Scottish Opera Headquarters

39 Elmbank Crescent G2 4PT

John Bennie Wilson, 1907

Category B Listed

The former headquarters of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland – now the administrative home of Scottish Opera. Commissioned by IESIS in 1907, it houses an impressive series of leaded glass windows by Stephen Adam.

The former headquarters of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland is now the administrative home of Scottish Opera. Rarely open to the public, the building was commissioned by IESIS in 1907, and designed by local architect John Bennie Wilson in the lavish, heavily ornamented Beaux Arts style.

It houses an impressive series of leaded glass windows by Stephen Adam, who took as his theme subjects that resonated with the Institution’s main interests. Not least of these is the window in the building’s Rankine Hall depicting the mighty Clyde-build liner Lusitania, which has recently undergone restoration work. Visitors can also see the memorial plaque to the engineers who died aboard the ill-fated Titanic.

The building is now used as Scottish Opera’s main administrative headquarters, providing office accommodation and space for some rehearsals.

Visitors are invited to explore the building at their leisure. Information sheet provided.

As an added extra the Scottish Operas Connect Company young singers and players aged 14 to 21 are rehearsing in the Weir Hall throughout the day.

Discover Glasgows Industrial Heritage: The former headquarters of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.

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