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The entire 100-m (300-ft) tower slowly revolves about its vertical axis. A lift hastens you to the stratospheric gallery for an exhibition on the future of city development and unrivalled views of Glasgow. The Tower experience is weather dependent.

Scotland’s largest film screen (28 x 20 m / 90 x 65 ft) is found here, showing both 2D and 3D films, including tele-transporting experiences such as Into the Deep, Human Body and Everest. Phone for the latest showings.

When the lights go down, the celestial bodies appear overhead. A spectacular tour unfolds, with individual constellations isolated and identified, culminating in the whole night sky over Glasgow being shown as it is beyond the city’s light pollution.

Science graduates take turns to give witty and informative demonstrations. Burning gases, flying projectiles and various magical effects are produced and explained.

Handles to turn, buttons to press and lots to be learnt about light, energy and our bodily senses. A special area designated for the very young includes a fabulous walk-on piano.

Here children get the chance to sit at lab tables and be guided through such formative experiments as making their own toothpaste.

Don 3D glasses and enter a stream of virtual worlds, from the ins and outs of car design to trainee surgery (not as grizzly as it sounds) and on to a city in Sweden that has recreated itself in digital form.

Highlights here are: the microscopy lab, with live fruit flies; the construction area, where you can build bridges; and the biotechnology lab, which provides a look inside your own body.

The environment features here, and you have to make global decisions. There’s also a section on the human organism and opportunities to design a baby or change sex – virtually, of course.

Take time after your visit to stroll around the buildings and interactive fountain, and savour the radical design. Also, over the Clyde you’ll see the derelict docks, once the site of Glasgow’s formidable shipping industry.