Three must see attractions in the Riverside Transport Museum

By Luca Menichetti

The Riverside Transport Museum opened in 2011 and was created by Zaha Hadid. Located next to the River Clyde is the well-known Glasgow attraction. It’s free entry and has lots to offer for visitors to see, from old fashioned cars on display to seeing the Graeme Obree cycling exhibit. 

3. Old Glasgow Subways 

Four subways are on display in the museum, from Cart 39T to the second last model which was retired last year. 39T is on show with its historic status as the original Subway used in Glasgow. You can step inside and have a seat, look around and imagine what travelling would’ve looked like for the Glasgow people back then. 

Within you can feel the rustic leather seating and old advertising boards surrounding the cart. In summer 2024, the museum announced that car 128 would be added to the exhibition. After 43 years of service to Glasgow, it was handed over to the museum and joined its old buddies. Worth a look when visiting.  

2. The Motorcycle Wall  

This wall on display shows the brilliance of classic motorcycles. 21 different motorcycles differing from all generations. It represents the last 100 years of the industry, from the 1903 Beeston Humber all the way to the 2007 BMW R1200 GS Adventure. Special mention to the Glasgow Tigers Supporters Club, they handed over the legendary Steve Lawson’s Jawa Speedway motorcycle from his 1992 season.  

1. The Car Wall 

We finish off with the fantastic car wall, which has 30 cars in total from all generations. The oldest car on display is a replica of the Benz 3-Wheeler from 1885, and the latest being the 1980 Porsche 911 (330) Turbo 3.3. Scottish car models are also on show with manufactures such as Albion, Arrol Johnston and Argyle. The BMW Isetta 300 Bubble-car from 1960 is located on the top row of the wall which is a one-seater three-wheeler. 

Overall, the Riverside Transport Museum offers an experience that blends history, engineering, and storytelling. Whether you’re stepping into an original Glasgow subway car, admiring the craftsmanship of a century's worth of motorcycles, or gazing up at the towering car wall, each exhibit gives a glimpse into how transport has shaped the city and its people.