At the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens you will come to appreciate the social and cultural history of the people of Glasgow from 1750 to the present day.
Opened in 1898 in Glasgow Green park, the People’s Palace is a treasured building that stores the city’s history in an accessible way. You can’t miss its entrance because it is marked by the Doulton Fountain, a towering terracotta water feature.
Venture inside and pick up a map from the reception or join a free guided tour. Browse the Single End exhibit to learn about the living conditions of local families in the 1930s. See a reconstruction of a single-room dwelling typical of the era. Admire The Glasgow History Mural, a ceiling painting by figurative artist Ken Currie. See depictions of scenes from Glasgow’s past, including a massacre of hand weavers in 1787 and employment struggles of the late 20th century.
While here, look for a pair of banana boots. World-famous Scottish comedian Billy Connolly wore them during his tour in the 1970s. There is something amiss with the portrait of John Glassford, an affluent tobacco trader, and his family. While artist Archibald McLauchlan originally painted a slave in the background, the servant is now gone.
At the back of the museum’s main entrance are the Winter Gardens, a Victorian glasshouse with a collection of exotic flora. Enjoy a coffee in the café sitting in the warm atrium among huge tropical plants you can imagine that you are in some faraway paradise.
The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens are a 25-minute walk from the city centre. Public buses stop close to the park’s entrance. The palace is open from Tuesday to Friday while the gardens are open daily. Both attractions are closed on December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2 .
People's Palace and Winter Gardens





Visit People's Palace and Winter Gardens
Tours & day trips
See all 189 activities
Glasgow: Isle of Skye, The Highlands and Loch Ness - 3 Day Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 89 activities
Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 28 activities
Go drinking with a Scotsman in Glasgow
Adventure & outdoor
See all 15 activities
From Glasgow: The Devil's Pulpit Day Trip
Attractions
See all 3 activities
Magicians Heist Private Escape Room in Glasgow
Popular places to visit

Doulton Fountain
After visiting Doulton Fountain, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Glasgow. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Britannia Panopticon Music Hall
You can enjoy a show at Britannia Panopticon Music Hall during your stay in Glasgow. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene or seek out its local tours.

Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green is just one of the places to see in Glasgow, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums.

Merchant City
During your trip to Glasgow, you can do some window-shopping at Merchant City. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this family-friendly area.

St Andrew's Cathedral Glasgow
Learn about the local history of Glasgow when you spend time at St Andrew's Cathedral Glasgow. Discover the area's lively bars and its fascinating museums.

St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life and Art
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at St Mungo's Museum of Religious Life and Art in Glasgow. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to People's Palace and Winter Gardens

