Overview
The Council Chamber has six rows of seats in an arc before the Lord Provost's chair which is on the west side of the chamber, set two steps above floor level behind an ornate desk including the ceremonial mace holder. There are Venetian stained glass windows across each end of the curved seats. These are double glazed to deaden the sound reaching the chamber from George Square. There are four straight rows of councillors' seats, divided into two blocks, along the east side of the chamber.
The chamber also boasts a domed ceiling and two large fireplaces. The one on the south side is of Spanish mahogany with hand beaten copper coat of arms high above. The other, similar fireplace is on the north side of the chamber, behind the Press Gallery. The Visitors Gallery is accessed from the third floor.
To Reach
Having entered the building, continue forward to the reception desk. You will either be required to join one of the public tours of the building or, if you have other business within the building, you'll receive a pass.
Turn left, from Reception and continue, through the short corridor (including a steep ramp), to the foot of the Marble Staircase, go up a flight of steps, turn left (west) and go up another to the first floor. Turn left (south) follow the balustrade to the corner then turn left again (east). At the end of the balustrade, turn left (north) go up a flight of steps then turn left (west) and go up another flight to the second floor.
Continue to the wall in front of you, turn left and continue to the corner then go through the door on your right. This is the north entrance to the chamber.
Layout
As you enter from the Satinwood Suite, into the northeast corner facing south, you go through a short corridor with:
West Side
steps up west to rear row of press gallery
ornate pillar
steps up west to front row of press gallery
East Side
door from the southwest corner of the atrium around the Marble Staircase
We now enter the main chamber with four straight rows of councillors' seating to the east and six curved rows, facing the Lord Provost's chair, to the west.
The whole room is very ornate with carvings in dark wood. The straight seats are divided into two sections by a gangway running east. There's an ornate clock on the wall at the east end of this gangway. These seats are tiered so that there are steps up at each end and in the middle.
Beyond the seating, the east wall continues south including the door into the northwest corner of the atrium around the Working Staircase.
South Side
blank door, from Lord Provost's PA's office
ornate double pillar on right
large fire place, with Glasgow coat of arms above
ornate double pillar west of the fire place
blank door
West Side
panelled wall
ornate stained glass window, double glazed
ends of curved seats on right
step up onto dais for Lord Provost's chair
seats to left
ornate desks to right
step up again with Lord Provost's chair on left
ornate mase holder to right
step down then another
end of curved seats to right
ornate stained glass windows to left
North Side
west entrance from Satinwood Suite
press gallery
east entrance from Satinwood Suite
More information and further links can be found on the Access Guide to Glasgow City Chambers page
Background information on this pilot project is available on the Access Guides page