The Lighthouse is Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City and was the focal point for Glasgow's celebration as City of Architecture in 1999. Located on Mitchell Lane, to the west of Buchanan Street in Glasgow City Centre, it is housed within the former Glasgow Herald building which was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868 - 1928). It has numerous levels housing exhibition space as well as the Mackintosh Interpretation Centre.
Constructed in red sandstone, while Mackintosh was an apprentice with Honeyman & Keppie, the building was designed to have printing presses in the lower floors, with editorial offices above. The building gained its name from the prominent corner tower, enclosing a spiral staircase which rises to an observation platform which provides magnificent rooftop views of Glasgow. Following a £13 million conversion, involving a modern re-interpretation by Page & Park Architects, The Lighthouse was opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II in July 1999.
