Not to be sniffed at – an aromatic history of Sauchiehall Street

Sauchiehall Street is one of Glasgow’s most famous streets, known for its history, culture, and lively atmosphere. But it’s not just what you see and hear that makes it special—smell also plays a big role. The connection between smell and memory is powerful and unique. Smell is closely linked to memory. Unlike sights and sounds, which the brain processes in different steps, smells go straight to the part of the brain that controls emotions and memories. This close relationship explains why smells can trigger vivid responses more effectively than other senses.

Follow your nose to Sauchiehall Street for this immersive exhibition on scent and memory - a collaboration between Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and perfumer Clara Weale. Experience interactive workshops, engaging talks, and guided "sniffaris" as you explore the evocative and unexpected aromas that bring the street’s history to life.

Not To Be Sniffed At: Edward House, 199 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3EX
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EXHIBITION Opening times

19 April, 12noon—5pm
22 – 24 April, 12noon—5pm
26 & 27 April, 12noon—5pm
29 April – 1 May, 12noon—5pm
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Events programme

Saturday 19 April, open 12noon - 5pm, talks 12.30pm -1pm.
Smelly Sauchiehall Street Opening: An Aromatic History of Sauchiehall Street
OPENING + TALK | No booking required
Join us for the official launch of the ‘Not to Be Sniffed At’ exhibition, explore the olfactive history of the street and learn about the art of scent making.

Wednesday 23 April, 6—7.30pm:
Sauchiehall Street to Seven Lochs: A Sensory History of Glasgow Wetlands 
TALK | Book a free ticket
Find out about the surprising links between this bustling city centre street and Scotland's largest urban heritage and nature park.
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​Thursday 24 April, 6—7.30pm:
The Language of Scent: How Smells Speak to Memory and Emotion
TALK + WORKSHOP | Book a free ticket
This interactive talk examines the complex physical, mental and linguistic interplay at work when we 'follow our nose'.

Sunday 27 April, 12noon—3pm:
Smelly Sunday!
ACTIVITES | No booking required 
Explore the Not To Be Sniffed At exhibition and enjoy an afternoon of ‘smelly activities’ for all ages! Discover the chemistry of scent, measure your own brain waves and get hands on with activities led by researchers from the University of Glasgow.

Thursday 1 May, 6—7.30pm:
Scents of the City: A Night Out On Sauchiehall Street
TALK | Book a free ticket 
Join perfumer Clara Weale and fashion historian Mairi MacKenzie for a night out on Sauchiehall Street.

Saturday 3 May, 2—3.30pm
Clara's Savoy Centre Sniffari!
TOUR | Book a free ticket
Join perfumer Clara Weale for a unique smell exploration of Sauchiehall Streets Savoy Centre.

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All events are free. Booking is encouraged to help manage numbers, but limited drop-in tickets will be available. If you can no longer attend, please let us know—we’d greatly appreciate it! 

​MORE INFO AND BOOKINGS

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Edward House
​199 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3EX

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Sauchiehall Street: Culture and Heritage District is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund,
delivered by Glasgow Life in partnership with Glasgow City Council.