The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens was opened by the Earl of Rosebery in 1898 as a dedicated space of culture and recreation for the people of Glasgow. The east end, where the museum is situated, was overcrowded and unhealthy. The building and glasshouse were intended as a place of public learning with an art gallery, a museum and rooms for recreation and reading.
Since 1940, the palace has been a museum dedicated to the social history of Glasgow from 1750 to the present day. It is a great place to learn about the lives of everyday Glaswegians. Take a guided tour or grab a map from reception and make your own way round. See at first hand the living conditions of families living in single room tenements during the 1930s and have a go at using a washboard and mangle in a communal “steamie” washroom.
Ken Currie’s Glasgow History Mural tells of the struggles and triumphs of local workers. Panels include the Calton Weavers Massacre of 1787, the 1932 Hunger Marchers and the more recent “work-in” by the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders in 1972. Other interesting curios include a pair of banana boots made famous by local comedian Billy Connolly in the 1970s and the campaign desk of the revolutionary socialist John Maclean.
After exploring the exhibits, make your way to the Winter Gardens at the back of the property for tea in the café or a wander amongst the tropical flowers. The elegant glasshouse was part of the original complex, inspired by the Kibble Palace at the Botanic Gardens. It is the perfect place to relax, just as generations of Glaswegians have done before you.
The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are located in Glasgow Green Park, 25 minutes from the city centre on foot. The palace is open from Tuesday to Friday, although daily access is granted to the gardens. This attraction is closed on 25-26 December and 1-2 January.
