People’s Palace Glasgow – Social history

At a walking distance from the City center lies one of my favorite museums. The People’s Palace stands at the edge of Glasgow Green, one of the oldest public outdoor spaces in Glasgow. A must-see if you want to understand the City’s social history and background. Like many museums in Scotland, it is free.

Opened in 1898, it includes a collection of photographs, films, and objects relating to the people’s story and the City’s development, from the 18th century to the late 20th century, from Tobacco Lords to Trade Unions. You can learn much about the Glaswegian experience of home, work, and leisure throughout the years!

The adjacent Victorian glasshouse includes a wide variety of tropical plants and I found it to be a perfect evergreen warm oasis on a rainy or wintery day.  There, you can sit in the café and enjoy a coffee or a snack after a visit to the museum. Sadly though, the Winter Gardens also remains closed at the moment with no set date for its reopening. Stay tuned for the update.

When you leave, don’t miss the Doulton Fountain outside the Palace, and the beautiful multicoloured façade of the iconic Templeton’s former carpet factory (which is based on the Doge's Palace of Venice). The latter is now home to the friendly West Beer Brewery which serves its own artisan beers and usually organizes tours.