The People’s Palace to close amid £36m refurbishment

By Amy McCrindle and Mahnoor Ashraf

The people’s palace and fountain were finishhed construction on the 22nd of January 1898

One of Glasgow’s most historic buildings is closing for refurbishments. The People’s Palace will close its doors to the public on 14 th April for renovations to the museum and the Winter Gardens.

The refurbishment will cost an estimated £35.9 million and is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Glasgow City Council.  

Through the renovations, the museum will be made more accessible to the public. Although not confirmed, it is speculated that the building will be adding an additional hearing system for impaired visitors. Baillie Annette Christie, the chair of Glasgow Life, has said that refurbishment seeks to minimise the effect of the Palace’s effect on environment and become more ecofriendly. 

Alan, from Gorbals, who works at The People’s Place said: “The refurbishment will improve facilities and displays in the building and bring everything up to date. Displays in relation to things such as

Glasgow’s LGBT community is expected to be added but as this is a confidential project, I can’t confirm anything for sure. The museum will be in touch with many different groups from schools and retirement homes to find out what they want to see be represented.” 

The People’s Palace opened in 1898 to showcase the local history of Glasgow and highlight the lives of Glaswegians. It includes many displays that cover places where people worked to the things that people wore. One of the most notable exhibits is of the Glasgow-born comedian Billy Connelly’s banana boots.  

The Winter Gardens, which have been closed since 2018 after a fire caused structural damage, is expected to reopen alongside The People’s Palace Museum in 2027.