Compass Gallery

About

Founded in 1969, Compass Gallery is Glasgow’s longest‑established contemporary art gallery and a pioneering force in Scotland’s cultural scene. Located on West Regent Street, this not‑for‑profit charity is renowned for championing emerging talent, particularly through its celebrated New Generation Show, which offers recent art school graduates their first platform beyond academia. Alongside supporting new voices, the gallery presents an ever‑changing programme of exhibitions featuring established Scottish and international artists, with works spanning painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. Its reputation for innovation stems from decades of introducing fresh ideas to the gallery world, from themed mixed shows to accessible payment schemes, many now standard practice nationwide. Warm, welcoming, and free to enter, Compass Gallery remains a vital meeting point for artists and audiences, offering an inspiring space where contemporary creativity thrives in the heart of the city.

Glasgow Scotland

Location

Compass Gallery is located at 178 West Regent Street in Glasgow city centre, postcode G2 4RL. This contemporary art gallery has been a vibrant part of Glasgow's cultural scene since 1969, showcasing original paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures by both emerging Scottish artists and established modern masters. The gallery is known for its supportive atmosphere and its celebrated annual New Generation Show, which features fresh talent from art schools. Compass Gallery is situated close to major city centre attractions, including Buchanan Galleries shopping centre, Sauchiehall Street, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Nearby cultural landmarks also include the Centre for Contemporary Arts and various historic sites, making it an accessible and enriching destination for art enthusiasts exploring the heart of Glasgow.