The Gardens
Located in the West End of Glasgow and managed by Glasgow City Council, the Botanic Gardens is arguably the finest garden in Glasgow and known worldwide for our beautifully restored Kibble Palace.
We are proud that our Botanic Gardens are free and open to the public for all to enjoy.
Kibble Palace
The Kibble Palace, renowned for its teacup dome, is a magnificent Curvilinular Glasshouse designed by John Kibble and houses the National Collection of Tree Ferns, carnivorous plants, sculptures and a koi pond enjoyed by thousands of visitors.
Discover our plant collections
Glasgow Botanic Gardens holds a documented collection of plants for the purpose of conservation, education, research and display. The Gardens’ commitment to exhibiting specimens from around the world since its inception has resulted in the development of a diverse and fascinating collection.
As a member of Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI) and Plant Network, the Gardens acts collectively with other botanic gardens to promote plants and the appropriate acquisition, distribution and management of plants collections.
Begonias
Orchids
Ferns
Carnivorous plants
Arboretum & Trees
Crops
Herbs & Dyes
Herbaceous border
Roses
Flourishing for over 200 years
It was in 1817 that Thomas Hopkirk, a distinguished Glasgow botanist, founded the Botanic Gardens with the support of a number of local dignitaries and the University of Glasgow. The Gardens flourished to such an extent that in 1839 a new site, to the west of the city on the banks of the River Kelvin, was purchased to house the rapidly expanding collections. In 1842 the new Gardens opened on their present site.