People's Palace

People's Palace Review

An impressive Victorian red-sandstone building dating from 1894 houses an intriguing museum dedicated to the city's social history. Included among the exhibits is one devoted to the ordinary folk of Glasgow, called the People's Story. Also on display are the writing desk of John McLean (1879-1923), the "Red Clydeside" political activist who came to Lenin's notice, and the famous banana boots worn on stage by Glasgow-born comedian Billy Connolly. On the top floor a sequence of fine murals by Glasgow artist Ken Currie tells the story of Glasgow's working-class citizens. Behind the museum are the restored Winter Gardens and a popular café. To get here from the St. Enoch subway station, walk along Argyle Street past Glasgow Cross.