27 August 2026

Transformation of Glasgow's People's Palace and Winter Gardens continues to build momentum

Aerial shot of the People's Palace and Winter Garden in Glasgow. A sandstone museum building with large glasshouse to the rear, situated in a large park area

The ambitious project to transform one of Glasgow's most iconic cultural landmarks is continuing to make strong progress, with thousands of Glaswegians already helping to shape its future.

Led jointly by Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council, the redevelopment of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens will safeguard the future of this much-loved social history museum while creating a world-class visitor destination in the city's east end. 

The vision is to deliver one of the most socially engaged and internationally significant museums of its kind, co-created with the people of Glasgow.

The Palace has been temporarily closed since April 2024, with a 2027 reopening initially targeted. However, the scale and complexity of the project mean both the budget and reopening timeline have subsequently been revised. 

The project is now set to cost £50.86m, with the building reopening in December 2029. This reflects the city's determination to not only protect a much-loved cultural heritage asset, but to take this opportunity to deliver a high-quality, sustainable and inclusive attraction that delivers lasting value for communities. 

At the core of the project is an unprecedented programme of community engagement. More than 7,000 people from across Glasgow have already helped shape the future of the museum, informing everything from exhibitions and storytelling to accessibility and environmental design.

An artist's impression of the proposed new central atrium in the Winter Gardens.

To date, £33.55 million, 66% of the total funding requirement, has been secured. This represents a combination of Glasgow City Council investment, NLHF development funding, external fundraising and up to £14 million announced by the Scottish Government today (Thursday 27 August).

A report outlining the project's progress and seeking approval for an additional £5 million of Glasgow City Council capital investment will be presented to the council's City Administration Committee (CAC) on Thursday 3 September. A further £9.15 million is being sought through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Stage 2 application, with a decision expected in late September 2026. Taken together, this would see the project 94% funded. 

Other public funding opportunities and an active capital fundraising campaign targeting Trusts, Foundations, Corporates, and private and public philanthropic giving will seek to secure the remaining £3.16 million needed to bridge the final funding gap. 

The project is expected to attract around 600,000 visitors and generate more than £8 million in economic impact in its first year of reopening.

An artist's impression of the proposed new main reception and retail space within the People's Palace and Winter Gardens.

Bailie Annette Christie, Glasgow City Council Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, and Chair of Glasgow Life, said: "The People's Palace and Winter Gardens are undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. It's a complex and ambitious project that has been co-created with the people of Glasgow and will secure the long-term future of one of the city's most treasured and nationally important cultural spaces.

"We are grateful to the Scottish Government for their welcome investment, which is a significant vote of confidence in our plans and brings us an important step closer to creating an inclusive, accessible and world-class social history museum and visitor destination in the city's East End.

"Glasgow has a strong track record of delivering major cultural and heritage developments, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and wider partners to deliver a revitalised People's Palace and Winter Gardens. When complete, the project will reflect the aspirations of local communities, provide new opportunities for learning, participation and employment, support tourism, and boost our economy.

"Above all, it will ensure these remarkable buildings, which hold a unique place in Glasgow's history, can continue to play an important role in the life of Glaswegians for generations to come."

Scotland's Culture Cabinet Secretary, Màiri McAllan, said: "I am pleased to confirm that the Scottish Government has pledged up to £14 million in funding to support the refurbishment of the People's Palace and secure its reopening to the public.

"This is about far more than bricks and mortar. The People's Palace has welcomed generations of Glaswegians as well as visitors from further afield, and this investment will ensure children and families can continue to enjoy it for decades to come. It will also protect historic collections that tell the story of Glasgow's working people, safeguard the much-loved Winter Gardens as a space for the whole community, and support jobs and footfall in the city's East End.

"This pledge reflects an exceptional cross-sector partnership and demonstrates what can be achieved when government, funders and cultural organisations work together around a shared vision.

"The People's Palace is an important part of Glasgow's story and Scotland's cultural heritage. This investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving that legacy, and I look forward to seeing the refurbishment plans move forward."

To stay up to date with the project, visit People's Palace and Winter Gardens refurbishment.