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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
