The aim of this research is to investigate the extent to which there have been changes in the direction of Glasgow's Museum Service (Glasgow Museums) from one grounded in a curatorial and conservational set of values to one embracing commercial values, attitudes and practices, effected by a move towards a managerialist culture and away from a curatorial culture. In order to pursue this aim, the research attempts to track key decisions (via Council Minutes and personal testimony) over an historical period (1973-1996), identifying and assessing evidence of any such change in policy and practice. In order to explore the genesis and impact of Council decisions taken over this period, a framework utilising concepts of power as fonnulated by Lukes (1974) has been used to explore these decisions within the context of a case study approach. This analysis has uncovered changes in the possession and exercise of power within policies for, and in the practice of, museums and galleries in Glasgow. This framework of power is also set within the context of a body of literature characterised as Leisure Studies in general, and within the museums and galleries sector in particular. Given the close relationship between leisure and the social and political environment throughout pre-industrial and industrial Britain, the historical context of policy and practice is outlined. The first set of conclusions in this study reflect on the usability of Steven Lukes' model of power (1974) within the museums and galleries sector. The second set reflect on changes in policies in Glasgow Museums and within the wider cultural sector. The third set draws attention to the implications of the shifts in policy for practice. The fourth set of conclusions highlight the contribution this study has made to originallmowledge, given no other study of this type in the museums sector has been conducted previously and on this scale, using Lukes' model of power. Finally, the last section offers a critical reflection on the research process, the methodology and the experience of the researcher.