The building was constructed on the site of the former Wellfield estate and incorporated the historic Doulton Fountain, the largest terracotta fountain in the world.
The Doulton Fountain was moved to its current location in 1906 after being displayed at the 1888 International Exhibition in Kelvingrove Park.
The museum collection includes the famous 'Banana Boots' famously worn by Scottish comedian Billy Connolly.
The People's Palace was officially opened to the public in January 1898 by the Earl of Rosebery.
The Winter Gardens structure was modeled after the glasshouse designs popular during the Victorian era to allow exotic plants to flourish in Scotland's climate.
The People’s Palace is a social history museum located in Glasgow Green, chronicling the city's development from 1750 to the present day. Opened in 1898 by the Earl of Rosebery, the building was designed to provide cultural and educational opportunities for the city’s working-class population. The permanent collection focuses on local life, including depictions of tenement living, the impact of war, and the evolution of industry in the Clyde area. Attached to the museum is the Winter Gardens, a Victorian-style glasshouse containing a collection of exotic plants. As of June 2026, the venue is undergoing a major structural refurbishment and capital project to restore the building and upgrade visitor facilities. The museum retains a significant archive of photographs, film, and artifacts that depict the radical political history of Glasgow.
The exterior view of the red sandstone building adjacent to the Doulton Fountain.
Check the official Glasgow Life website for updates on the phased reopening of the building during its multi-year renovation.
Explore the surrounding Glasgow Green parkland, which houses several other historic monuments including the Nelson Monument.
Do not assume the full building is accessible during the ongoing capital refurbishment project; check which wings are open.
Currently undergoing significant multi-year renovations; check venue website for partial closures or service disruptions.
