29/10/2026
🏙️ | The Grosvenor Story Part 4: CULTURE
This week, we’re stepping into 1961–1999 – decades that transformed Glasgow and helped shape the vibrant West End we know and love today!
Glasgow was changing fast. The city said goodbye to its trams in 1962, while the BBC continued to grow its presence on Queen Margaret Drive, opening its new Studio A in 1964. The University of Glasgow continued to expand, and the West End remained a lively hub of education, broadcasting and culture.
The 1970s brought further change, with major developments to the city’s road network and the modernisation of the Subway, which reopened in 1980. Through it all, The Grosvenor was evolving alongside the city.
In the early 1970s, Sir Reo Stakis transformed the hotel from an independent, two-building operation into the nine-building hotel we know today.
But January 1978 brought a dramatic and difficult chapter when a fire destroyed much of the original building. Thankfully, everyone was safely evacuated. Over the years, we’ve heard stories from so many guests, patrons & onlookers who were there that night.
The hotel reopened in 1982 as one of Stakis’ landmark hotels, ready to welcome guests into a new era.
Meanwhile, Glasgow was beginning to reinvent itself. The Glasgow’s Miles Better campaign launched in 1983, followed by the spectacular Garden Festival in 1988. Then came a landmark moment in 1990, when Glasgow became European City of Culture, celebrating its creativity, heritage and growing cultural reputation. The opening of the Gallery of Modern Art in 1996 continued that journey, as the city embraced a new identity built around culture, architecture and tourism. 🎭✨
Local artist Libby Walker has captured so much of this changing city in our fourth and final illustration 'CULTURE'– from familiar landmarks and transport to the people, places and memories that make Glasgow special.
👀 How many familiar Glasgow memories can you spot in Libby’s artwork?
Does anything bring back memories of the city in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s or ’90s? Share your stories in the comments – we’d love to hear them! 💙
Our four original artworks each capture a different chapter in The Grosvenor’s story, and you can find them hanging together in the hotel reception.
And there’s still one more story to share… Join us for our next post as we bring all four artworks together and celebrate the history, people and memories that make The Grosvenor so special – connected by the one thing that has always been at the heart of our hotel: hospitality.
Explore our comfortable rooms and suites at the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel. From classic doubles to the King One Bedroom Suite — book direct for the best price.
