The People’s Palace

The People’s Palace is Glasgow’s museum of social history, telling the story of the city and its people from the 18th century to the present day. Located in the heart of Glasgow Green, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into how Glaswegians lived, worked, and played across the centuries. From everyday household items to political banners and music-hall memories, it’s a place where the city’s vibrant character truly comes to life.

• Admission: Free, though donations are welcome.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible with lifts, ramps, and facilities for visitors with additional needs.

* Please Note: The People’s Palace is currently closed for renovations.

Some of our favourite highlights

The famous Billy Connolly banana boots, celebrating one of Glasgow’s best-loved entertainers.
Authentic Victorian-era displays, including a recreated single-end tenement room.
Collections of political posters and banners, highlighting Glasgow’s history of activism.
Stories of ordinary Glaswegians told through everyday objects, photos, and personal items.
The Winter Gardens, a beautiful glasshouse filled with exotic plants (note: access may vary depending on restoration work).

Billy Connolly banana boots

One of the museum’s most beloved objects is Billy Connolly’s banana boots, gifted by Billy himself to the people of Glasgow. The boots are representative of how Glaswegian ‘patter’ has reached, and is beloved by, a worldwide audience.

Glasgow Fair – John Knox

This painting captures both the eyes and imagination of visitors as they enter Glasgow Green, providing a great introduction to life in early modern Glasgow. It’s located in the Welcome Room, showcasing the revelry and great exhibitions of Glasgow in the 19th Century.

Single End Flat

On the top floor, the single end flat transports visitors back to a time where up to ten people lived in a single-roomed flat. While the audio description may remind us of our modern-day luxuries, the recreated flat brings to life the sense of family and community that tenements are famous for.

Visiting Information

Why Visit?

The People’s Palace is a museum with heart. Rather than focusing on kings, queens, or battles, it tells the story of Glasgow from the perspective of the people who built and lived in the city. It’s a place where social history takes centre stage, shining a light on the humour, resilience, struggles, and triumphs of ordinary Glaswegians.

For families, the museum offers an engaging and relatable way to connect with the past. From peering into recreated tenement rooms to learning about the city’s vibrant dance halls and community spirit. Adults will appreciate the rich detail of the exhibits, which chart Glasgow’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a modern, multicultural city.

Its setting in Glasgow Green, the city’s oldest public park, makes a visit even more special. You can combine your trip with a walk through the park, a riverside stroll, or simply enjoy the open space in one of Glasgow’s most historic locations.

Free to enter and filled with stories that resonate across generations, the People’s Palace is an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the soul of Glasgow. It’s a museum that feels both personal and collective. A celebration of the people who shaped the city and continue to give it its unique character.

* Please Note: The People’s Palace is currently closed for renovations.