It's hard to believe that something this big could be one of Glasgow's hidden architectural gems.

But have you ever seen it? Did you even know it existed?

It may not quite be hidden in plain sight but this giant bust of Ludwig van Beethoven is only a two-minute walk from one of the city's busiest junctions, the corner of Charing Cross and Sauchiehall Street.

And spare a thought for those living at the far end of Renfrew Street who look out their windows and see this guy staring back at them.

So why was such a colossal statue of the German composer built there? The answer, not surprisingly, is music.

The building - which has its front entrance on Sauchiehall Street - was once T A Ewing's Piano and Harmonium Emporium.

Owner Thomas Alfred Ewing had his brother, renowned sculptor James Alexander Ewing, carve the bust over what was the goods entrance on Renfrew Street.

The story goes that he wanted every musical instrument entering or exiting the warehouse to pass beneath the statue of the great man.

The Ewings were nothing if not artistic. James Alexander also sculpted a massive statue called Harmony at the front of the building.

But his best known creation is on the south side, the famous Angel Building statue, representing industry and commerce, on Paisley Road West.

The old music shop, next door to the Royal Highland Fusiliers museum, closed early last century.

Since then the building has served as a cinema and several night clubs including Guru, the Velvet Rooms and Blanket.

No pianos or harmoniums have passed beneath Beethoven for a very long time - but his proud and serious visage, albeit in need of a good clean, is still a fixture.

If you have never seen this, then it's well worth a quick detour.

It is a stunning sight, hidden from public view. You'll be glad you made the effort.