Kibble Palace

Kibble Palace is a Victorian-style glasshouse made of iron and glass located in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The structure features a large central dome area and several side sections, each housing different types of plants.

John Kibble created the structure in 1873 as an expression of Victorian interest in botany and engineering. The building was later listed as an important historic structure and remains an example of this technical approach from the 1800s.

The glasshouse draws people interested in plants and those seeking a sheltered space to walk through and observe nature. It functions as a place where visitors experience tropical environments and encounter flora from distant regions.

The location sits in the western part of the city and is easily reached by public transport, with parking available nearby for cars. Visitors should know that the interior is warm and humid, so light clothing is advisable, especially when coming from cooler outdoor weather.

The building contains ancient fern species from Australia and New Zealand that have existed there for millions of years. These plants require special conditions to survive, and the interior is carefully controlled to enable this.

Location: Glasgow City

Location: Glasgow

Fee: donation

Part of: Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Address: Botanic Gardens, Glasgow G12 0UE, UK

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +441412761614

Website: https://glasgowbotanicgardens.com/the-gardens/history/kibble-palace

GPS coordinates: 55.87890,-4.28843

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:29