The People’s Palace is one of Glasgow’s most iconic museums, described as the city’s civilian museum. After securing funding, it is set to close on April 14 for major renovation works.
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00:00 Welcome to the People's Palace. We're open until the 14th of April.
00:04 After that, this place will be transformed.
00:07 The People's Palace is often described as Glasgow's citizen museum
00:10 due to its down-to-earth displays that showcase the working-class nature of the city,
00:13 having opened in 1898 by the 5th Earl of Roseberry,
00:16 drawing on the idea of palaces for the people that came from London.
00:20 It is a historic fixture of the East End,
00:22 the focal point of Glasgow Green due to its red sandstone exterior
00:26 and the stunning glasshouse attached to its rear.
00:29 Once the People's Palace closes, we will continue our work with local communities
00:34 to shape what the new People's Palace looks like.
00:37 The museum is set to close next month after Glasgow Life secured
00:40 National Lottery Heritage funding to undertake a project
00:43 which will see it restored and transformed and will reopen again in 2027.
00:48 As many of the displays will be replaced,
00:50 people are encouraged to head down while there's still time
00:53 to catch a last glimpse at its current form.
00:55 I love working at the People's Palace, it's such an amazing venue
00:58 and I love seeing the family, especially here at Doon D'Water,
01:01 where they talk about their experiences of a time gone by
01:05 and how they used to enjoy their Glasgow Fair fortnight.
01:09 This location was originally selected as the area was one of the most overcrowded
01:13 and unhealthy parts of the city and was intended to provide a cultural hub.
01:17 The banana boots are synonymous with the People's Palace,
01:20 one of our iconic displays.
01:23 The staff are super excited to see what the new People's Palace
01:27 redisplay will look like in 2027.
01:30 Hi, my name is Tariq and I've been working here for 17 years
01:34 out of the 126 years the People's Palace has been here.
01:37 It's been a privilege.
01:39 During that time I've seen Kelvin Grove refurbished,
01:43 we've seen the new Riverside Museum opened
01:46 and we've just recently refurbished the Burrough collection
01:49 and now it's our turn at the People's Palace
01:52 and it's just a wonderful, wonderful time for all the staff and for everyone involved.
01:57 During its opening ceremony, Lord Roseberry described the museum
02:00 as a palace of pleasure and imagination,
02:03 around which the people may place their affections
02:06 and which may give them a home on which their memory may rest.
02:09 This is a single end, it's one of our most popular displays
02:13 and it's quite funny when you listen to grandparents tell their children
02:18 how they all used to live in the one room together once upon a time
02:22 and the children just laughing, just cannot believe it, that's how it was.
02:26 And we hope you get a chance to come and visit us
02:29 and see these iconic displays before the 14th of April when we close.
02:33 The People's Palace holds a special place in the heart of Glaswegians
02:37 and also for international visitors as well
02:39 who want to know more about the city and the people
02:42 and you know what they say about Glasgow, people make Glasgow.