From chopsticks to Chopin, it’s Lids Open weekend

The whole up-close and hands-on concept of Doors Open events appeal in equal measure to the city’s own residents as it does to tourists.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Aug 2015, 13:55 BST
Doors Open Day provides plenty of choices for the inquisitiveDoors Open Day provides plenty of choices for the inquisitive
Doors Open Day provides plenty of choices for the inquisitive

It attracts those who are curious to get behind the scenes, back stages and basements of buildings that are normally closed to prying eyes.

Visitors can enter a hidden world of panelled halls; run their hands over ornate ceramic wall tiles, browse antiquated archives and brush the dust off ancient logbooks, if they’re lucky — and very careful.

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Many of the iconic buildings in the south of the city will open their doors to the public during the annual pilgrimage of Doors Open weekend.

Craigholme girls school has a 121-year history across four Victorian villas.

The ingeniously-designed Double Villa on Mansionhouse Rd contains two houses with reversed ground plans.

Pollokshaws West Railway Station is the oldest surviving railway station building in operation in Glasgow,

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Holmwood House is the manifestation of Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson’s originality and creativity. See the conservation and restoration work completed this season, with original stencil work in the dining room.

Scotland’s first purpose built Sikh Gurdwara is inspired by traditional South Asian architecture.

Check the online brochure for opening times and tours.

Some venues lend themselves to personalising the experience to create a unique and cossetted memory.

Where there’s a stage, visitors will want to stand front and centre and imagine the unique view which only lauded performers get to see, facing an audience of imaginary fans.

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Live music fans flock to concert venues such as King Tuts, The King’s Theatre and the Theatre Royal for their stage appeal. When Barrowland Ballroom first signed up to Doors Open Days, more than a few visitors brought along their guitar to strum a favourite riff on the Barras stage.

And a tartan clad piper asked if he could fire up his bagpipes on its hallowed stage.

This year, some venues are going one further. Informally named Lids Open Days will see piano bars and other venues inviting visitors to tickle the ivories of their grand piano or honkytonk upright.

Venues include Pollok House, Mackintosh Queen’s Cross, St Margaret’s Episcopal Church, the Lieper Gallery and the Mitchell Library. All ages and abilities can just turn up and play. Piano-friendly venues are highlighted with the Glasgow Piano City icon.

With events leading up to the main weekend, Doors will open Sat-Sun, Sept 19-20.

Check the online brochure for further details of opening times and tours at: www.glasgowdoorsopenday.com