The Egyptian Halls, Category A listed commercial building in Glasgow, Scotland
The Egyptian Halls is a four-story commercial building on Union Street featuring eighteen window bays separated by stone columns and decorated capitals. The facade displays classical ornamental details that give the structure its distinctive visual character.
Alexander Greek Thomson designed this building between 1870 and 1872 for iron manufacturer James Robertson as one of his final major commissions. It was completed during a period when Glasgow was transforming its character through such architectural innovations.
The name suggests Egyptian influences, yet the building displays classical Greek architectural elements that seem unexpected for a commercial structure on a busy street. Visitors can observe how the ornamental details create an impression quite different from what the name implies.
The building is currently surrounded by scaffolding due to its deteriorating condition and ongoing maintenance work. Access is limited from the outside, and interior visits may not be possible depending on the repair phase.
The building reverses typical Victorian construction methods by placing thick stone columns on the top floor rather than the ground level. This inverted structural approach was unconventional for its time and demonstrates Thomson's innovative design thinking.
Location: Glasgow City
Location: Glasgow
GPS coordinates: 55.85984,-4.25658
Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06
The Lighthouse
69 m
Hielanman's Umbrella
182 m
Voco Grand Central Hotel
134 m
Princes Square
160 m
17-21 Drury Street, Horse Shoe Bar
108 m
20, 26, 28 Renfield Lane, Daily Record Building
161 m
113-115 Buchanan Street, Royal Bank Of Scotland
154 m
91 Buchanan Street, Clydesdale Bank
116 m
Royal Exchange Square, Royal Bank Of Scotland
197 m
45 Buchanan Street, Wylie & Lochead's
109 m
115, 115a, 117 St Vincent Street, Union Bank Of Scotland
181 m
60-62 Buchanan Street
161 m
80 Gordon Street, Grosvenor Building
126 m
21 Buchanan Street, Wylie And Lochead
141 m
43, 45, 47 Hope Street, Atlantic Chambers
186 m
75-95 Union Street, Central Station, Caledonian Chambers
49 m
106, 108 Hope Street, Scottish Temperance League Offices
184 m
47 St Vincent Street, National Commercial Bank
187 m
93 St Vincent Street, Savings Bank Of Scotland
163 m
78-94 Mitchell Street
85 m
106, 110, 112 Buchanan Street, Royal Insurance Building
198 m
102, 104 St Vincent Street
197 m
1-11 Renfield Street
118 m
32 Buchanan Street, Argyll Chambers
171 m
28 Buchanan Street, Argyll Chambers
169 m
87, 89 Buchanan Street
114 m
16 Buchanan Street
195 m
Commemorative plaque to Donald Matheson
85 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes