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Kelvingrove
Park Info
This Sir Joseph Paxton
designed park is a classic example of a Victorian Park. Its design
and setting on the banks of the River Kelvin enhance and compliment
the many magnificent buildings which surround and the world renowned
Art Gallery and Museum prominently featured within it.
Outstanding Features
- The Park has an overarching feel
of Victorian grandeur. The layout of conscious curves follows the
route of the River Kelvin, which it crosses at several points.
- The Art Galleries and Museum,
completed wildly over budget at a cost of £257,000, is the most
prominent feature.
- In 1854 a granite staircase was
erected near Park Gardens - close to the former home of the SFA
- at a cost of £10,000
- The Stewart Memorial Fountain,
erected in 1872, commemorates Lord Provost Stewart who was
instrumental in the delivery of Glasgow’s water supply system from
Loch Katrine - inaugurated in 1859. Unfortunately the fountain
uses mains water, an extravagance that cannot be afforded today.
- The River walkway is a peaceful
natural haven within a densely populated area of the city and it
is home to a diverse range of wild life.
- Other features include:
- Sunlight Cottages 1901
- Highland Light Infantry
Monument 1906
- Bandstand and Amphitheatre
1924 (Please note this area of the park is currently closed to
public access)
- Tom John Honeyman Garden and
seating Area 1972
Facilities
- Kelvingrove Museum and Art
Galleries
- The galleries have undergone a
£27.9m refurbishment to restore the magnificent Victorian
interior, and reopened in July 2006
- Park Ranger Information Centre
- The Park Ranger Service is on
hand to assist the public and ensure a safe enjoyable visit.
The Information Centre is located off Kelvin Way, close to the
tennis and bowling greens.
- five bowling greens - seasonal
facility subject to opening times - Phone: 0141 770 0519
- croquet green
- four synthetic tennis courts
- children’s play area
- orienteering course
- herbaceous borders
- Azalea and Rhododendron borders
- outstanding riverside walks
- skateboard park
Local Facilities
- Public toilets
- At the entrance to the
bandstand
- Public telephone
History
In 1852 the City purchased land
forming Kelvingrove and Woodlands Estates for the sum of £99,569 to
create an area which is now known as Kelvingrove Park.
- The Park was created for the
rapidly growing West End of the city for the recreation and
amusement of the citizens of Glasgow
- It was one of many Victorian
parks created in response to the appalling conditions created by
rapid urban growth, resulting from the industrial revolution.
- The park was the first purpose
designed and constructed park in Scotland and it rapidly became a
considerable attraction
- It was designed by the leading
landscape designer of the time, Sir Joseph Paxton who also
designed the Crystal Palace in London
- Kelvingrove is one of the city’s
best loved historic parks, an enduring legacy of Victorian urban
parks, which has a special place in the hearts and minds of the
people of the West End.
- It has been used twice for
International Exhibitions in 1888 and 1901 as well as being used
for the Scottish National Exhibition in 1911.
- The magnificent Art Gallery and
Museum which is a prominent feature of the park was built for the
1901 Exhibition.
- The Doulton fountain, which has
undergone a £5m refurbishment at Glasgow Green, was originally
located in Kelvingrove for the 1888 International Exhibition.
Contact Details
Land Services General
Enquiries
Phone: 0141 287 5108
E-mail:
land@glasgow.gov.uk
Glasgow City Council Cycling Line:
Tel: 0141 287 9171
Click here for more information
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