I’m wandering through Glasgow Green on my lunch break when the sky opens up a flood so I take shelter in the People’s Palace.
Admittedly I haven’t been in years and I’ve forgotten about what a great museum it is. Up the grand wooden stairs, I’m greeted by the Ten Commandments in pure Glaswegian. Brilliant!
Living history, breathing life
The spirit of Glasgow dwells here. History from 1750 to the end of the 20th century comes to life through installations, objects and voice recordings.
I wander in-and-out of different pockets of time like the Buttercup Dairy and the Anderson Bomb Shelter. I discover the various possessions of the city’s most famous – Billy Connolly’s banana boots are a definite favourite.
A must-see
Refreshingly there’s no shushing curators or hands-off signs. Kids run freely from room-to-room, pushing buttons and having fun. In fact, they’re encouraged to test their curiosity and try things out.
And that’s what this big kid does. My favourite installation has to be the tenement room – a tiny space that the entire family crammed into – sleeping, bathing, eating and living. I’m suddenly very appreciative of the luxury of space in my own life.
Down pour avoided and lunch break over, I reluctantly return to the present.
Rain or shine the People’s Palace is a must-see museum. Give it a go and discover the different areas of Glasgow life – old and new; their latest exhibition is a collection of souvenirs from the Olympic Games.
Explore and enjoy. And do touch!
– B
About a City 