People’s Palace

1898. A grand opening. The People’s Palace welcomed Glaswegians with open arms. Lord Rosebery, at the inauguration, called it a “palace of pleasure and imagination”. He declared the People’s Palace “Open to the people for ever and ever”. The People’s Palace stands proudly within historic Glasgow Green. It serves as a vibrant testament to the city’s rich social history. Originally, the People’s Palace offered reading rooms and recreation spaces on the ground floor. The first floor housed a museum. A picture gallery graced the top floor. Since the 1940s, the People’s Palace has transformed into Glasgow’s museum of social history. It chronicles the lives of ordinary Glaswegians from 1750 to the end of the 20th century. The People’s Palace exhibits capture the essence of Glasgow life. Visitors can experience a “single end”, a one-room tenement flat typical of working-class families in the early 20th century. The museum’s collection includes striking political banners. These banners represent the city’s working-class struggles. Artist Ken Currie’s Glasgow history painting series, created in 1987, is also displayed on the top floor. It commemorates the Calton Weavers’ massacre. Behind the People’s Palace, the Winter Gardens beckons. This Victorian glasshouse shelters a variety of tropical plants. The People’s Palace has seen its share of closures and renovations. It was closed in the 1990s for restoration. It reopened in time for its 100th anniversary in 1998. More recently, both the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens closed in 2019 due to structural safety concerns. The People’s Palace reopened later that year after refurbishment. However, the Winter Gardens requires extensive repairs and remains closed. The People’s Palace holds a special place in the hearts of Glaswegians. It is a place where they connect with their past and celebrate their city’s enduring spirit.