Glasgow's oldest house Provand's Lordship to reopen after £1.6m refurbishment work

The oldest house in Glasgow is to reopen following £1.6m repair work to return it to its 15th century appearance.

Provand’s Lordship will host a series of family-friendly activities during the Easter school holidays to mark its reopening.

The museum closed for major refurbishment work to “protect it for generations to come” in July 2022.

The work included repairs to the building’s roof, chimneys, and downpipes. Doors and windows were replaced in original styles and protection against rising damp has been added.

Artefacts, including 17th century furniture and royal portraits, are back in place after being stored in Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.

The museum offers an opportunity to step back into the Glasgow of 500 years ago and is one of only four surviving medieval buildings in the city.

To celebrate its reopening, Provand’s Lordship will host a series of drop-in sessions, starting with a Haven for Nature event in its Herb Garden on April 2, 3 and 4 (1.30-4.00pm daily).

The museum will also be home to Echoes of the Past events on April 7 and 13 (11.00am-4.00pm). The sessions are run by Living History Scotland and take visitors back in time to hear 16th century music and song from the court of James V and Mary Queen of Scots.

Pose for Provand’s Portraits sessions will take place at Provand’s Lordship on April 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14 (1.30-4.00pm) to give people an opportunity to dress up in period costumes and take selfies while learning about the building’s history. A Scottish Stories for All event will also be held at the museum on April 12 (11.00-4.00pm).

More information about other family-friendly activities at Provand’s Lordship can be found on the museum’s What’s on page on the Glasgow Life website.

Duncan Dornan, Head of Museums and Collections, Glasgow Life, said: “The reopening of Provand’s Lordship is a major boost for Glasgow and its cultural sector, and there is lots for visitors to look forward to.

“The museum offers both a fascinating insight into life in Glasgow during medieval times and a number of activities for all the family.

“The preservation of Provand’s Lordship helps to secure a sustainable future for one of our city’s most important cultural and historical buildings.”