Day | FacilitiesScience Passports

Visiting GSC

Frequently asked questions about visiting GSC.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 on the day of your visit. 

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.

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 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 [email protected]

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.

 

What is there to do for under 7s?

The answer is, there's lots to do at Glasgow Science Centre for the wee ones!

Here are some suggestions for interactive exhibits across the science centre that are especially suitable for under-7s exploring their curiosity.

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.

What toilet facilities are available?

Fully accessible toilets and baby changing areas are available within all areas:

  • Science Mall - Ground Floor, Floor 2 and Floor 3.
  • IMAX - Ground Floor.
  • Baby changing facilities are also available in the Children's Reception Area / Cloakroom on the Ground Floor.
  • A Changing Places toilet - Ground Floor.
  • A Family Room - Ground Floor.

How do you move between floors?

The main access to the Science Mall is via an escalator from the ground to the first floor. There are stairs with handrails between the first, second and third floors. In addition, there are two lifts that operate between all floors of the Science Mall.

In the IMAX, there are stairs with handrails between the foyer and the first floor of the building. In addition, there is a lift. 

Are there lifts at Glasgow Science Centre?

Yes, there are lifts available in the Science Mall and in the IMAX.

Please note that our lifts are prioritised for use by people with buggies, prams, or accessibility needs. If it is possible to visit without a buggy, we advise you to do this to reduce the time spent waiting for lifts.

Further information on visitor accessibility.

When are the cafe and the coffee shop 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 every day from 9.30 to 17.00.

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 there a car park at Glasgow Science Centre?

Yes, if you are visiting us you can pay for car 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.

Further information about car parking at Glasgow Science Centre.

Other ways to get to Glasgow Science Centre.

Science Passport FAQs

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 [email protected]

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.

If you are unable to attend due please email [email protected] 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. If you previously had an online account, you can 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. 

 

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