The exterior of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Royal Exchange Square. Stirling's Library was re-located in the basement in 2002.
GOMA is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside London and contains a broad range of work by living artists from all over the world. The gallery runs workshops and events to complement the displays and mounts several temporary exhibitions a year.
In recent years, the steps and pavement in front of GOMA have become a popular meeting place for Goths, Punks, Metalheads, skateboarders and other fashion-conscious groups of teenagers. It is rare to see the equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington (erected 1844) without a traffic cone perched on his head and/or on the head of his horse. Many coffee shops and eating places opened in the square at the end of the 20th century, offering locals and tourists the opportunity to sit at pavement tables and (in summer at least) enjoy a taste of continental cafe culture, Glasgow-style.
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Museums
Keywords:
art galleries, cafes, equestrian statues, Gallery of Modern Art, GOMA, goths, libraries, mansions, metalheads, punks, Royal Exchange, skateboarders, Stirling's Library, teenagers, traffic cones