Pollok House has been given a dramatic makeover for Sonica Glasgow 2026, with the historic mansion transformed into The Listening House, a series of sound, light and interactive installations spread across the building and its gardens.
The house has been closed to the public since 2023, making this a rare chance to step inside this Glasgow landmark and experience the space in a completely different way. From 153 mechanical birds filling the old kitchen to hundreds of bells hanging above the main staircase, the installations make use of the building rather than simply sitting inside it.
I got a preview of The Listening House this week, and two pieces particularly stood out. Ricochet by Paul Russell was genuinely mesmerising, combining bouncing balls, sound and light in a constantly changing installation.
Unearthed by Sara Vrugt and Ensemble Klang was something else entirely. Magical, relaxing yet somehow energising, it’s the kind of piece that really moves you.
Even if you wouldn’t normally consider yourself an art person, The Listening House is worth checking out. It feels more like something you experience than simply look at, with plenty to see, hear and interact with along the way.
The Listening House at Pollok House in Pollok Country Park runs from 24 September to 4 October as part of Sonica Glasgow 2026.
